Job Description

WHITMAN COLLEGE

Located in the historic community of Walla Walla, Whitman’s vibrant and beautiful tree-lined campus is home to an intellectually diverse, dynamic, welcoming and supportive community of some 500 staff and faculty serving approximately 1,500 students from the local region and across the globe. With exceptional students, accomplished faculty and staff, and a fiercely loyal and growing number of engaged alumni, Whitman College continues to build on its national reputation for academic excellence as one of the top liberal arts colleges in the country.

Whitman College is cultivating a community built on inclusion and belonging. We recognize the value of those who can offer historically underrepresented perspectives and encourage applications from those whose background, knowledge, and insights from lived experience can add to the college’s working and learning environment. Whitman College is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer (EEO).

POSITION PURPOSE

The Assistant Director of Financial Aid Services is a key member of Whitman College’s Financial Aid team, supporting the administration and delivery of institutional, state, and federal financial aid programs for incoming and returning students. Reporting to the Director of Financial Aid Services, the Assistant Director works closely with students, families, and campus partners to ensure accurate aid processing, regulatory compliance, and high‑quality service. This position plays a critical role in managing and utilizing financial aid technology systems, serving as a liaison between the Financial Aid Office and multiple campus departments.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES

Student & Family Engagement (30%)

Work collaboratively with students and families by greeting visitors and responding to phone calls and emails.
Maintain a welcoming, inclusive, and professional approach in all student‑ and family‑facing interactions.

Financial Aid Administration & Compliance (30%)

Process and administer institutional, state, and federal financial aid programs for incoming and returning students.
Perform federal verification, including requesting documentation and making required adjustments based on verified data.
Remain current on all applicable state and federal financial aid regulations and ensure compliance.
Conduct FAFSA/CSS Profile file review for need analysis used to determine eligibility for institutional and federal financial aid.
Package financial aid based on annual award charts, while conducting holistic reviews of individual student eligibility.

Systems, Data & Technical Operations (30%)

Utilize and manage multiple financial aid and student information systems, including Colleague, PowerFAIDS, IDOC, and Slate, FSA Partner portal, NSLDS, and COD.
Complete data uploads and processing related to fee waivers, award adjustments, private loan processing, and over‑award reporting.
Prepare and review loan documentation, verify eligibility, and adjust student aid as needed.

Collaboration & Office Support (5%)

Serve as a primary liaison with campus partners that interact with Financial Aid Services, including Residence Life and the Career and Community Engagement Center.
Provide operational back‑up to the Financial Aid Counselor on key office functions.

Evolving Responsibilities (5%)

Center diversity, equity, inclusion and antiracism as guiding principles when approaching financial aid work.
Contribute to additional initiatives as needed, adapting to evolving priorities and organizational needs.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

Must be able to explain and/or demonstrate possession of the knowledge, skills, and abilities to safely perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation. Specifically,

Ability to work with a high degree of flexibility, accuracy and attention to detail in a dynamic environment.
Proficiency with common office and web‑based technologies, including Microsoft and Google productivity tools, databases, and customer relationship management (CRM) and student information systems (SIS).
Ability to maintain positive and effective working relationships with diverse internal and external constituencies while managing competing demands in a fast‑paced environment.
Ability to navigate complicated financial aid cases in alignment with institutional policies and enrollment goals
Proven ability to handle confidential and sensitive information with discretion and sound judgment.
Strong communication and customer service skills, including the ability to articulate processes and ideas effectively both orally and in writing.
Ability to actively and positively contribute to the College’s core values of diversity, equity, inclusion, antiracism, and access.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Associate’s degree.
5+ years of experience in financial aid administration.
OR a combination of relevant education, training and experience.

Whitman College values diverse pathways to acquiring skills and knowledge and encourages applicants to demonstrate how their background aligns with the role.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s degree.

Please note that while the description details both required and preferred qualifications, we want applicants to be aware that they do not need to have all of the preferred qualifications to be considered for this position. If you meet the minimum qualifications and have passion for the work, you are encouraged to apply.

WO RKING CONDITIONS

Work is primarily performed in a private office, with the option of hybrid work some weeks with supervisor approval. Regular hybrid work scheduling is not available for this role.
The nature of financial aid is deadline-driven, public facing, requires a high level of responsiveness, and involves making difficult decisions.
Occasional evening and weekend work is required, primarily related to student recruitment and community outreach events.

Whitman College is committed to cultivating a diverse and inclusive community. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences, particularly those historically underrepresented in higher education.

BENEFITS

Whitman College offers a competitive benefits program that is designed to attract qualified candidates and retain talented employees. Benefit offerings and eligibility described reflect current offerings and may be subject to change in accordance with College policies and plan documents. Full-time employees enjoy the following benefits:

Medical/Dental/Vision Insurances.

Basic life, accidental death and dismemberment and long term disability insurances with the capability to elect additional voluntary coverage.

403(b) Defined Contribution Retirement Plan with a matching contribution after eligibility requirements ar e met.

Paid Time Off: 20 accrued vacation days, 12 accrued sick days, 13 paid holidays

Tuition Remission – Dependent Children

Employeetuition waiver for two Whitman courses per semester.

Employee Assistance Program

Relocation assistance for eligible employees.

Learn more about benefits eligibility here

DISABILITY ACCOMMODATION FOR JOB CANDIDATES

Contact Human Resources regarding requests for disability accommodation in the employment application process.

APPLICATION REVIEW