Admission Officer

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 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 serves as a gateway into the field of College Admissions and plays an important role in communicating the transformative experience of higher education to prospective students. The Admission Officer reports to the Senior Associate Director of Admission.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES

Supervisory Duties

• This role typically supervises at least one student employee. 

Student Recruitment (55%)

• Recruit students in assigned territories in person and/or virtually, at high school presentations, community-based organization visits, and college fairs.
• Travel on behalf of the college which 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.
• Interview prospective students on campus, virtually, and while during recruitment travel.
• Follow up with prospective students by phone, email, and handwritten communications.
• Conduct general information sessions and interviews about Whitman College and the admission process.
• Center diversity, equity and inclusion as guiding principles when approaching recruitment work.

Selection (20%)

• Review and evaluate applications.
• Participate as a member of the Admission Committee and make recommendations on admissibility of candidates.

Project Work (15%)

• Coordinate programs and/or assist with the implementation of programs which may include, but are not limited to access initiatives, admission events, campus visit, student supervision, communications and athletics.

Evolving Responsibilities (10%)

• Adapt to evolving priorities and contribute to additional projects and initiatives related to recruitment that align with institutional needs.
• 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.

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,

• Actively and positively contribute to the College’s core values of diversity, equity, inclusion, antiracism and access.
• Appreciation for, and the ability to clearly articulate the value of a liberal arts education.
• A strong appreciation for diversity and enthusiasm for working with diverse populations.
• Demonstrate comfort with travel and adaptability working in various geographical locations.
• Apply critical reasoning in evaluating travel, applications, and programs.
• Demonstrate strong public speaking skills and communicate effectively in both small group presentations and one-on-one interviews.
• Write clearly and effectively, and respond promptly to prospective student inquiries. 
• Exercise sound judgment and maintain strict confidentiality with discretion. 
• Exhibit poise and sensitivity in dealing with prospective students and parents, high school counselors, and other constituencies (e.g., alumni).
• Manage time effectively and demonstrate strong planning and organizational skills.
• Proficient in word processing, spreadsheets, and learning new software programs.
• Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends.
• Flexible in working beyond scheduled hours on occasion.
• Collaborative team player and willingness to cooperate with fellow professionals in meeting shared goals.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s Degree OR a combination of relevant education, training and experience.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license and meet one of the following criteria: be at least 18 years old with 2 years of driving experience and complete a driver improvement course, OR be at least 19 with 3 years of experience and successfully pass a motor vehicle report (MVR) check.

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

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Prior work experience within an institution of higher education.

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

• This position is occasionally required to work outside of standard business hours, including evenings and weekends, as well as travel commitments up to two consecutive weeks, which may include air travel.
• When not traveling, work is primarily performed in a private office, with the option of up to 40% hybrid work some weeks with supervisor approval. Regular hybrid work scheduling is not available for this role.
• The nature of college admission recruitment is deadline-driven, requires a high level of responsiveness, and involves making difficult decisions.

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 Benefit Programs

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 October 19, and continue until the position is filled. 

START DATE

October 2026