Assistant Director of Wellness; Health Promotion

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 Assistant Director of Wellness Health Promotion reports directly to the Assistant Vice President of Wellness in collaboration with both the Health Center staff and the Counseling Center staff and is responsible for mobilizing, creating, and sustaining progressive campus-wide health promotion practices for a culturally diverse student population in order to create an environment that promotes student success, personal development and personal health literacy. The Assistant Director of Wellness should have a strong background in a variety of wellness topics including but not limited to Sexual and Interpersonal Violence Prevention, Substance Abuse and Misuse Prevention, Stress Management, Mental Health, and Physical Health. This position is exempt from mandatory reporting under Title IX, and conversations with students, staff and faculty are protected. This position is 1,664 annual hours (0.80 FTE), and works four days per week, 12 months per year.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Plan, implement, and evaluate theory-based and evidence-informed health promotion strategies, policies, programs, and services.
• Develop strategic plans, goals, and measurable objectives for student centered, inclusive and culturally responsive health promotion initiatives.
• Collaborate with key stakeholders on campus including student organizations involved in wellness initiatives to develop a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach to health for students.
• Develop, implement, and analyze periodic student health surveys that 1) provide baseline and follow-up health data, 2) identify program needs and priorities with an equity-centered lens, 3) evaluate the effectiveness of programs and services, and 4) track trends in student health status and behavior.
• Support and collaborate the work of wellness peer educators on campus to further their programming goals . 
• Incorporate diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, and social justice concepts and principles into health promotion services.
• Plan and implement an annual campus wide wellness fair focusing on equity in health education and programming.

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,

• Knowledge of the ACHA Standards of Practice for Health Promotion in Higher Education (SPHPHE).
• Knowledge of health promotion, behavior change, and population-based theories and models.
• Knowledge of evidence-informed health promotion programs/initiatives.
• Ability to conceptualize health promotion in the context of higher education.
• Skills in gathering, compiling, and synthesizing information to develop health promotion initiatives and educational materials for a diverse group of students.
• Ability to deliver cost-effective, evidence-informed programs that have a high likelihood of achieving measurable improvements in health behaviors and status and/or enhanced student success.
• Willingness and flexibility to gain knowledge of, develop expertise in, and design and implement health promotion programs on a variety of key health issues based on needs assessment results.
• Demonstrated skills in a variety of educational methods including presentations, workshops, trainings, individual behavior change sessions, and small group discussion/facilitation.
• Strong written/oral/interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to effectively manage student staff or volunteers.
• Proficient in a variety of computer software applications (e.g., word processing, spreadsheet, PowerPoint, and statistical software).
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, social justice, and cultural competence and the ability to work in a multicultural environment.
• Ability to actively and positively contribute to Whitman’s core values of diversity, equity, inclusion and antiracism.
• Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously, manage time efficiently, and prioritize tasks.
• Ability to provide leadership and problem-solving skills in analyzing health promotion needs of emerging adults, especially college students.
• Demonstrated knowledge of student development theories and models.
• Familiarity with social marketing and health communications strategies.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree with major coursework in health education, public health, community health, social services, behavioral sciences, education, or a closely related field. 

• A minimum of two years related health promotion work experience.
• Quantitative and qualitative research skills (e.g., research design, survey development, environmental assessment, focus group design and facilitation, data analysis and interpretation, etc.).
• Experience conducting needs assessments and using results to guide programmatic decisions.

• Experience conducting literature reviews and program evaluations, interpreting findings, and developing plans to programmatically and strategically respond to the findings.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’s or advanced degree. Most relevant degree areas include public health, health promotion, health policy, or health education. Degrees in other fields may be considered with evidence of sufficient university-level coursework and/or professional continuing education in the areas listed above. 
• Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES), Certified in Public Health (CPH), or eligible and intent to become certified.

• Experience working in a college/university setting.
• History of verified active membership in relevant professional associations (e.g., ACHA, APHA, NASPA, SOPHE, etc.) and willing to be an active member of at least one relevant professional organization.

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. 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 10% 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 benefits 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 on January 4, 2025 and continue until the position is filled. 

START DATE

February 2025

Salary : $58,339 - $66,293