What are the responsibilities and job description for the MCECS Purchasing Administrator position at Portland State University?
Position Details
Proposed Start Date
12/01/2025
Classification Title
Purchasing Agent 2
Working Title
MCECS Purchasing Administrator
Department
270101 - EAS MCECS Dean Maseeh College
Position Number
D94805
Representation
OP - SEIU/OPEU Local 503
Position FTE
1
End date, if applicable
Position Summary
Brief Description of PSU/School/Dept
Position Summary
The MCECS Purchasing Administrator plays a critical role in supporting the academic and financial success of research, sponsored projects, and department infrastructure within the Maseeh College of Engineering and Computer Science. This position provides high-level coordination of purchasing, contracts, and accounts payable across all funding types – including federal and state grants, foundation gifts, and E&G funds.
As part of the College’s effort to streamline and standardize purchasing and contracting processes, this role will serve as a functional lead in the development and implementation of best practices, training, and support systems for all purchasing activities. This includes navigating contract and compliance requirements and ensuring consistent application, managing complex and high-risk purchases, analyzing purchase data, coordinating activities of department purchasers, and serving as a key administrator and point of contact for campus offices such as Sponsored Projects Administration, Contracts and Procurement, Financial Services, and Foundation Accounting.
This role requires a strong service orientation, attention to detail, an eye for process improvement, and an ability to develop a deep understanding of procurement policies and procedures in different types of purchases. Timely and accurate communication, compliant documentation, and a strong sense of ownership are essential.
This role is a 1.0 FTE, 12-month appointment, positioned in the Dean’s Office, reporting directly to the Assistant Dean for Finance and Administration. The incumbent regularly engages with Maseeh College researchers and their students, Sponsored Projects Administration, and department personnel to support the Maseeh College purchasing functions.
Minimum Qualifications from Classification
- Three years of purchasing experience which must include using purchasing practices, procedures, and techniques such as determining specifications, placing purchase orders, and processing requisitions.
Additional Minimum Qualifications for this Position
- The successful candidate will be detail-oriented, flexible, dependable, and a self-starter
Preferred Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree with 1 year(s) of purchasing experience at PSU
- Experience leading teams
- Working knowledge of electronic financial information systems, such as Banner FIS.
- Proven ability to work independently and to keep abreast of changes in applicable laws, rules, procedures, and guidelines
Key Cultural Competencies
Creates an environment that acknowledges, encourages and celebrates differences.
Functions and communicates effectively and respectfully within the context of varying beliefs, behaviors, orientations, identities and cultural backgrounds.
Seeks opportunities to gain experience working and collaborating in diverse, multicultural, and inclusive settings with a willingness to change for continual improvement.
Adheres to all PSU policies including the policies on Prohibited Discrimination & Harassment and the Professional Standards of Conduct.
Functions and communicates effectively and respectfully within the context of varying beliefs, behaviors, orientations, identities and cultural backgrounds.
Seeks opportunities to gain experience working and collaborating in diverse, multicultural, and inclusive settings with a willingness to change for continual improvement.
Adheres to all PSU 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
Total Compensation Range & Benefits Statement
The starting annual salary rate for this position will be between $50,472 and $58,068. The starting salary may be negotiable above this range, however it will be dependent upon the knowledge, experience, skills and abilities of the chosen candidate, the budget of the hiring department, and approval from HR. PSU’s 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 Public Universities
Application Instructions
Additional Information
Additional Application Instructions (deadlines, etc.)
Background Check Required
Yes
If you have questions
Salary : $50,472 - $58,068