Jordan Burt has always been passionate about people, and that passion is at the heart of her work as the Human Resources talent acquisition specialist at the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine (CU SDM). From recruiting faculty and staff to mentoring candidates through the hiring process, Burt is helping build a team that reflects the school’s commitment to education, patient care and community.
A native of Omaha, Nebraska, Burt earned her bachelor’s degree in business administration from Creighton University with a focus in marketing and human resource management. Early in her career, she held a series of HR roles, from intern to assistant to recruitment business partner, but it wasn’t a straight line into higher education.
“I worked in child welfare case management and then in onboarding and recruiting at Children’s Hospital in Omaha,” she said. “I was hiring dentists and dental assistants there too, so it gave me a good foundation for what I do now.”
Burt moved to Colorado with her fiancé in 2023 and joined the CU Dental team shortly after. Now, she leads the full recruitment process for all roles at the school, from student employees and clinical faculty to administrative staff and research professionals. She attends career fairs, promotes opportunities through the American Dental Education Association (ADEA), and makes sure the right people find their way to the Anschutz Medical Campus.
“I love connecting with people,” she said. “Being a small part of someone’s career path, especially at a place like CU Dental where the work really matters, is meaningful to me.”
That mission-driven culture is one of the reasons Burt encourages others to apply. “Clinical roles get to work side-by-side with students and faculty, and all of us are here to help people,” she said. “Plus, the Anschutz Medical campus has such a great atmosphere — fun events, staff activities and amazing benefits.”
Recruiting in today’s environment comes with challenges. Budget constraints and a competitive hiring landscape mean Burt often has to get creative when attracting top candidates. Still, she believes the right people will find their way here.
For applicants, she offers this advice: “Do your research. Learn about the school, the campus and the role. And come prepared with questions — not just to impress the interviewer, but to make sure this is a good fit for you now and in the future.”
Outside of work, Burt is making the most of Colorado life. “I love snowboarding, hiking, paddleboarding, camping — basically anything outdoors,” she said. She’s also part of a large, close-knit family, with five sisters, two brothers and 14 nieces and nephews back in Omaha. This summer, she and her fiancé are planning a Colorado wedding.
She credits her success to a simple but powerful piece of advice: “It’s okay to make mistakes. What matters is how you respond. Take ownership, resolve the issue and make sure it doesn’t happen again.”
With that mindset, Burt continues to grow as a recruiter, a teammate and a vital part of the CU School of Dental Medicine.
The CU School of Dental Medicine is actively hiring a variety of faculty positions and support services roles. Browse jobs, benefits and more: CU Dental Career Opportunities. The mountains are calling.
