Design Recruiter

Microsoft

Microsoft

People & HR, Design

United States

USD 85,100-169,800 / year + Equity

Posted on May 7, 2026
Overview

Microsoft is hiring a Design Recruiter to support our Design organization. At Microsoft, our mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more—and that mission starts with extraordinary talent. Microsoft Design brings this to life by creating inclusive, human-centered experiences that reach millions around the world. As design rapidly evolves alongside AI and emerging technologies, the way we build, scale, and think about design talent is transforming.

As a Design Recruiter, you will play a critical role in shaping the future of Microsoft Design by identifying, attracting, and engaging the next generation of designers, systems thinkers, and creative technologists. This role sits at the intersection of design, engineering, and innovation requiring both a deep appreciation for craft and a forward-looking view of how the discipline is changing.

We are seeking a full lifecycle recruiter who is energized by this moment of transformation someone who can thoughtfully navigate industry shifts, build excitement around the future of design at Microsoft, and translate that into meaningful talent strategies. You lead with care, thrive in ambiguity, and are motivated by helping others succeed.

In this role, you will:

  • Design and execute inclusive, forward-thinking recruiting strategies to engage top design talent across diverse pathways including universities, industry, and emerging talent ecosystems.
  • Partner closely with design and engineering leaders across multiple organizations, working horizontally to understand varying priorities, align to hiring frameworks and guidelines, and adapt approaches to meet diverse team needs.
  • Translate evolving skill needs especially as AI and new technologies reshape the discipline into compelling and credible hiring strategies.
  • Build authentic, high-impact candidate experiences from first engagement through offer, clearly articulating Microsoft’s mission, design vision, and growth opportunities.
  • Contribute to how Microsoft defines and hires for the next generation of design roles, helping shape the future of the function in a thoughtful, scalable way.

This role offers the opportunity to not only hire talent, but to influence how design evolves at Microsoft balancing immediate hiring needs with long-term vision.

You are a fit if you:

  • Thrive in fast-paced, evolving environments and can quickly adapt to different team contexts, priorities, and operating models.
  • Are skilled at working horizontally across organizations, with the ability to absorb and apply varying processes, guidelines, and stakeholder expectations.
  • Are passionate about design and excited to help shape teams working at the forefront of a rapidly changing discipline.
  • Demonstrate a bias for action, problem-solving skills, and comfort navigating ambiguity.
  • Bring a track record of building creative, effective hiring strategies in competitive markets.
  • Have stakeholder management skills and the ability to influence across a range of partners, including senior leaders.
  • Balance strategic thinking with hands-on execution, delivering impact in both the short and long term.

At Microsoft Design, we are building inclusive, innovative experiences that empower people everywhere. If you are driven by purpose, energized by partnership, and excited to help define the future of design talent in the age of AI, this role offers the opportunity to make a lasting impact.

Microsoft’s mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more. We are dedicated to this mission across every aspect of our company. Our culture is centered on embracing a growth mindset and encouraging teams and leaders to bring their best each day. Join us and help shape the future of the world.



Responsibilities

Stakeholder/Client Engagement

  • Use data and metrics, along with a deep understanding of long-term business needs, to advise on talent gaps and hiring strategies.
  • Apply deep knowledge of business and hiring manager needs (e.g., time to hire, location, compensation) to guide end-to-end hiring plans aligned to Microsoft Security’s goals.
  • Consult on critical talent needs and influence leaders to embrace differentiated and non-traditional talent pools.

Data Analysis & Hiring Plans

  • Analyze relevant data and trends to provide insight and set plans to meet hiring goals.
  • Lead the implementation of hiring plans for complex organizations or talent pools that address both short- and long-term needs (12+ months).

Candidate Attraction

  • Use deep knowledge of competitor opportunities to differentiate Microsoft’s unique career possibilities and rewards.
  • Share compelling stories that help others source, recruit, and close candidates.
  • Track candidate activity and share insights with internal stakeholders.

Candidate Experience

  • Develop hiring plans that meet candidate needs throughout the lifecycle, especially for critical, complex, or high-level searches.
  • Own the candidate experience and proactively identify and mitigate risks to ensure a positive journey.

Operational Compliance & Excellence

  • Lead optimization of policies, systems, and processes, and guide stakeholders on their impact.
  • Maintain accurate documentation in compliance with guidelines (e.g., OFCCP, GDPR), and leverage data to inform insights.
Other


Qualifications

Required/minimum qualifications

  • Bachelor's Degree AND 4+ years talent acquisition experience (e.g., recruiting, sourcing), HR experience, or industry experience related to role
    • OR equivalent experience.

Additional or preferred qualifications

  • Bachelor's Degree AND 8+ years talent acquisition experience (e.g., recruiting, sourcing), HR experience, or industry experience related to role
    • OR Master's Degree AND 6+ years talent acquisition experience (e.g., recruiting, sourcing), HR experience, or industry experience related to role
    • OR equivalent experience.
  • 3+ years of experience recruiting for designers, systems thinkers, and creative technologists


Talent Acquisition IC4 - The typical base pay range for this role across the U.S. is USD $85,100 - $169,800 per year. There is a different range applicable to specific work locations, within the San Francisco Bay area and New York City metropolitan area, and the base pay range for this role in those locations is USD $112,000 - $185,300 per year.

Certain roles may be eligible for benefits and other compensation. Find additional benefits and pay information here:
https://careers.microsoft.com/us/en/us-corporate-pay


This position will be open for a minimum of 5 days, with applications accepted on an ongoing basis until the position is filled.




Microsoft is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, citizenship, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, immigration status, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran or military status, race, ethnicity, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable local laws, regulations and ordinances. If you need assistance with religious accommodations and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application process, read more about requesting accommodations.