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 Projects Coordinator supports the Admission and Financial Aid Department by managing timelines, resources and deliverables for recruitment, communications and financial aid initiatives. Using a project management platform, this position ensures projects are completed on schedule, within budget and to a high standard of quality while facilitating effective communication among internal teams and external partners. This position reports to the Director of Admission Operations.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES

Project Planning & Coordination (60%)

Coordinate more than 100 Admission and Financial Aid projects annually from initiation to completion.
Assist project leads in developing project briefs, detailed project plans and production schedules.
Facilitate, in collaboration with project leads, project pre-kickoff, kickoff and debrief meetings. Input and maintain project schedules within the project management platform.
Monitor progress, identify potential risks or delays and recommend solutions to keep projects on track.
Ensure all project deliverables meet established timelines, budgets and quality standards.
Maintain accurate project documentation and reporting within project management software.
Support continuous improvement by helping refine project coordination processes and tools.
Serve as project lead on identified mailing projects for admitted and enrolled students

Collaboration & Communication (25%)

Serve as liaison between Admission, Financial Aid, Communications and other campus offices to facilitate project success.
Communicate project timelines, deliverables and progress updates to all stakeholders.
Coordinate feedback and revisions across departments.
Provide training and guidance to staff on project coordination processes and use of project management tools.
Foster strong, professional relationships with internal and external partners to support departmental priorities.

Operational & Administrative Support (15%)

Assist the Admission Operations team with application verification and processing during peak admission cycles.
Contribute to and/or lead department-wide projects and initiatives as assigned.
Compile project reports and performance metrics for leadership review.

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,

Demonstrated ability to coordinate multiple complex projects, manage priorities and ensure timely, high-quality outcomes.
Strong organizational, analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail and accuracy.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to work collaboratively across departments and with external partners.
Proficiency with project management software, CRM systems and standard office applications, including Google Workspace.
Ability to design and improve tracking systems, reporting tools and workflow processes to enhance efficiency.
Capacity to adapt to shifting priorities in a fast-paced environment while exercising sound judgment and initiative.
Familiarity with print and digital media production processes, including scheduling and design coordination.
Ability to positively and actively contribute to Whitman College’s core values of diversity, equity, inclusion, antiracism and access.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Associate’s degree.
2+ years of relevant experience.
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 in communications, business administration, project management or a related field.
Prior experience in higher education.
Prior experience working in project management software.

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.

BENEFITS

Whitman College offers a competitive benefits program that is designed to attract qualified candidates and retain talented employees. 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 10% 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