Coordinator of Basic Needs Center

The Position:

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.

Responsibilities:

• Direct student support: help students navigate federal, state, and local benefits; meet one-on-one with students; administer emergency funding; respond to student inquiries
• Mentorship and supervision: support and supervise the work of student interns and volunteers. May supervise student employees pending budget availability,
• Active participation on statewide consortium and collaboration to develop and share best practices and shared resources.
• Assessment and Outreach: participate in outreach, presentations, and tabling; develop and maintain internal feedback loops to respond to student needs
• Data tracking and reporting: track and capture usage data for monthly, quarterly, and annual reports to the state.

Qualifications:

We do not expect any candidate to meet every preferred qualification. If you are meet the minimum qualifications and are passionate about supporting under-resourced students' access higher education, we encourage you to apply.

Minimum

• Bachelor's degree and wo 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

Preferred

• 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.

About Portland State University:

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.

Compensation:

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.

To Apply:

Please apply by June 21, 2026 to be considered in our first screening of candidates.

Portland State University is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and seeks candidates who are committed to the highest standards of scholarship and professional activities and a campus climate that supports equality, diversity, and inclusion.