Student Activities, Involvement and Leadership Operations Manager

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 Student Activities, Involvement and Leadership Operations Manager blends financial expertise with a passion for student life. At the intersection of numbers and student excitement, the Operations Manager is the financial facilitator who keeps the rhythm of our vibrant campus. The Operations Manager’s mission is to ensure the College’s students’ ideas and dreams get the funding they deserve through the resources and programs at the team’s disposal. With the Student Activities Team budgets and the Associated Students of Whitman College (ASWC) budget as the canvas, totaling more than $2M, the role helps paint the backdrop for an unforgettable college experience. A keen eye for detail and friendly charm ensure every financial transaction balances accuracy with efficiency, while creating opportunities to engage young student leaders. Reporting to the Assistant Vice President (AVP) for Student Life, this position plays a key role in ensuring Student Activities thrives.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES

Supervisory Duties

• This role typically supervises at least one student employee. 

Finance Facilitator (70%): 

• Oversee and manage two significant budgets: ASWC and Student Activities Team. 
• Showcase financial expertise by handling general accounting responsibilities, corporate card reconciliation, point of sale (POS) systems, journal entries, and vendor payments. 
• Serve as the guardian of Student Activities, Involvement, and Leadership budgets by generating financial reports and ensuring the team stays on track. 
• Provide advice to student government and club budget managers.
• Track a multitude of transactions with precision and finesse. 

Customer Care Champion (25%)

• Demonstrate a friendly demeanor to ensure students and colleagues feel at ease, providing top-notch customer service while guiding them through the financial processes.

Student Activities Support (5%)

• Adapt to evolving priorities and contribute to additional projects and initiatives related to Student Activities that align with institutional needs.
• Train and supervise students working at the Information Desk.

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,

• Well-versed in financial processes, including general accounting, corporate card reconciliation, point of sale (POS) systems, journal entries, and accounts payable and receivable. 
• Proficient in a variety of software applications, including Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint), financial management systems, and database management tools, with the ability to quickly learn new technologies. 
• Attention to detail is critical, ensuring every transaction is accurate and accounted for, and procedures are up to date.
• Excellent customer service skills that leave a lasting impression, and the ability to interact with people from all backgrounds effectively.
• The ability to develop and maintain strong relationships across multiple departments to develop teamwork and support students across the campus. 
• A knack for juggling multiple tasks, transactions, and responsibilities.
• The ability to thrive in a vibrant and engaged community.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• An Associate's Degree. 
• 2+ years of experience in finance administration in an office setting. 
• Expertise in administrative support for a team of professionals in student-facing roles.
• A foundational understanding of basic accounting and financial processes.
• 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

• This is an in-person position and is not eligible for hybrid work.
• Standard working hours are 8 AM to 5 PM, Monday through Friday.
• The workspace is in a highly energetic, vibrant environment.

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.

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 June 1, and continue until the position is filled. 

START DATE

July 2026