Dakota Russell
Colorado Springs,CO
Summary
Dynamic recruiting professional with a strong track record in talent acquisition and military transitions in aerospace and defense sectors. Developed and implemented the DoD SkillBridge program, significantly improving hiring processes for transitioning service members. Expertise in utilizing AI-powered recruiting tools to optimize candidate sourcing and engagement, fostering strategic partnerships across military and veteran organizations.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Internal Recruiter / SkillBridge Program Manager
Veterans Alliance
02.2025 - Current
- Built and launched Veterans Alliance’s DoD SkillBridge Program from the ground up, developing the operational framework, training structures, onboarding processes, compliance documentation, and military partnership strategy.
- Lead internal recruiting operations and manage full-cycle talent acquisition efforts supporting aviation, aerospace, and defense workforce initiatives nationwide.
- Manage and oversee Veterans Alliance’s DoD SkillBridge Program, partnering with military installations, transition offices, and defense industry clients to connect transitioning service members with civilian career opportunities.
- Developed strategic recruiting pipelines for aviation maintenance, aerospace operations, avionics, structures, production, and defense-related positions to enhance talent acquisition efforts.
- Utilize AI-powered recruiting tools, advanced Boolean sourcing, talent analytics, and automation platforms to improve candidate sourcing, engagement, screening efficiency, and workflow optimization.
- Build and maintain partnerships with military installations, TAP offices, veteran organizations, and defense industry leaders to expand military hiring initiatives and workforce development opportunities.
- Coordinate SkillBridge training plans, onboarding processes, compliance documentation, candidate tracking, and program management activities for transitioning service members.
- Ensure compliance with federal hiring requirements, background screening procedures, security clearance considerations, and workforce documentation standards.
- Coordinated client collaboration to ensure compliance with security protocols and facilitated candidate processing through clearance requirements for sensitive federal and defense roles (hired up to and including TS/SCI positions).
National Aviation Recruiter
Veterans Alliance
12.2023 - 02.2025
- Executed full-cycle recruiting, including sourcing, screening, interviewing, and onboarding highly skilled aviation professionals for 60+ hangars nationwide.
- Established strategic partnerships with military veterans and transitioning service members, utilizing knowledge of aviation career opportunities within FAA, DOT, and DOD sectors to enhance recruitment efforts.
- Coordinated client collaboration to ensure compliance with security protocols and facilitated candidate processing through clearance requirements for sensitive federal and defense roles.
- Built strong relationships with military bases, veteran organizations, and transition programs to identify top-tier aviation talent and provide career counseling.
- Organized and participated in career fairs, networking events, and on-base hiring initiatives to connect military personnel with aviation opportunities.
- Achieved high client satisfaction by implementing effective placement strategies, maintaining clear communication, and aligning workforce needs with client objectives.
Talent Advisor (Contract)
Randstad SourceRight
01.2022 - 12.2023
- Conducted intake calls with hiring managers to assess requisitions, clarify requirements, and align recruiting strategies with business objectives.
- Collaborated with HR leadership and stakeholders to attract, interview, and onboard top talent, ensuring alignment with organizational goals.
- Served as a primary recruiting liaison for key client groups, fostering strong internal and external stakeholder relationships.
- Designed and implemented sourcing strategies to build qualified candidate pipelines across multiple industries and operational environments.
- Sourced candidates through diverse channels including referrals, social media platforms, internal transfers, and external partnerships.
- Utilized applicant tracking systems, sourcing platforms, and recruiting technologies to improve recruiting efficiency and candidate experience.
- Managed recruitment workflows, tracked candidates, and reported metrics to optimize recruiting operations in high-volume environments.
- Supported fast-paced recruiting operations, maintaining organization and effective communication to enhance client satisfaction.
Recruiting and Retention Team Leader
Colorado Army National Guard
04.2018 - 06.2021
- Led recruiting operations throughout southern Colorado, consistently exceeding recruiting goals and earning recognition for performance excellence.
- Achieved high applicant retention and referral metrics through relationship building and mentorship initiatives.
- Trained and mentored recruiting personnel on effective recruiting strategies, operational procedures, and candidate engagement techniques.
- Managed recruiting activities using ARISS, enhancing lead refinement, candidate projection, prospecting, and applicant processing.
- Conducted candidate pre-screening, interviewing, enlistment processing, and career counseling for prospective service members.
- Performed quality control reviews of enlistment packets to ensure accuracy and compliance with military standards.
- Earned two Army Achievement Medals for recruiting performance and operational success.
Unit Administrative Specialist / Small Group Leader
Colorado Army National Guard
07.2015 - 04.2018
- Oversaw administrative operations to ensure personnel readiness, manage financial processes, and streamline attrition management and end-strength reporting.
- Managed personnel actions, evaluations, promotions, awards, and reporting requirements while maintaining operational accuracy.
- Processed debt management cases and handled incentives, student loan repayment documentation, and bonus administration to support personnel financial health.
- Provided leadership and mentorship to junior personnel, fostering accountability and enhancing morale and professional development.
Wheeled Vehicle Mechanic
Colorado Army National Guard
04.2011 - 07.2015
- Maintained and repaired military vehicles and equipment valued at over $80,000, ensuring operational readiness for mission success.
- Executed preventative maintenance and troubleshooting activities to uphold operational readiness and minimize downtime.
- Developed and implemented maintenance tracking procedures, enhancing workflow efficiency and accountability within the team.
- Maintained accurate documentation of maintenance procedures, inspections, testing, and compliance records.
Skills
- Talent acquisition and full-cycle recruiting
- Aerospace and defense recruiting
- Candidate assessment
- AI-enhanced talent sourcing
- DoD SkillBridge program management
- Military workforce development
- Strategic partnerships and business development
- Recruitment strategy development
Timeline
Internal Recruiter / SkillBridge Program Manager
Veterans Alliance
02.2025 - Current
National Aviation Recruiter
Veterans Alliance
12.2023 - 02.2025
Talent Advisor (Contract)
Randstad SourceRight
01.2022 - 12.2023
Recruiting and Retention Team Leader
Colorado Army National Guard
04.2018 - 06.2021
Unit Administrative Specialist / Small Group Leader
Colorado Army National Guard
07.2015 - 04.2018
Wheeled Vehicle Mechanic
Colorado Army National Guard
04.2011 - 07.2015