Skills Based Hiring Task Force
Committee Description:
The Skills-Based Hiring Task Force will explore and advance the concept of skills-based hiring as a strategic approach for employers to better align their recruitment processes with the skills needed for success in today’s dynamic workforce. This task force will focus on making skills-based hiring more tangible for employers, developing best practices, and identifying tools that help employers assess and select talent based on skills rather than traditional credentials. The goal is for NACE to lead the conversation on this evolving approach, providing resources and support to help members implement effective skills-based hiring strategies.
Goals:
• Champion Diversity, Equity and Inclusion: Champion equitable support, representation, and opportunities for all.
• Lead Dialogue: Amplify the importance of the work of NACE and the professions by leading the dialogue among colleges, employers, policy makers, and the public.
• Provide quality research, content and programming: Increase member value through progressive research, content, and programming that address the needs of our field.
• Expand and cultivate community: Grow and diversify membership and increase audience participation, sense of belonging, and engagement.
Committee Charge(s):
The Skills-Based Hiring Task Force will explore and advance the concept of skills-based hiring as a strategic approach for employers to better align their recruitment processes with the skills needed for success in today’s dynamic workforce. This task force will focus on making skills-based hiring more tangible for employers, developing best practices, and identifying tools that help employers assess and select talent based on skills rather than traditional credentials. The goal is for NACE to lead the conversation on this evolving approach, providing resources and support to help members implement effective skills-based hiring strategies.
Timeframe:
7/1/2025 to 6/30/2026
• Committee work to kick off July 1, 2025 and continue through June 30, 2026.
• Implement updates and content development throughout the year (July - June).
• Actively participate in conference calls throughout the year.
Deliverables Expected:
• Make Skills-Based Hiring More Tangible:
o You will work to break down the concept of skills-based hiring, making it more practical and actionable for employers. This includes developing clear frameworks, tools, and resources to guide employers through the process of identifying, assessing, and selecting talent based on skills.
• Advocate for NACE's Role in Supporting Members:
o Help determine how NACE can best support its members in adopting skills-based hiring practices. This may involve recommending initiatives, resources, or tools that NACE could offer to facilitate the transition to this model for its employer members.
• Illuminate Best Practices in URR (University Recruiting & Relations):
o Explore how skills-based hiring can be integrated into university recruiting strategies. Identify best practices for employers in university recruiting and relations (URR) that align with skills-based approaches, especially in terms of identifying candidates based on their competencies rather than academic qualifications alone.
• Develop Techniques for Selection, Assessment, and Workforce Planning:
o You will work to identify and recommend effective techniques for selecting and assessing talent based on skills, such as competency-based interviews, skills assessments, and other evaluation methods. The committee will also examine how skills-based hiring impacts long-term workforce planning.
• Create Programs for Employers to Explore Hiring Methods (Build/Buy):
o Help develop programs or initiatives that allow employers to explore and experiment with different hiring methods—whether it’s developing talent internally (build) or hiring skilled workers externally (buy). These programs will guide employers in choosing the best approach for their needs.
• Define Skills-Based Hiring and Its Implications:
o Clarify what it means to implement skills-based hiring, detailing the potential benefits and challenges. You will create resources and strategies for employers to fully understand and embrace this approach, ensuring it is sustainable and effective in their recruitment efforts.
• Explore the Role of Program Managers and Membership Categories:
o Examine the role of program managers in supporting skills-based hiring initiatives within organizations. Consider whether NACE should develop a specific membership category for professionals in program management or workforce development who are focused on these hiring practices.
Number of Volunteers Needed:
20
QUESTIONS?
Contact Cecelia Nader, Senior Executive and Volunteer Administrator at cnader@naceweb.org.