Program Administrator

Portland State University; Portland (OR); On-site; USD 53,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Portland State University is seeking a Program Administrator to lead the Institute on Aging, SALC, OCEBHA and Better with Age Initiative. The role coordinates research programs, develops guidelines, and manages fiscal resources to support faculty and staff.

The position collaborates with IOA staff, PSU students, and external partners; reports to the IOA director; offers flexible FTE between .5 and 1.0 and starts at .5 FTE.

Qualifications

• BA/BS with 3+ years of related experience.
• Knowledge of PSU program practices and operations.
• Experience working with Banner, DataMaster/Cognos or similar enterprise systems.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate program of research and evaluation.
• Define operational programs and guidelines for the IOA.
• Assist IOA Director, faculty and staff with recruitment and retention.
• Develop relationships with external groups and agencies.

Skills

Administrative experience

PSU program knowledge

Enterprise systems experience

Education

BA/BS degree

Tools

Banner

DataMaster/Cognos

Job description

Please see Special Instructions for more details.

Position Announcement

Proposed Start Date

Proposed Start Date 11/02/2026

Classification Title

Classification Title Administrative Support

Rank

Rank N - No Rank

Working Title

Working Title Program Administrator

Department

Department 310501 - IOA Inst Aging Office

Position Number

Position Number D90960

Representation

Representation AU - AAUP

Renewable

Renewable Renewable

End date, if applicable

End date, if applicable 06/30/2027

Position FTE

Position FTE Variable between .5 and 1.0, starting at .5 FTE

Tenure Status N - not applicable

Position Summary

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 20,000 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.

The Program Administrator is the lead administrator position for the Institute on Aging , which also includes the Senior Adult Learning Center ( SALC ), the Oregon Center for Excellence in Behavioral Health and Aging ( OCEBHA ) and the Better with Age Initiative . This position is responsible for assisting the IOA Director, faculty, and staff with coordinating a program of research, including research development and evaluation; establishing and defining operational programs and program guidelines needed for a research center; managing fiscal resources for research programs and projects; leading the support needed for recruitment, retention, communication, and faculty research initiatives; collaborating with IOA staff, PSU students and decision‑makers; developing relationships with external groups and agencies; and supporting the SALC coordinator and SALC Advisory Council. This is a variable FTE position, between .50 and 1.0 FTE , starting at .50 FTE , reporting directly to the IOA director.

Minimum Qualifications

• BA/BS with 3+ years of related experience.
• Knowledge of PSU program practices and operations.
• Experience working with Banner, DataMaster/Cognos or similar enterprise systems.

Preferred Qualifications

• General understanding of IOA research activities to track and report new grant, contract, philanthropic, or fee‑for‑service opportunities; maintain web presence and social media; and submit updates and achievements to PSU Currently and for IOA -related newsletters.
• Understand the basic function and policies associated with different funding sources, including E&G, PSU Foundation, and state- and federal awards and contracts.
• Ability to assist with proposal development such as organizing documentation, managing timelines, and facilitating information gathering for budget development.
• Training in gerontology or similar field.
• Intermediate level (or higher) expertise with Excel.
• Bachelor’s degree in business related field, such as finance, accounting, or HR.
• Ability to direct current and prospective undergraduate and graduate students to program resources and appropriate contacts.
• Proven ability to support to the department leadership, work groups, staff and student workers in an academic environment.
• Experience creating planning committees and organizing staff and team meetings to address department goals and funder deadlines.
• Ability to monitor and communicate the status of multiple projects, and keep projects on track.
• Capacity to work with minimal or no supervision.
• 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.

Contributes to a culture of environmental stewardship, practices resource conservation, and actively works toward achieving long‑term sustainability goals.

Work Days/Hours

Monday - Friday, 20 hours per week, schedule to be determined

Total 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 $58,596 ($29,298 at .5 FTE ) but may be negotiated above this rate 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.

Please visit our total compensation calculator to see the full value of our benefits package.

This time limited position may be renewed beyond 6/30/27, contingent upon funding.

Does this position require the employee to drive a motor vehicle? No

Background Check Required Yes

If you have questions

Please email the Director, Paula Carder, at [e-mail]

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*)

• * Please describe the degree program for your Bachelor's degree. (Open Ended Question)
• 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

Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled