Director of Financial Aid - Whitman College

Another Source • Walla Walla, WA

5d • Hybrid

About The Position

Whitman College is seeking a Director of Financial Aid to lead its Financial Aid Office and advance the College’s enrollment, retention, access, affordability, and student-success goals. Reporting to the Vice President for Admission and Financial Aid, the Director oversees federal, state, and institutional aid programs and helps translate the College’s affordability commitments into meaningful opportunities for students and families. Whitman meets 100% of demonstrated financial need for admitted students beginning in fall 2026 and offers initiatives including its 10% Promise.

The Director will guide financial aid strategy and administration, strengthen institutional policy and practices, modernize systems and processes, and improve the student experience amid an evolving regulatory landscape. The role includes leadership of a collaborative team, regulatory compliance and reporting, student advocacy and retention, and continued innovation. The position is primarily campus-based in Walla Walla, Washington, with the option to work remotely up to 20% per week. Occasional evening and weekend commitments are expected during recruitment events and peak financial aid processing periods; flexible scheduling is available when those commitments are extensive.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree and at least five years of experience in financial aid or a related field, or an equivalent combination of relevant education, training, and experience.
• Experience administering complex financial aid programs and applying financial aid strategy to support enrollment, access, and student success objectives.
• Comprehensive knowledge of federal student aid programs, including applications, processing, disbursement, regulatory requirements, and institutional responsibilities.
• Experience using financial aid leveraging and awarding strategies to advance institutional enrollment and retention goals.
• Demonstrated leadership and personnel management skills, including developing staff, fostering collaboration, and managing competing priorities.
• Ability to navigate ambiguity, lead organizational change, and respond effectively to evolving regulations, technologies, and student needs.
• Experience using data, technology, and assessment to strengthen services and outcomes.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills, with accuracy, flexibility, and attention to detail.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain complex financial aid information to diverse audiences.
• Intellectual curiosity, adaptability, and willingness to explore new approaches to supporting students and advancing institutional goals.
• Demonstrated commitment to inclusive excellence and creating an environment where students from diverse backgrounds can thrive.

Nice To Haves

• Familiarity with institutional methodology and the CSS Profile.
• Experience with Ellucian Colleague, PowerFAIDS, Technolutions Slate, and/or comparable financial aid and enrollment management systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead Financial Aid Office strategy and administration in partnership with enrollment efforts.
• Oversee federal, state, and institutional financial aid programs.
• Apply financial aid strategy to support enrollment, access, retention, and student success goals.
• Lead, develop, and support staff and foster a collaborative team environment.
• Oversee regulatory compliance and reporting.
• Advocate for students and support retention through student-centered financial aid practices.
• Use data, technology, and assessment to improve services and outcomes.
• Strengthen financial aid policy, systems, and processes and respond to evolving regulations, technologies, and student needs.
• Explain complex financial aid information to diverse audiences.
• Support Whitman’s commitment to inclusive excellence and educational access.

Benefits

• Relocation assistance is available.
• Employee benefits are designed to support personal well-being, professional growth, and work-life balance.
• Flexible scheduling is available when evening or weekend commitments are extensive.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director