THE ROLE
The Early Career & University Relations Recruiter will lead recruiting efforts for interns, co-ops, and recent graduates across Specialized. Partnering closely with hiring managers, Talent Acquisition, and People & Culture, you'll build talent pipelines, strengthen university partnerships, and deliver an exceptional candidate experience from first conversation through hire.
This is an opportunity to help shape the future of Specialized by connecting exceptional emerging talent with meaningful careers.
You'll play a key role in introducing the next generation of innovators, creators, and problem-solvers to one of the most iconic brands in cycling.
If you're passionate about building relationships, identifying exceptional talent, and creating great candidate experiences, we'd love to hear from you.
HOW YOU'LL MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Lead full-cycle recruiting for internship, co-op, and early-career hiring across Specialized.
Build and maintain relationships with universities, career centers, faculty, and student organizations.
Represent Specialized at career fairs, campus events, networking opportunities, and recruiting programs.
Partner with hiring managers to develop recruiting strategies and hiring plans.
Source, screen, interview, and guide candidates through the hiring process.
Deliver a premium candidate experience that reflects the Specialized brand.
Build talent pipelines across Engineering, Design, Product, Digital, Operations, and Corporate functions.
Coordinate campus recruiting events, information sessions, and internship programs.
Support intern onboarding, engagement, and conversion efforts.
Track recruiting activity, pipeline health, and hiring outcomes while continuously improving recruiting effectiveness.
WHAT YOU NEED TO WIN
Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience.
3+ years of recruiting, talent acquisition, university relations, admissions, or related experience.
Demonstrated success managing multiple searches and stakeholder groups simultaneously.
Strong sourcing, interviewing, and candidate management skills.
Exceptional communication and relationship-building abilities.
Strong organizational and project management skills.
Ability to travel for university recruiting events and campus partnerships.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Experience supporting internship, co-op, or university recruiting programs.
Experience recruiting within engineering, product, design, technology, or consumer product organizations.
Experience representing an employer at university events, conferences, or career fairs.
Familiarity with Workday Recruiting or similar ATS platforms.
Passion for cycling, sport, outdoor, or performance-driven brands.
PAY
Below is a summary of compensation elements for this role if based in California:
California Base Pay Range: $97,000 - $133,000
At Specialized, base pay is one part of the total compensation package and will depend on work experience, skills, certifications, and location.
BENEFITS
As a full-time, regular teammate, you are eligible for the following benefits, beginning the first of the month following your start date.
Benefits include:
- Competitive pay with annual performance-based reviews for continued growth and recognition
- Comprehensive healthcare plan options, including PPO, EPO, HDHP, and HMO (acupuncture and physical therapy included)
- Health Savings Account (HSA) with employer HSA contributions when enrolled in the High-Deductible Healthcare Plan (HDHP)
- Dental and Vision plans
- 401(k) Company Matching
- Company-paid Life, AD&D, Short-Term Disability, and Long-Term Disability Insurance
- Employee Assistance Program that provides access to individualized mental well-being care
- Generous Vacation, Sick, Paid Holidays, and Volunteer Time Off
- Career Development & Degree Assistance
- Fitness & Wellness Reimbursement
- Industry Pro-Deal Discounts and Perks
For additional information on benefits and perks, please visit: https://benefits.specialized.com.
We want to increase representation of all races, genders, and body types in the cycling industry and are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce where all people thrive. We encourage everyone – especially those from marginalized groups – to apply to our job postings and help us earn the position as the rider’s brand of choice. We are always looking for creative, innovative, and passionate people who are eager to contribute to our mission of pedaling the planet forward. Regardless of your qualifications, if you are ready to make a difference, please apply and let us know how you can make an impact at Specialized! See what we are up to on LinkedIn, Instagram.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience
- 3+ years of recruiting, talent acquisition, university relations, admissions, or related experience
- Experience managing multiple searches and stakeholder groups simultaneously
- Strong sourcing, interviewing, and candidate management skills
- Exceptional communication and relationship-building abilities
- Strong organizational and project management skills
- Ability to travel for university recruiting events and campus partnerships
- Experience supporting internship, co-op, or university recruiting programs
- Experience recruiting within engineering, product, design, technology, or consumer product organizations
- Experience representing an employer at university events, conferences, or career fairs
- Familiarity with Workday Recruiting or similar ATS platforms
- Passion for cycling, sport, outdoor, or performance-driven brands
Specialized Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Specialized and has not been reviewed or approved by Specialized.
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Retirement Support — A 401(k) with Fidelity offers up to $5,000 in annual employer matching with immediate vesting, and the company covers plan administrative fees for active employees. This provides strong retirement support within the total package.
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Parental & Family Support — Published materials describe 6–8 weeks at 100% pay for birthing recovery and 8 weeks of fully paid parental bonding, alongside fertility benefits and adoption assistance. Some materials indicate certain roles or locations may offer even longer fully paid leave.
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Wellbeing & Lifestyle Benefits — Cycling‑centric perks include substantial gear discounts, race entry fee support, on‑site fitness options, healthy on‑site meals, an employee bike service center, and a dog‑friendly HQ. These benefits can meaningfully enhance day‑to‑day experience for those who value the cycling culture.
Specialized Insights
What We Do
Founded on the principle of performance and fueled by innovation, our focus on the rider and their needs is our constant. From seasoned pros and weekend warriors, to kids and commuters—if you ride, we’re for you. The passion we have for sharing our love of bikes with the world can be seen in those who choose to work here. Headquartered in Morgan Hill, CA, the passionate and creative teammates at Specialized have designed and manufactured the world's most innovative bikes and gear since 1974. Are you ready to join our team and help pedal the planet forward?
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