January 2027 - Retail Development Program - Early Talent Specialist

Retail Development Program Overview  

Belk offers talented and ambitious recent graduates the opportunity to work in multiple areas of our business. The Retail Development Program (RDP) is a fast-paced three-month program designed to prepare recent college graduates for a full-time role at Belk. We offer opportunities in several of our business functions including Merchandising, Planning, Supply Chain and more! The program focuses on key components to support your development: Education, Experience, Exposure, Innovation and Results. 

The Retail Development Program – Early Talent will hire a class of program participants in our Charlotte, NC headquarters. RDPs are required to move and live in the Charlotte, NC Metro area.

Early Talent – Position Summary

The Retail Development Program – Early Talent prepares you for your first position as an Early Talent Specialist. The primary responsibilities of an Early Talent Specialist will include supporting Belk's early talent strategy through campus engagement, university partnerships, recruitment marketing, student recruiting and selection, and the coordination and execution of early talent programs and events. You will work closely with Talent Acquisition, Human Resources and business partners to attract, engage and develop emerging talent.

 On the Job

• Early Talent Recruitment Marketing: Support recruitment marketing strategies, content and campaigns that strengthen Belk's early talent brand and engage students.
• University Partnerships: Build relationships with university partners and campus stakeholders to strengthen Belk's campus presence and talent pipeline.
• Campus Engagement & Events: Coordinate and support campus recruiting events and experiences, including career fairs, networking events and information sessions.
• Student Recruiting & Selection: Support recruiting and selection across Belk's early talent programs, partnering with Talent Acquisition and business teams throughout the candidate experience.
• Early Talent Programs: Coordinate and support early talent programs, participant experiences and events while contributing to program engagement and continuous improvement.

Position Requirements

• Bachelor's degree required; Human Resources, Business, Marketing, Communications, Psychology, or another related field preferred.

• Must have graduated between May 2026 - December 2026 and be able to start full-time January 2027 

• Previous internship, campus leadership, recruiting, human resources, student programming, or talent-related experience strongly preferred.
• Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills with the ability to communicate effectively with candidates, university partners, business leaders, and internal stakeholders.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment and adapting to changing priorities.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to manage program logistics accurately.
• Analytical mindset with the ability to interpret data and translate insights into recommendations.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, particularly Excel and PowerPoint.
• Ability to demonstrate initiative, ownership, curiosity, and a commitment to continuous learning.
• Ability to work collaboratively across functions and build relationships at all levels of the organization.

• Ability to travel as needed to support university recruiting events and early talent programming.