Who We Are

Mercy Ships is a global faith-based charity that uses hospital ships to bring life-changing surgeries and transformational medical training to people in some of the most challenging contexts along the African coast. For over 40 years, Mercy Ships has been delivering lasting hope and healing through safe surgical care, while working alongside partners and stakeholders to strengthen local healthcare systems in more than 55 countries. Since the inception of this dream by founders Don and Deyon Stephens in 1978, Mercy Ships has served more than 2.7 million direct beneficiaries without regard for race, gender, or religion.

This is a full time role, working remotely.

The Opportunity

As an Operations Recruitment Specialist, you are responsible for seeking and identifying highly skilled maritime and operational professionals to join the bold mission of Mercy Ships. You are an advocate for the candidate, a consultant to the Staffing team, and a champion of our mission and values. You will design and implement innovative sourcing strategies and actively recruit maritime and operational talent to ensure the organization can meet its goals.

How You’ll Contribute

• To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.
• Build and evaluate applicant sources by researching and developing relationships with professional associations, trade schools, organizations, etc.; provide information regarding Mercy Ships opportunities, establish partnerships, make presentations, and maintain rapport.
• Develop an extensive network of potential candidates as an organized talent pool from alumni, past candidates, current leads, Talent Community, staff/crew referrals, industry contacts, hiring sites (e.g., LinkedIn, Indeed, Idealist), etc.
• Actively source passive candidates, utilizing online tools and search resources, cold calls, etc.
• Coordinate and implement seed-planting initiatives through career centers, churches, academic departments, and specialty networks.
• Research advertising venues, develop effective ads and job postings, place advertisements accordingly, and monitor effectiveness.
• Research and recommend lead sources to expand the network (e.g., buying leads, identifying partnerships and advertising opportunities, etc.).
• Develop comprehensive resources to inform sourcing strategy - role requirements, internal/talent requirements, personas and demographics, etc.
• Ensure a high-touch, positive candidate experience utilizing the organization's unique Talent Value Proposition.
• Coach and develop team members. Attend regular 1:1 meetings with each direct report. Administer progressive discipline policy as needed.
• Participate in and promote webinars and other recruitment functions/activities.
• Identify, investigate, and propose new strategic sourcing avenues and events with high ROI for the organization.
• Maintain current knowledge of Mercy Ships’ departments, policies, and procedures in regard to minimum commitments, volunteering requirements, and position requirements.
• Establish, cultivate and maintain ongoing relationships with internal stakeholders to understand their talent needs within the context of the organizational mission; and translate the information into effective hiring strategies.
• Produce regular and thorough activity reports and metrics to stakeholders; utilizing data to prioritize sourcing strategies.
• Collaborate with the global recruitment team; share best practices and networks.
• Collaborate with the Talent Brand team on sourcing and event initiatives to ensure a high level of branding and professional content.
• Contribute to annual recruiting budget; adhere to and maintain documentation for the current budget.
• Stay abreast with sourcing and relevant industry advancements by participating in educational opportunities, reading professional publications, maintaining personal networks, and/or participating in professional organizations, understanding the trends and issues pertinent to the industry, volunteerism, etc.
• Some overnight travel will be required.
• Other duties as assigned.

The Ideal Candidate

• The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
• Supportive of the Mercy Ships mission and vision, and committed to its core values.
• Understand and apply servant leadership, work collaboratively with integrity, and demonstrate accountability.

Recruitment

• Knowledge of data mining and Boolean search methodology.
• Knowledge of relevant job boards, publications, and groups to source relevant candidates.
• Experience marketing within social media platforms.
• Experience tracking relevant KPIs and using data to drive work.
• Ability to determine the most strategic sourcing method for different candidates
• Ability to balance multiple priorities while remaining delivery-focused.

Interpersonal 

• Must enjoy working with people; strong interpersonal skills required.
• Dedicated to providing positive experiences to candidates and improving the talent journey.
• Positive and proactive team player, willing to collaborate with others.
• Ability to embrace, promote, and participate in a well-functioning, productive, and professional team.
• Professional approach to interacting with various stakeholders, building trust and rapport, and proactively keeping them informed.

Technical/ Systems

• Strong computer skills required with proficiency with Microsoft 365.
• Understanding of marketing automation tools, customer relationship management platforms, and databases.
• Capacity to learn new systems, tools, and applications.

Communication

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to communicate the special purpose and mission of Mercy Ships.
• Personable and able to develop rapport and trust quickly with candidates.

Education & Experience

• Successful completion of the Mercy Ships On Boarding program will be required within the first year of employment.
• A Bachelor's Degree in Human Resources, Business, Marketing, or another relevant field is required, or a mix of education and relevant job experience.
• A minimum of two years of recruiting experience is required.
• Experience managing a team is preferred.
• Familiarity with Application Tracking Systems (ATSs) required.
• Previous experience within Mercy Ships or another non-profit is advantageous, though not required.

This is a paid position. To explore our many Mercy Ships volunteer opportunities, please visit us at: https://www.mercyships.org/get-involved/volunteer

*Compensation range listed for U.S. hires only. Actual compensation may vary depending on location of hire.