What are the responsibilities and job description for the Coordinator of Basic Needs Center position at Portland State University, College of Urban and Public Affairs?
Position Announcement
Position Details
Proposed Start Date 07/01/2026 Classification Title Advising and Student Services Rank N - No Rank Working Title Coordinator of Basic Needs Center Department 330011 - OSA Dean of Students Office Position Number D90882 Representation AU - AAUP Renewable Renewable End date, if applicable 07/31/2027 Position FTE 1.0 Tenure Status N - not applicable
Position Summary
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.
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
Situated within the Division of Student Affairs, the Coordinator of the Basic Needs Hub serves as a primary point of contact for PSU students facing housing insecurity, food insecurity, and other basic needs barriers. This position utilizes a trauma-informed lens and an equity-based framework to help students access essential resources that increase persistence and success.
The Coordinator is responsible for providing direct services, specifically assisting students in determining eligibility for and applying to federal, state, and local benefits programs. Beyond direct service, the Coordinator plays a critical role in the strategic development of the Basic Needs Hub by developing internal feedback processes, coordinating with the statewide Basic Needs Oregon consortium, and managing rigorous data tracking for state reporting. The Navigator also coordinates culturally specific resources and builds relationships with community stakeholders to ensure support is accessible to all students.
Due to the direct service support nature of this position, all work is done on campus with no remote work option.
This position is grant funded until July 31, 2027 with the possibility for renewal.
Minimum Qualifications
Contributes to a culture of environmental stewardship, practices resource conservation, and actively works toward achieving long-term sustainability goals.
Work Days/Hours M-F 8-5 Total Compensation Range & Benefits Statement
The starting annual salary for this position will be between $56,880 – $64,815.
PSU offers 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 Instructions
Additional Information Additional Application Instructions (deadlines, etc.)
Please include the names, email addresses and phone numbers for 3 professional references.
Does this position require the employee to drive a motor vehicle? No Background Check Required Yes Position End Date (if applicable) If you have questions
Search Details
Posting Close Date Projected Close Date for Posting Open Until Finalists Identified Application screening begins Quick Link https://jobs.hrc.pdx.edu/postings/48996
Supplemental Questions
Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
Required Documents
Position Details
Proposed Start Date 07/01/2026 Classification Title Advising and Student Services Rank N - No Rank Working Title Coordinator of Basic Needs Center Department 330011 - OSA Dean of Students Office Position Number D90882 Representation AU - AAUP Renewable Renewable End date, if applicable 07/31/2027 Position FTE 1.0 Tenure Status N - not applicable
Position Summary
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.
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
Situated within the Division of Student Affairs, the Coordinator of the Basic Needs Hub serves as a primary point of contact for PSU students facing housing insecurity, food insecurity, and other basic needs barriers. This position utilizes a trauma-informed lens and an equity-based framework to help students access essential resources that increase persistence and success.
The Coordinator is responsible for providing direct services, specifically assisting students in determining eligibility for and applying to federal, state, and local benefits programs. Beyond direct service, the Coordinator plays a critical role in the strategic development of the Basic Needs Hub by developing internal feedback processes, coordinating with the statewide Basic Needs Oregon consortium, and managing rigorous data tracking for state reporting. The Navigator also coordinates culturally specific resources and builds relationships with community stakeholders to ensure support is accessible to all students.
Due to the direct service support nature of this position, all work is done on campus with no remote work option.
This position is grant funded until July 31, 2027 with the possibility for renewal.
Minimum Qualifications
- Two years of experience providing direct service or advising to low-income populations full-time OR four years of internship, part-time, graduate, or volunteer work with this population.
- Demonstrable commitment to promoting and enhancing diversity.
- Knowledge of social and cultural systems influencing poverty and/or homelessness.
- Experience with crisis management and helping others problem-solve to move past structural and systemic barriers.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills, with strong organization and record-keeping abilities
- Master’s degree in Public Health, Social Work, Psychology, Sociology, Student Affairs, or a related field.
- Experience providing state and federal social support service referrals.
- Experience assisting students with federal financial aid programs, FAFSA, student loan systems, or scholarships.
- Experience successfully assisting low-income individuals with SNAP, TANF, WIC, or other social safety-net programs.
- Demonstrated experience providing services to a diverse population.
- Experience supporting, teaching, or working with college students.
- 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.
Contributes to a culture of environmental stewardship, practices resource conservation, and actively works toward achieving long-term sustainability goals.
Work Days/Hours M-F 8-5 Total Compensation Range & Benefits Statement
The starting annual salary for this position will be between $56,880 – $64,815.
PSU offers 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 Instructions
Additional Information Additional Application Instructions (deadlines, etc.)
Please include the names, email addresses and phone numbers for 3 professional references.
Does this position require the employee to drive a motor vehicle? No Background Check Required Yes Position End Date (if applicable) If you have questions
Search Details
Posting Close Date Projected Close Date for Posting Open Until Finalists Identified Application screening begins Quick Link https://jobs.hrc.pdx.edu/postings/48996
Supplemental Questions
Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
- * 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)
Required Documents
- Resume
- Cover Letter
- Professional References
Salary : $56,880 - $64,815