What are the responsibilities and job description for the Grants & Agreements Specialist position at Portland State University?
Position Details
Proposed Start Date
12/01/2026
Classification Title
Fiscal Services
Rank
N - No Rank
Working Title
Grants & Agreements Specialist
Department
400401 - SPA Sponsored Projects Office
Position Number
D94243
Representation
AU - AAUP
Renewable
Renewable
End date, if applicable
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 — 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.
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
The Grants & 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 Grants & Agreements Specialist utilizes specialized knowledge and exercises discretion and independent judgment to perform work directly related to the review, negotiation, acceptance, and stewardship of sponsored project agreements at PSU, having a large, diverse, and complex portfolio of federal and non-federal sponsored projects. The incumbent is responsible for reviewing, negotiating, and accepting sponsored awards and research agreements to ensure the terms and conditions accepted can be met by the University. The Grants & Agreements Specialist is also responsible for the drafting, issuing and executing subaward agreements related to PSU sponsored projects and for documenting non-standard terms, award management requirements, and funding attributes as well as the proper documentation of non-standard terms, award management requirements, funding attributes, and other relevant award information necessary to support institutional stewardship, compliance, financial management, and effective award administration.
The Grants & Agreements Specialist serves as an authorized Authorized Organizational Representative (AOR) and Institutional Signing Official for sponsored projects, authorized to execute sponsor-required certifications, assurances, representations, and other institutional approvals related to sponsored projects. In accordance with PSU’s Delegated Signature Authority Policy, the incumbent also has delegated authority to execute sponsored project agreements and other authorized documents that legally bind the University to financial and administrative 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.
In accordance with the AAUP collective bargaining agreement this position is open only to current PSU AAUP academic professionals. Article 17 Section 11 refers.
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 and two (2) to four (4) years of related professional experience; a Master’s or other advanced degree in a related or relevant field may substitute for a portion of the required experience. Related experience includes professional experience in sponsored projects administration or other positions involving the review, interpretation, negotiation, administration, or management of sponsored awards, research agreements, contracts, cooperative agreements, subawards, or related research administration functions.
Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities of incumbent:
- Ability to organize workload priorities, manage multiple projects simultaneously, adapt to changing priorities, respond effectively to unexpected demands, and consistently meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
- Ability to establish and maintain collaborative working relationships across organizational units and with individuals at all levels of the University, including faculty, departmental administrators, academic leadership, and central administrative offices.
- Ability to exercise independent judgment and demonstrate problem-solving and decision-making; anticipate the consequences of decisions, proactively resolve issues, and recommend practical, well-reasoned solutions.
- Demonstrated written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills, including the ability to interpret, explain, negotiate, and advise other regarding complex regulations, sponsor requirements, policies, and procedures.
- Demonstrated skills with Microsoft Office applications, including Excel and Word, and the ability to learn and effectively utilize research administration and other enterprise information systems.
- Demonstrated commitment to providing responsive, professional, and solutional-oriented service to internal and external stakeholders.
- Ability to accurately interpret, analyze, and document complex sponsor requirements, agreement terms and conditions, and award information to support institutional stewardship, compliance, and effective award administration.
Preferred Qualifications
Master’s degree in a related field with one (1) or more years of related professional experience.
Direct experience in sponsored projects administration, research administration, contract administration, or a similar professional role involving:
Direct experience in sponsored projects administration, research administration, contract administration, or a similar professional role involving:
- Reviewing, interpreting, negotiating, and accepting sponsored awards and research agreements.
- Drafting and issuing outgoing subaward agreements.
- Interpreting and applying sponsor requirements, federal and state regulations, and institutional policies.
- Applying knowledge of Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200), Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR), sponsor policies, and research administration principles and practices.
Experience working in an institution of higher education or other research organization.
Experience using electronic research administration, financial management, and document management systems, such as Kuali Research, Banner Finance, OnBase, or similar enterprise systems.
Certified Research Administrator (CRA) or other relevant professional certification preferred.
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/Hours
Monday through Friday, 40 hours per week, Schedule to be determined
Total 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 will be $64,584, but may be negotiated above this rate 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.
The starting annual salary for this position will be $64,584, but may be negotiated above this rate 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 Instructions
Additional Information
In accordance with the AAUP collective bargaining agreement this position is open only to current PSU AAUP academic professionals. Article 17 Section 11 refers.
#internal
We are recruiting to fill two open positions.
#internal
We are recruiting to fill two open positions.
Additional Application Instructions (deadlines, etc.)
Please list the names, telephone numbers and email addresses for three
professional references.
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
please email Sponsored Projects Administration at spa@pdx.edu.
Benefits:
Health Insurance, Vacation & Paid Time Off, Dental InsuranceSalary : $64,584