Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled
Portland State University
Position Details
Proposed Start Date10/01/2025Classification TitleFiscal ServicesRankN - No RankWorking TitleAgreements SpecialistDepartment400401 - SPA Sponsored Projects OfficePosition NumberD94243RepresentationAU - AAUP RenewableRenewableEnd date, if applicable Position FTE1Tenure StatusN - not applicable
Brief Description of PSU/School/Dept
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 27,000 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 Agreements Specialist is a professional staff member in 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 agreements for research and other scholarly activity. SPA staff provide expertise and professional support to faculty and staff throughout the sponsored projects lifecycle.
The Agreements Specialist utilizes specialized skills to exercise discretion and independent judgment to perform work directly related to the acceptance of sponsored project agreements at PSU, having a large, diverse, and complex portfolio of federal and non-federal sponsored projects. The Agreements Specialist is responsible for reviewing, negotiating, and accepting the agreements that govern the sponsored projects at PSU and confirming that the terms and conditions accepted can be met by PSU. The Agreements Specialist is also responsible for the drafting, issuance and execution of subaward agreements related to PSU’s sponsored projects, as well as the proper documentation of non-standard terms, award management requirements, and funding attributes that enables SPA to appropriately manage and account for the project.
The Agreements Specialist serves as an authorized representative for PSU with authority to bind the institution to financial and administrative commitments and certify compliance with federal regulations on behalf of the institution in accordance with PSU’s Delegated Signature Authority Policy.
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.
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
Bachelor’s degree with three (3) or more years of related experience; a Master’s or other advanced degree in a related or relevant field may substitute for years of related experience
Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities of incumbent:
- 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 establish and maintain collaborative relationships with a diverse set of individuals and ability to work collaboratively in a team-oriented environment across organizational units and at all levels, including faculty, deans, and administration
- Ability to exercise independent judgment and proven skill in problem solving and decision making; demonstrated ability to anticipate consequences of decisions, proactively plan to resolve problems, and identify, recommend and implement viable solutions
- Demonstrated written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills, including the ability to understand, convey and advise on complex regulations, policies, and procedures
- Demonstrated skills with MS Office applications, including Excel and Word
- Demonstrated ability to provide professional service to internal and external customers
Preferred Qualifications
Direct experience serving in a Contracts Specialist, Contracts Officer, or similar position which included duties such as:
- Reviewing and negotiating agreements and contracts
- Managing grant and contract funding
- Interpreting and applying regulations
- Applying knowledge of government funding regulations, grant and contract policies and procedures, Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200) and Federal Acquisition Regulations, and sound knowledge of research administration
Experience working in an institution of higher education and/or using the following systems: Kuali Research, OnBase, and Banner Financial Information System
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/HoursMonday - Friday, 40hrs per week, schedule to be determinedTotal 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 is between $62,700 and $65,760 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.
Posting Close Date09/09/2025Projected Close Date for PostingClosesApplication screening begins08/26/2025Quick Linkhttps://jobs.hrc.pdx.edu/postings/48155
Supplemental Questions Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
- * This position is open only to current PSU AAUP academic professionals. Are you currently employed as an AAUP academic professional?
- * What is your highest degree earned?
(Open Ended Question)
- * Please name the specific field/discipline in which you received your 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
- If you selected Other, please describe.
(Open Ended Question)
Applicant Documents Required Documents- Resume
- Cover Letter
- Professional References
Optional Documents
Equal employment opportunity, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.
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