Director of Sponsored Projects Administration

Position AnnouncementPosition DetailsProposed Start Date 01/16/2026 Classification Title Legal and Compliance Rank N - No Rank Working Title Director of Sponsored Projects Administration Department 400401 - SPA Sponsored Projects Office Position Number D91351 Representation UU - Unclassified Unrepresented Renewable Renewable End date, if applicable Position FTE 1.0 Tenure Status N - not applicablePosition SummaryBrief 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.Position SummaryThe Director of Sponsored Projects Administration oversees the operations of and manages staff within the office 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. The Director provides oversight, strategic coordination, and integration of the University’s comprehensive research administration infrastructure supporting the entire sponsored project lifecycle. This includes the centralized Pre-Award and Post-Award operations, as well as a centralized Departmental Research Administration function. The Director coordinates the seamless flow of activities across the sponsored project lifecycle—from proposal development through final award closeout—by establishing efficient, integrated processes and fostering a shared, compliant operational understanding across all teams.The Sponsored Projects Administration unit, housed within Research and Graduate Studies (RGS), is the steward of sponsored funds awarded to PSU and the designated institutional representative with external sponsors. SPA staff manage the University’s adherence to funder requirements and policies and the terms and conditions of awards. SPA staff support proposal development, budget preparation, and submission; award negotiation and acceptance; issuance and financial management of subawards; award setup and cash management; and administrative and financial oversight of awards as defined by the sponsor and federal regulations. By ensuring adherence to federal, state, and institutional regulations, as well as sponsor-specific terms and conditions, SPA professionals mitigate risk, ensure fiscal integrity, and ultimately enable faculty and researchers to successfully secure and execute the grants and contracts that drive innovation and knowledge creation across the university.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. Directors are expected to work on campus five days per week.Minimum QualificationsEight years of progressively responsible experience in research administration in a higher education settingFour years of direct supervisory or management experience over professional staffProven leadership skills related to research administrationThorough knowledge of federal regulations governing grant and contract administration (e.g., Uniform Guidance – 2 CFR 200, Federal Acquisition Regulations) and extensive knowledge of policies, procedures, and requirements of federal and private funding agenciesExcellent written and oral communication, interpersonal, and leadership skillsHigh level of diplomacy, discretion, and problem-solving skillsExperience with interpretation of laws, regulations, and policies as it relates to research administrationKey Skills And AbilitiesLeadership and Communication: Exceptional leadership skills with a proven ability to foster a collaborative, service-oriented culture. Superior written and verbal communication skills necessary for engaging with faculty, senior leadership, and external funding agencies.Financial Acumen: Strong financial management skills, including budgeting, financial analysis, and developing internal fiscal controls.Negotiation: Demonstrated ability to act as the authorized organizational representative to negotiate complex grant and contract terms with sponsors and industry partners.Preferred QualificationsMaster’s degree in relevant fieldExperience developing and executing strategic plans, policies, and process integration initiatives across multiple administrative unitsAward negotiation experienceInternal training program development for staffKey Cultural CompetenciesCreate 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/Hours Monday - Friday, 40hrs per week Total 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 range for this position will between $127,836 and $145,716, 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.Application InstructionsAdditional InformationThe start date is negotiable.Additional Application Instructions (deadlines, etc.)To Apply, Please Upload The Following Required Documents Resume - outlining professional experience and education Cover letter - describing your interest in this position at PSU (about one page) List of three professional references – include name, title, company, relationship to applicant (eg, supervisor), email, and phone number. We will not contact references without first notifying the applicant.Does this position require the employee to drive a motor vehicle? No Background Check Required Yes Position End Date (if applicable) If you have questionsFor Questions About The Position, Please ContactDawn BoatmanAssistant Vice President, Research AdministrationResearch & Graduate Studiesdboatman@pdx.edu(503) 725-8306Search DetailsPosting Close Date Projected Close Date for Posting Open Until Filled Application screening begins 11/10/2025 Quick Link https://jobs.hrc.pdx.edu/postings/48601Supplemental QuestionsRequired fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).* How did you first find out about this position?PSU WebsiteIndeed.comHERCJobsUrban League of PortlandHispanic Metropolitan ChamberOregon Employment DepartmentSocial MediaPerson ReferralCareer BuilderGlass DoorOther - Please describe in the next QuestionIf you selected Other, please describe. (Open Ended Question)Applicant DocumentsRequired DocumentsResumeCover LetterProfessional ReferencesOptional Documents