Health Professions Advisor

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

This position coordinates the advising program for current students and alumni pursuing graduate studies and careers in the health professions. The Director develops programming, experiential learning opportunities, and institutional partnerships that support students’ preparation for and pursuit of health professions. 

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES

Advising 30%

• Advise current students and alumni interested in the health professions (including allopathic and osteopathic medicine, public health, nursing, dental medicine, veterinary medicine, physician assistant, pharmacy, physical therapy) regarding admissions requirements, course selection, work and volunteer experience, the application process, and how a liberal arts education will prepare them for the professions.
• Advise and promote student health organizations like the Pre-Health Society student organization.

Programming & Experiential Learning  35%

• Teach one-credit activity (non-academic) courses to introduce students to health care and the professions. 
• Plan informational programming and panel discussions for current students featuring alumni, admissions officers and faculty from professional schools, and practitioners in health professions.
• Develop and promote clinical, research and other experiential learning opportunities which can make students better informed and enhance their competitiveness to enter the health professions.

Admissions & Institutional Partnerships  25%

• Chair the Health Professions Advisory & Interview Committee and coordinate the scheduling of applicant interviews, review of application materials, collection of individual letters of evaluation, and writing of Committee letters of evaluation 
• Serve as liaison to the admissions offices at health professional schools, and gather/disseminate up-to-date information on program admissions requirements. 
• Collaborate with faculty and staff members in the Public Health Program, the Student Engagement Center, the Academic Resource Center, Development Office, and Admission Office to support students interested in the health professions.

Data, Professional Engagement & Program Administration  10%

• Collecting and maintain application/matriculation data for students and share with appropriate campus offices (Provost and Dean of Faculty, Admissions, Development)
• Maintain active membership and participation in the National Association of Advisors for the Health Professions (NAAHP) and its regional affiliation.

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 positively and actively contribute to the college’s core values of diversity, equity, inclusion, antiracism and access.
• Knowledge of the health care professions, workforce, and systems.
• Superior interpersonal communication, networking, and written skills.
• Ability to work well with diverse groups of people within a liberal arts educational setting.
• Facility with web-based communications and database management. 
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and protect student privacy under FERPA.
• Exceptional interpersonal communication, networking, and writing skills. 
• Capacity for strategic planning, leadership, and problem solving. 
• A proven ability to work in and lead a team. 
• Proficiency and experience using web-based technologies.  

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’s Degree in academic discipline related to health professions/health sciences, counseling, or a related health professions degree.
• 2+ years of experience in academic advising, teaching or mentoring students interested in health professions.  
• Experience in creating partnerships with and working creatively, collegially, confidentially, and effectively with students, faculty and staff, and external constituencies.  
• 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

• Doctoral degree.
• Fluency in Spanish. 
• Interest in contributing 1-2 courses per year through an adjunct faculty appointment to our health professions related curriculum (e.g., offering courses in Nutrition, or Human A&P).
  
  

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.

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

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 12, 2026, and continue until the position is filled. 

START DATE

On or ahead of January 4, 2027