Departmental Research Administration (DRA) Manager

Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled


Portland State University


Position Details
Position Details Proposed Start Date06/01/2026Classification TitleFiscal ServicesRankN - No RankWorking TitleDepartmental Research Administration (DRA) ManagerDepartment400401 - SPA Sponsored Projects OfficePosition NumberD92383RepresentationUU - Unclassified UnrepresentedRenewableRenewableEnd date, if applicable Position FTE1Tenure 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 Strategic Partnerships (RSP) serves as the central administrative unit at PSU responsible for assisting faculty and staff with activities related to the lifecycle of sponsored project administration. The mission of Departmental Research Administration Support is to facilitate research and provide research administration expertise to principal investigators for the entire lifecycle of sponsored projects, by reducing administrative burdens and navigating institutional, state, sponsor and federal policies and regulations.Position SummaryThe Departmental Research Administration (DRA) Manager is a professional staff member of 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 Manager leads a team of Departmental Research Administrators responsible for providing financial and budget administration support to Principal Investigators of sponsored projects. In addition to supervising, training, and mentoring DRAs and managing the team’s workload, the DRA Manager resolves complex issues escalated from other team members and works to ensure the fulfillment of post-award obligations, compliance and commitments.

This position is based at Portland State University’s vibrant urban campus in downtown Portland, where you’ll be part of a welcoming and collaborative community. We offer flexible scheduling options and, when operational needs allow, the possibility of limited remote work (typically up to one day per week) under an approved remote work agreement in line with University policy.Minimum Qualifications Bachelor’s degree and three or more years of related experience**A Master’s Degree may substitute for a portion of experience requirements
Related experience includes:

• Experience interpreting and applying federal and state laws and regulations, including experience in financial management of sponsored awards
• Experience using financial accounting systems or fund accounting systems
• Working knowledge of federal regulations governing research (e.g., OMB Uniform Guidance, Federal Acquisition Regulations, and sponsor policies)
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to learn quickly, apply creativity, understand complex processes and procedures, prioritize workload, set and meet deadlines, and perform well with a minimum of direct supervision
• Demonstrated commitment to excellent customer service and focus on customer support

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required to Perform the Duties of the Position:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to learn quickly, apply creativity, understand complex processes and procedures, prioritize workload, set and meet deadlines, and perform well with a minimum of direct supervision
• Demonstrated commitment to excellent customer service and focus on customer support
• Ability to monitor and communicate project status, keep multiple projects on track
• Interpersonal skills for inter-departmental communication and team-building in complex institutional setting
• Computer and technical skills: proficiency in Google, Microsoft Office, including Word, and Excel, scheduling and email programs as well as financial information systems and the ability to troubleshoot systems and learn new applications quickly
• Ability to communicate ideas, thoughts, and meaning to clearly articulate positions and communicate clearly and diplomatically with all levels of the University, sponsors and audit agencies
• 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
• Skill in thoughtfully and expeditiously dealing with diverse personnel issues and circumstances; in interacting tactfully and diplomatically, yet assertively, with persons from diverse backgrounds and in creating and supporting harmonious working relationships among employees, maintain positive morale and motivating productivity
• Demonstrated coaching skills (developing team dynamics, facilitating; promoting empowerment; fostering creativity)

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in sponsored projects administration at an institution of higher education strongly preferred
• Supervisory experience strongly preferred
• Certificate in Research Administration (CRA) desirable

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 weekTotal 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 $65,100 and $83,556 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 begins02/16/2026Quick Linkhttps://jobs.hrc.pdx.edu/postings/49210

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. * 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
4. If you selected Other, please describe.

   (Open Ended Question)

Applicant Documents
Required Documents

1. Resume
2. Cover Letter
3. Professional References

Optional Documents

PI284419895