Assistant Director, Human Services Programs at Whitworth University – Spokane, Washington

The Assistant Director, Human Services Programs provides comprehensive enrollment, academic advising, and student support services for adult and online learners enrolled in Whitworth’s Human Services programs. This role serves as a primary point of contact for prospective and current students, supporting recruitment, admissions, academic progress, and degree completion.

In partnership with the Director of Human Services Programs, the Assistant Director contributes to the continuous improvement of student-centered programs by sharing insights drawn from student interactions, supporting internship coordination, and collaborating with campus partners to ensure a seamless and supportive student experience. This position plays a vital role in advancing Whitworth’s mission by fostering student success, belonging, and persistence.

Enrollment Coaching, Recruitment, and Admissions Support | 35%

• Serve as an enrollment coach for prospective students, providing clear, accurate, and compelling information about program offerings, degree requirements, and career pathways.
• Advise prospective students on transfer credit, degree mapping, and admission requirements.
• Evaluate applications for admission and refer recommendations to the appropriate admissions committee.
• Conduct transfer evaluations and preliminary degree planning for prospective students.
• Maintain consistent communication with prospective students to support informed decision-making and enrollment commitment.
• Participate in recruitment initiatives and events, including occasional evening or weekend activities.

Academic Advising and Student Success Support | 35%

• Provide ongoing academic advising for approximately 100 students, including registration planning twice annually and support for petitions, academic interventions, and unique academic requests.
• Monitor student success indicators such as course engagement, academic standing, and degree progress, initiating outreach and support conversations as needed.
• Maintain accurate and timely advising records in student information systems, including updates to anticipated graduation dates and academic plans.
• Evaluate student progress toward degree completion and coordinate graduation applications and degree audits in collaboration with the Registrar’s Office.
• Support internship placements by advising students pursuing experiential learning opportunities and assisting with coordination in partnership with the Director.
• Nominate and evaluate students for internal scholarships and recognitions.
• Participate in undergraduate commencement activities each May.

Program Support and Student-Centered Program Development | 15%

• Communicate regularly with the Director regarding student feedback, trends, concerns, and opportunities for program enhancement.
• Serve as an intermediary between students, faculty, and staff to support effective communication and problem-solving.
• Discuss student progress, concerns, and appropriate interventions with the Director as needed.
• Contribute content highlighting student achievements and experiences for promotional and communication purposes (e.g., newsletters, social media, featured stories).

Collaboration, Operations, and Institutional Partnership | 10%

• Collaborate with Whitworth Online team members to support the general operations of the school and ensure consistency across programs.
• Attend and participate in regular staff and committee meetings.
• Partner with fellow assistant directors to coordinate admissions processes, registration cycles, orientations, and academic support activities.
• Analyze student enrollment and academic data to support course planning, sequencing, and fiscal projections.
• Coordinate with campus partners including Registrar, Financial Aid, Student Accounts, and Admissions to ensure seamless student services.
• Assist with special events that build student community and belonging, such as celebrations, commencement planning, and photo or publication initiatives.
• Provide input to leadership regarding course scheduling and program needs.

Other Duties as Assigned | 5%

• Assist with special projects and department events.
• Participate in University functions and events.
• Perform other responsibilities consistent with the role and institutional needs.

• Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of education and relevant professional experience in higher education, academic advising, enrollment services, career counseling, or a related field. Whitworth values a wide range of educational and professional pathways and considers the skills and knowledge candidates bring, regardless of how they were acquired.
• Demonstrated understanding of the needs, motivations, and challenges of adult, online, and/or non-traditional students in higher education.
• Ability to use data and student success indicators to inform advising practices, enrollment strategies, and academic interventions.
• Personal commitment to the Christian faith and to the integration of faith and learning.
• Commitment to Whitworth University’s mission as a comprehensive Christian liberal arts institution affiliated with the Presbyterian Church.

Core Competencies

• Demonstrated commitment to supporting student success through responsive, inclusive, and empathetic service.
• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, including the ability to convey complex information clearly.
• Ability to establish positive working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and campus partners across diverse backgrounds.
• Effective organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and maintain accurate records.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team and contribute to a collaborative office environment.
• High level of professionalism, discretion, and ethical judgment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft 365 and ability to learn institutional systems and technologies.

Preferred

• Experience working with adult learners and/or online academic programs.
• Experience within the human services sector or related professional fields.
• Familiarity with student information systems, CRM platforms, or advising databases.

Schedule
Full-time (1.0 FTE) | 12 months | 40 hours per week
Whitworth office hours are 8 AM to 4:30 PM Monday–Friday. Willingness and ability to work varied hours, including occasional evenings and weekends as needed.

Whitworth University is a Christian liberal arts university. Our shared mission is to provide our diverse students with an education of mind and heart, equipping them to honor God, follow Christ, and serve humanity. We seek candidates who are willing to engage with the university’s mission and integrate their Christian faith into their work.

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, faith statement, and contact information for at least three professional references. A background check and sexual misconduct check will be required of the successful candidate.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire and maintain valid work authorization throughout the duration of employment, including those on OPT. Whitworth University does not offer visa sponsorship for this position.