Associate Director of Sponsored Projects Administration (focus: Research Stewardship)

Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled


Portland State University


Position Details
Position Details Proposed Start Date07/01/2026Classification TitleLegal and ComplianceRankN - No RankWorking TitleAssociate Director of Sponsored Projects Administration (focus: Research Stewardship)Department400401 - SPA Sponsored Projects OfficePosition NumberD93311RepresentationUU - Unclassified UnrepresentedRenewableRenewableEnd date, if applicable Position FTE1.0Tenure StatusN - not applicable

Position Summary Brief Description of PSU/School/DeptPortland 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 Sponsored Projects Administration (SPA) unit within Research and Graduate Studies (RGS) serves as the central administrative unit at PSU responsible for assisting faculty and staff with activities related to the lifecycle of sponsored project administration. SPA staff provides administrative expertise and professional support to faculty and staff from proposal development and submission, through award negotiation and acceptance on behalf of the University, to award management and closeout.

Position SummaryThe Associate Director of Research Stewardship provides operational leadership for sponsored projects administration functions associated with identifying and mitigating risk in grant awards and agreements, and safeguarding the financial integrity of sponsored project funds, including execution of award and agreements and administrative and financial activities required to meet award terms, institutional and sponsor policies. The Associate Director oversees SPA’s award acceptance, restricted fund accounting, payment and cash management, and reporting functions, and plays a lead role during internal and external audits directed at or involving sponsored projects.
The role advances operational coordination across SPA teams, strengthens and maintains productive relationships with sponsors, and leads implementation of SPA initiatives that enhance administrative and financial integrity and lifecycle continuity, and establishes clear, consistent processes that support both staff effectiveness and the faculty experience. The Associate Director plays a central role in implementing SPA’s risk management framework, improving audit readiness, and facilitating sound financial management.

The Associate Director leads through managers to implement operational systems and processes to ensure awards terms align with institutional capabilities and restrictive clauses are negotiated so the university can meet its legal and financial obligations; and awards are managed in compliance with sponsor terms, federal regulations, and institutional policies. The role is responsible for aligning award acceptance and management into a cohesive service model and works in close partnership with the Senior Associate Director of Research Stewardship to ensure seamless integration and alignment across the full sponsored project lifecycle.
The Associate Director serves as a member of the SPA leadership team responsible for developing and implementing programs and procedures to enhance research administration processes across campusMinimum Qualifications

• A Bachelor’s Degree and seven or more years of progressively responsible experience in research administration and interpreting and applying federal and state laws and regulations, including significant experience in financial management (A Master’s degree in a related field may substitute for a portion of required experience)
• Proven leadership skills related to research administration including four years of experience managing financial administration of sponsored projects
• A minimum of three years supervisory experience including ability to mentor and motivate professional staff in a team environment
• Experience using financial accounting systems or fund accounting systems.
• Extensive knowledge of policies, procedures, and requirements of federal and private granting agencies, as well as legal, business and academic requirements governing administration of research
• Significant experience with financial and/or administrative management of sponsored projects
• Experience with interpretation of laws, regulations, and policies as it relates to research administration
• Demonstrated communication skills, to both internal and external audiences

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required of the Incumbent:

• High level of diplomacy, discretion, and problem-solving skills
• 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
• Ability to communicate ideas, thoughts, and meaning both verbally and in writing to clearly articulate positions and communicate clearly and diplomatically with all levels of the University, sponsors and audit agencies
• Demonstrated interpersonal skills and ability to work collaboratively in a team-oriented environment across organizational units and at all levels, including faculty, deans, central administration and senior institutional officials
• Ability to exercise independent judgment and proven skill in problem solving and decision making in the most difficult and unique areas; demonstrated ability to anticipate consequences of decisions, proactively plan to resolve problems, and identify and implement viable solutions
• Dedication to providing optimum service to internal and external customers

Preferred Qualifications

• Certified Research Administrator (CRA)
• Experience in research administration in a higher education setting
• Experience using Banner FIS/HRIS systems
• Experience using Kuali Research systems
• Experience in the development and implementation of electronic research administration solutions

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 StewardshipContributes 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 dterminedTotal Compensation Range & Benefits StatementSalary 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 $96,468 and $112,146, 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.

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

Search Details Posting Close DateProjected Close Date for PostingOpen Until FilledApplication screening begins05/26/2026Quick Linkhttps://jobs.hrc.pdx.edu/postings/49846

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

1. * What is your highest degree earned?

   (Open Ended Question)

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

   (Open Ended Question)

3. * Please briefly describe your leadership and supervisory abilities and experience.

   (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

PI284775033