Director of Financial Aid - Whitman College

Why consider Whitman?** **Salary:** $95,000–$115,000 **Hybrid flexibility:** Up to 20% remote work per week **Relocation assistance available** **Strategic leadership:** Report directly to the VP for Admission and Financial Aid **Meaningful impact:** Help advance access, affordability, and student success We're looking for a collaborative leader who brings strong financial aid administration, regulatory compliance, enrollment strategy, and team leadership experience. Another Source is partnering with **Whitman College** in beautiful Walla Walla, Washington, to recruit its next **Director of Financial Aid!** Whitman is making bold investments in college affordability, including its innovative **10% Promise** and commitment to meeting 100% of demonstrated financial need for admitted students.

At a glance: Description: What you'll be doing:

Another Source's client, Whitman College, is recruiting a Director of Financial Aid to join their team in Walla Walla, Washington. This position offers up to 20% hybrid work per week, along with relocation assistance. 

Here's a little about Whitman College: 

Located in the heart of Walla Walla, Washington, Whitman College is a nationally recognized liberal arts institution known for academic excellence, personalized education, and a deeply collaborative campus culture. With a 10:1 student-to-faculty ratio and an average class size of just 16, Whitman creates an environment where meaningful relationships, individualized support, and student success are central to the college experience. 

Whitman is making significant investments in educational access and affordability. With an endowment approaching $850 million, the College has introduced innovative initiatives, including its 10% Promise, which caps tuition at 10% of family income for eligible families. Beginning in fall 2026, Whitman meets 100% of demonstrated financial need for all admitted students. These commitments reflect an institution dedicated to removing financial barriers and expanding educational opportunities for students from diverse backgrounds. 

Beyond academics, Whitman offers an exceptional sense of community and place. Its beautiful campus is within walking distance of downtown Walla Walla, a vibrant destination known for its culinary scene, wineries, and outdoor recreation. The College's collaborative culture, commitment to individual growth, and strong student outcomes make it a compelling place to build a meaningful career in higher education. 

Learn more about Whitman's Admission and Financial Aid programs: https://www.whitman.edu/admission-and-aid 

About this role: 

This is an exciting opportunity to help shape the future of financial aid at a college making bold commitments to access and affordability. 

Reporting directly to the Vice President for Admission and Financial Aid, the Director of Financial Aid serves as a strategic partner in advancing Whitman's enrollment, retention, and student success goals. The Director leads the Financial Aid Office, oversees federal, state, and institutional aid programs, and helps translate the College's commitment to affordability into meaningful opportunities for students and families. 

As Whitman expands its financial aid commitments and navigates an increasingly complex regulatory landscape, this leader will play a central role in strengthening financial aid strategy, modernizing systems and processes, and enhancing the student experience. 

The ideal candidate brings a balance of strategic thinking, operational expertise, and student-centered leadership. This is an opportunity to influence institutional financial aid policy, develop a collaborative and innovative team, and make a lasting impact on students' ability to access and complete a Whitman education. 

How you will spend your time 

• Financial Aid Strategy, Administration & Enrollment Partnership (40%) 

• Team Leadership & Organizational Development (25%) 

• Regulatory Compliance & Reporting (20%) 

• Student Advocacy & Retention (10%) 

• Innovation & Evolving Priorities (5%) 

Minimum Qualifications 

• 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 the ability to develop staff, foster collaboration, and manage competing priorities. 

• Ability to navigate ambiguity, lead organizational change, and respond effectively to evolving regulations, technologies, and student needs. 

• Commitment to continuous improvement, with experience using data, technology, and assessment to strengthen services and outcomes. 

• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills, with a high degree of 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 a 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. 

Preferred Qualifications 

• Familiarity with institutional methodology and the CSS Profile. 

• Experience with Ellucian Colleague, PowerFAIDS, Technolutions Slate, and/or comparable financial aid and enrollment management systems. 

Whitman College values diverse pathways to acquiring skills and knowledge and encourages applicants to demonstrate how their backgrounds and experiences align with this opportunity. 

Compensation & Benefits 

The anticipated annual salary range for this position is $95,000–$115,000. Relocation assistance is available. 

Whitman College offers employee benefits designed to support personal well-being, professional growth, and work-life balance. 

Learn more about Whitman's benefits: https://www.whitman.edu/human-resources/benefits 

This position is primarily campus-based in Walla Walla, Washington, with the option of up to 20% hybrid work per week. Occasional evening and weekend commitments are expected during recruitment events and peak financial aid processing periods, with flexible scheduling available when those commitments are extensive. 

Commitment to Inclusive Excellence 

Whitman College is committed to advancing inclusive excellence and creating an educational environment where students from diverse backgrounds have meaningful opportunities to succeed. The Director of Financial Aid will play an important role in supporting this commitment through equitable financial aid practices, collaborative leadership, and a student-centered approach to access and affordability. 

Another Source works with their clients, on a retained project basis. We are committed to building inclusive candidate pools as we partner with hiring teams. As you read through the job posting and review the list of qualifications (required and/or preferred), please do not self-select out if you feel you do not meet every qualification. No one is 100% qualified. We encourage you to apply and share your story with us. 

 

 

 

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