Lead Student Administrative Assistant at Whitman College

Whitman College; Walla Walla (WA); On-site; USD 11,000 - 16,000; Full time

Job summary

Whitman College is seeking a Lead Student Administrative Assistant to support the Career and Community Engagement Center in a student-led capacity. You will greet visitors, manage front desk operations, and assist with programs across Career Services, Fellowships, Internships, and ARAC, while learning Handshake, Colleague, CaterTrax, and other office systems.

The role develops leadership, organization, and professional skills in a fast-paced campus environment, with a focus on confidential

Qualifications

• Current Whitman College student starting Fall 2026.
• Ability to work ~10 hours per week during the academic year.
• Interest in leadership, office administration, or higher education.

Responsibilities

• Welcome students, staff, and visitors to the center and direct them to resources.
• Answer phones, provide front desk coverage, and handle inquiries.
• Assist with programs and services across Career Services, Fellowships & Grants, Internships, and ARAC.

Skills

Interpersonal communication

Written communication

Verbal communication

Organizational skills

Customer service

Leadership

Teamwork

Tech savviness

Education

Current Whitman College student

Tools

Handshake

Colleague

CaterTrax (Bon Appétit)

Emburse

Job description

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PAY RANGE: $17.13/hour to $18.00/hour

START DATE: September 2026

JOB PURPOSE

The Lead Student Administrative Assistant supports the daily operations of the Career and Community Engagement Center (CCEC) by providing exceptional customer service, assisting with front office operations, and supporting administrative projects across the center. This position serves as a student leader within the CCEC Front Office Administrative Team and works closely with the Programs & Budget Coordinator and CCEC professional staff to maintain a welcoming, organized, and student-centered office while developing leadership, administrative, and professional skills.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Welcome students, faculty, staff, alumni, employers, and community partners to the CCEC and direct them to appropriate resources.
• Answer phones, respond to general office inquiries, and provide professional front desk coverage.
• Assist students with navigating CCEC programs and services, including Career Services, Community Engagement, Fellowships & Grants, Internships, and the America Reads/America Counts (ARAC) Program.
• Support daily office operations, including office organization, mail distribution, office supplies, and shared workspaces.
• Assist with workshops, employer visits, meetings, and special events through event preparation and administrative support.
• Learn and assist with administrative systems including Handshake, Colleague, CaterTrax (Bon Appétit), Emburse, spreadsheets, and other office technologies.
• Develop and maintain office procedures, resource guides, checklists, and training materials.
• Assist with onboarding and supporting student administrative assistants while modeling professionalism, initiative, and collaboration.
• Complete additional administrative projects as assigned.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Individuals must be able to explain and demonstrate that they possess the knowledge, skills, and abilities to safely perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation.

• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to contribute positively to Whitman's commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and antiracism by creating a welcoming, inclusive environment for all visitors.
• Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple responsibilities.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced office environment.
• Ability to learn new technology, administrative systems, and office procedures.
• Demonstrated professionalism, initiative, reliability, and a willingness to learn and grow as a student leader.

EDUCATIONAL BENEFITS TO BE DERIVED BY STUDENTS IN THIS JOB

The student in this role will gain hands-on experience in higher education administration while developing transferable professional skills in customer service, office operations, leadership, project coordination, event support, communication, and problem-solving. Students will strengthen their ability to work collaboratively across multiple functional areas, gain experience using professional administrative systems, and develop leadership skills through training, peer support, and continuous process improvement.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Current Whitman College students entering their first year as a freshman in Fall 2026.
• Ability to work approximately 10 hours per week during the academic year (total hrs 260).
• Strong interest in leadership, office administration, customer service, or higher education.
• Previous customer service, leadership, or office experience is preferred but not required.

SUPERVISOR NAME: Marisol Becerra, Programs & Budget Coordinator