Talent Acquisition Specialist – Contract (Technology Hiring) Chicago, IL

Job Overview

Morningstar’s People & Culture team in Chicago is hiring a Talent Acquisition Specialist on a 12- to 18-month hybrid contract (hourly pay USD 40–50). You’ll run the full recruitment cycle for technical hires—architects, software and security engineers, data scientists—partnering with managers on job scopes, sourcing diverse talent on LinkedIn, GitHub and similar platforms, screening candidates, and tracking every step in Workday. The role demands five-plus years of technical-recruiting experience, fluency with ATS tools, solid Boolean sourcing skills, and a strong commitment to inclusive hiring. Morningstar offers the contractor access to its standard benefits package, including 401(k) match, medical coverage, trust-based time off and paid parental leave. Apply through the careers portal at morningstar.com/careers; applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until the post is filled

Responsibilities

• Manage the full recruitment lifecycle: from intake to onboarding for technical roles.
• Conduct consultations with hiring managers to define role requirements and establish effective hiring strategies.
• Draft and publish inclusive job postings that reflect Morningstar’s values and attract diverse technical talent.
• Utilize sourcing techniques across LinkedIn, GitHub, Stack Overflow, and other platforms to uncover passive talent.
• Screen applicants and conduct initial phone/video interviews using structured methods.
• Maintain real-time applicant data using Workday, ensuring compliance and accuracy.
• Collaborate closely with HR and hiring managers to streamline and optimize the hiring process.
• Champion the candidate experience, ensuring consistent communication and feedback throughout the process.
• Represent Morningstar at virtual and local tech hiring events, professional meetups, and conferences.
• Track recruiting metrics and generate insights to support continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• ✅ Minimum 5 years’ experience in end-to-end recruitment, with a strong focus on technical hiring.
• ✅ Prior experience recruiting for roles such as Software Developers, Cybersecurity Engineers, Data Engineers, or Cloud Architects.
• ✅ Excellent command of sourcing strategies including boolean search, proactive pipelining, and ATS-driven recruitment.
• ✅ Working knowledge of Workday or comparable ATS platforms.
• ✅ High emotional intelligence, with the ability to manage sensitive data with confidentiality.
• ✅ Exceptional organizational, multitasking, and communication skills.
• ✅ Strong alignment with Morningstar’s values: transparency, innovation, inclusion, and independence.
• ✅ Flexibility to commit to a 12–18-month contract with potential for extension or permanent placement.

Compensation & Benefits

This is a contract position offering competitive hourly compensation and access to several Morningstar benefits:

💵 Hourly Rate: $40–$50 per hour, depending on experience

Financial Health

• ✅ 75% 401(k) match up to 7%
• ✅ Stock ownership potential
• ✅ Company-provided life insurance – 1x salary + commission

Physical Health

• ✅ Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance options
• ✅ Company-funded HSA contributions (up to $2,000/year based on plans)
• ✅ Wellness incentives ranging from $300–$600 per year
• ✅ Long- and short-term disability insurance

Emotional Health

• ✅ Trust-Based Time Off – flexible vacation model
• ✅ 6-week paid sabbatical program after tenure eligibility
• ✅ Up to 24 weeks of paid parental bonding leave
• ✅ Paid family caregiving leave (6 weeks)
• ✅ Leadership coaching and formal mentorship
• ✅ Adoption assistance
• ✅ Education stipend and tuition reimbursement

Social Health

• ✅ Charitable matching gifts program
• ✅ “Dollars for Doers” initiative for community service
• ✅ Paid volunteering days
• ✅ 15+ active Employee Resource Groups (ERGs)
• ✅ Opportunities for global collaboration through hybrid work culture

About the Company

Morningstar, Inc. is a leading provider of independent investment research and financial insights across global markets. Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, the company supports investors with tools and data that promote smarter decision-making. The People and Culture department plays a key role in maintaining the company’s unique, mission-driven culture. We strive to recruit, develop, and retain talent that aligns with our core values and long-term goals. At Morningstar, we believe in building an inclusive environment where every employee—regardless of background, identity, or perspective—feels empowered to grow and thrive.

How to Apply

📝 Interested applicants should submit a résumé and brief cover letter via our official careers portal:

👉 https://www.morningstar.com/careers

📍 Location: Chicago, IL (Hybrid)
📅 Start Date: Immediate / Rolling
🕒 Deadline: Applications accepted on a rolling basis until the role is filled
📞 Contact: Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted