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 Admission Officer plays a key role in recruiting a talented and diverse student body to Whitman College. This includes personal contact through travel, connecting virtually and in person through interviews, cultivating relationships in assigned geographical areas, and coordination of programs that support Admission objectives. This position will provide an introduction to the work of an Admissions Office as well as important issues in higher education. The Admission Officer reports to the Senior Associate Director of Admission.
Principal Accountabilities
Recruit students in assigned territories in person and/or virtually, at high school presentations, prospective student interviews, community-based organization visits, and college fairs. Typically includes 3-6 weeks of fall travel, 1-2 weeks of spring travel, and occasional summer travel.
Build and maintain strong relationships with prospective students, their families, high school counselors, and community-based organizations.
Center diversity, equity, inclusion and antiracism as guiding principles when approaching recruitment work.
Conduct general information sessions about Whitman College and the admission process.
Review applications, make recommendations on admissibility of candidates, and participate as a member of the Admission Committee.
Participate in a comprehensive, ongoing training program that focuses on developing admissions skills, understanding the broader context of higher education, and taking advantage of other professional development and skills-building opportunities.
Coordinate other recruitment programs and perform other tasks that might include multicultural recruitment, management of a scholarship program, or overseeing Whitman student Admission staff.
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,
A strong appreciation for diversity and enthusiasm for working with diverse populations.
Appreciate the value of a liberal arts education.
Enjoy travel and be willing to travel nationally, and for some officers, internationally as needed.
A strong public speaker and enjoy small group presentations and individual interviews.
A strong writer and responsive in corresponding with prospective students.
Exhibit critical reasoning, sound judgment, and maintain strict confidentiality.
Exhibit sensitivity in dealing with prospective students and parents, high school counselors, and other constituencies (e.g., alumni).
Have strong time management, planning and organizational skills, flexibility and adaptability.
Open to feedback.
Proficiency in basic computer skills and able to learn new software.
Willing to work outside of standard business hours, including evenings and weekends.
A team player, open minded, and willing to collaborate with fellow professionals in meeting office goals.
Appreciation and willingness to add humor and levity to some work experiences.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s Degree.
Please note that while the description may detail 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 are met.