SPA Departmental Research Administrator, Portland, Oregon

Created 04/17/2024
Employer Portland State University
Reference 239660518
Country United States
State Oregon
City Portland
Zip 97201
Salary -

Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled


Portland State University


Position Details
Position Details

Proposed Start Date05/13/2024Classification TitleFiscal ServicesRankN - No RankWorking TitleSPA Departmental Research AdministratorDepartment400401 - SPA Sponsored Projects OfficePosition NumberD94929RepresentationAU - AAUP RenewableRenewableEnd date, if applicable Position FTE1Tenure StatusN - not applicable

Position Summary

Brief Description of PSU/School/Dept
Portland State University is Oregon’s most affordable public research university, located in the heart of one of America’s most dynamic cities. Our mission to “let knowledge serve the city” reflects our dedication to turning ideas into action — in Portland and around the world. The city is our campus, giving students unmatched access to career connections, a vibrant cultural scene and hands-on learning experiences with hundreds of community partners.

More than 27,000 students from all backgrounds bring diverse perspectives to our classrooms and campus life, from the tree-lined Park Blocks to the bustling Urban Plaza and state-of-the-art science labs. We are proud of our world-class faculty, groundbreaking research and international reputation for excellence in sustainability, community engagement and innovation.

For information about Sponsored Projects Administration, please visit : https://www.pdx.edu/research/sponsored-projects-administration

Position Summary
The Departmental Research Administrator ( DRA) is a team member within Sponsored Projects Administration ( SPA), the centralized administrative unit at Portland State University ( PSU) responsible for University-wide administration of external funding received by the University in the form of grants and contracts for research and other scholarly activity. SPA staff provide expertise and professional support to faculty and staff throughout the sponsored projects lifecycle.

The DRA utilizes specialized skills to exercise discretion and independent judgment to perform work directly related to the management of University funding utilized in support of the University’s academic mission. The DRA is responsible for assisting with proposal and budget development, award compliance, and financial management activities for a diverse set of complex, federal and non-federal sponsored projects. The DRA fulfills these responsibilities by partnering with Investigators to plan and kick-off projects, creating forecasting models to project expenses, monitoring and approving award expenditures, and advising on award terms and conditions throughout the lifecycle.

In accordance with the AAUP collective bargaining agreement this position is open only to current PSU AAUP academic professionals. Article 17 Section 11 refers : https://www.pdx.edu/academic-affairs/sites/academicaffairs.web.wdt.pdx.edu/files/2023-02/AAUP%20CBA%202021-2024%20Watermark%20Art%2018%20Updated%20Amendment%202022%2012Dec08.pdf

Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s Degree with 3 or more years of related experience.
Related experience includes:
  • Experience with financial management and analysis of restricted accounts
  • Experience interpreting and applying federal and state laws and regulations, including experience in financial management of sponsored awards
  • Working knowledge of federal regulations governing research (e.g., OMB Uniform Guidance, Federal Acquisition Regulations, and sponsor policies)

Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities of Incumbent
  • Ability to organize workload priorities, manage multiple projects simultaneously, be flexible in responding to stressful situations, cope with unexpected job demands, and deal with frequent interruptions
  • Demonstrated written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills, including the ability to understand, convey and advise on complex regulations, policies, and procedures
  • Ability to establish and maintain collaborative relationships with a diverse set of individuals and ability to work collaboratively in a team-oriented environment across organizational units and at all levels, including faculty, deans, and administration
  • Ability to exercise independent judgment and proven skill in problem solving and decision making; demonstrated ability to anticipate consequences of decisions, proactively plan to resolve problems, and identify, recommend and implement viable solutions
  • Ability to provide optimum service to internal and external customers
  • Demonstrated skills with MS Office applications including Excel and Word
Preferred Qualifications
  • Master’s with 1+ year of related experience
  • Experience working in an institution of higher education
  • Direct experience working on submission of invoices, financial reports or other required reports to Federal and/or Non-Federal sponsors
  • Direct experience interpreting and applying regulations
  • Knowledge of government funding regulations, grant policies and procedures, Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200) and sound knowledge of research administration
  • Experience using the Banner Financial Information System
Key Cultural Competencies
  • Create an environment that acknowledges, encourages, and celebrates differences.
  • Function and communicate effectively and respectfully within the context of varying beliefs, behaviors, orientations, identities, and cultural backgrounds.
  • Seek opportunities to gain experience working and collaborating in diverse, multicultural, and inclusive settings with a willingness to change for continual improvement.
  • Adhere to all of PSU’s policies including the policies on Prohibited Discrimination & Harassment and the Professional Standards of Conduct.
Environmental Stewardship
Contributes to a culture of environmental stewardship, practices resource conservation, and actively works toward achieving long-term sustainability goals.
Work Days/HoursMonday - Friday, 40hrs per week, schedule to be determinedTotal Compensation Range & Benefits Statement
Salary is dependent on several factors, and new employees will typically start around the Q1 level to allow for later growth within the salary band. PSU has a structured process for determining starting compensation, taking into account years of related experience, applicable skills, knowledge and abilities, market parity, and internal equity.

The starting annual salary for this position will be between $60,288 and $62,628 but may be negotiated above this range dependent upon the factors above, the budget of the hiring department, and approval from HR.

An excellent benefits package includes 95% premium paid healthcare; a generous retirement and vacation package; and reduced tuition rates for employee, spouse or dependent at any of the Oregon University System schools : https://www.pdx.edu/human-resources/benefits-overview

Please visit our total compensation calculator to see the full value of our benefits package : https://www.pdx.edu/human-resources/psu-total-compensation-calculator


Search Details

Posting Close Date04/30/2024Projected Close Date for PostingClosesApplication screening begins04/18/2024Quick Link https://jobs.hrc.pdx.edu/postings/44700

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

  1. * This position is open only to current PSU AAUP academic professionals. Are you currently employed as an AAUP academic professional?
    • Yes
    • No
  2. * What is your highest degree earned?

    (Open Ended Question)

  3. * Please name the specific field/discipline in which you received your degree.

    (Open Ended Question)

  4. * How did you first find out about this position?
    • PSU Website
    • Indeed.com
    • HERCJobs
    • Urban League of Portland
    • Hispanic Metropolitan Chamber
    • Oregon Employment Department
    • Social Media
    • Person Referral
    • Career Builder
    • Glass Door
    • Other - Please describe in the next Question
  5. If you selected Other, please describe.

    (Open Ended Question)



Applicant Documents
Required Documents
  1. Resume
  2. Cover Letter
  3. Professional References
Optional Documents





    PI239660518

    Date expired 05/02/2024

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