Program Administrator

Portland State University, College of Urban and Public Affairs; Portland (OR); On-site; USD 53,000 - 64,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits package

Tuition reduction

Job summary

Portland State University is seeking a Program Administrator for the Institute on Aging (IOA) and affiliated units. The role reports to the IOA director and supports research coordination, fiscal management, and administrative operations across SALC, OCEBHA, and the Better with Age Initiative.

Requirements include a BA/BS with 3+ years of related experience and proficiency with enterprise systems such as Banner or Cognos.

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 a program of research, including development and evaluation.
• Establish and define operational programs and guidelines for a research center.
• Manage fiscal resources for research programs and projects.
• Lead support for recruitment, retention, communication, and faculty research initiatives.
• Collaborate with IOA staff, PSU students and decision-makers; develop relationships with external groups.

Skills

Communication

Organization

Team collaboration

Education

BA/BS degree

Tools

Banner

DataMaster/Cognos

Job description

Position Announcement

Proposed Start Date 10/16/2026 Classification Title Administrative Support Rank N - No Rank Working Title Program Administrator Department 310501 - IOA Inst Aging Office Position Number D90960 Representation AU - AAUP Renewable Renewable End date, if applicable 06/30/2027 Position FTE Variable between .5 and 1.0, starting at .5 FTE Tenure Status N - not applicable

Position Details

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.

Position Summary

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 to 1.0 FTE, starting at .50 FTE, reporting directly to the IOA director.

In accordance with the AAUP collective bargaining agreement this position is open only to current PSU AAUP academic professionals. Article 17 Section 11 refers.

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.

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/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.

Applicant Documents

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• Professional References

Optional Documents