Financial Aid Counselor

Job Description

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 Financial Aid Counselor serves as the first point of contact for the Office of Financial Aid Services, providing accurate, timely, and professional assistance to students, families, and campus partners. This position coordinates and supports the daily operational functions of the office, including front‑line service, data and systems management, financial aid processing, compliance with state and federal regulations, and assistance with scholarships and loan programs. Working collaboratively with Financial Aid staff and campus constituencies, the Financial Aid Counselor helps ensure efficient office operations and the effective delivery of financial aid services in support of Whitman College’s enrollment goals.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES

Financial Aid Processing & Compliance (60%)

• Import FAFSA and CSS Profile data.
• Track required forms for student financial aid files.
• Perform federal verification, including requesting documentation and making aid adjustments.
• Stay current with state and federal financial aid regulations.
• Possess a basic understanding of need analysis used to determine aid eligibility.
• Assist with state and federal aid programs as needed.
• Receipt and record outside scholarships, ensuring students are not over‑awarded.
• Provide loan forms, checking for completeness and eligibility, and adjusting aid when needed.
• Support the Assistant Director with loan processing and monthly reconciliation.
• Keep the office budget current and process bills for payment.

Front‑Line Service & Office Operations (30%)

• Answer the main phone line and direct callers as needed.
• Greet visitors, parents, and students, respond to questions directly when possible, or refer to other staff as necessary.
• Assist with general office duties (e.g., data entry, filing).
• Open, process, and distribute mail.
• Keep track of office supplies and reorders as needed.
• Maintain the Financial Aid website, in partnership with the Communications Office, ensuring content is accurate and up to date.

Evolving Responsibilities (10%)

• 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.
• Complete other tasks as assigned by the Associate Director or Director.

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, or ability to learn, 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.
• 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

• Two-year college degree.
• 2+ years of data entry, computer-related experience, and working with the public.
• 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.
• Financial Aid experience.

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.

WORKING 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, and 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 are met.

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

Tuition Remission – Dependent Children

Employee tuition 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

Application review will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. 

START DATE

July 2026