CUPA Operations Manager & Dean’s Executive Assistant

CUPA Operations Manager & Dean’s Executive Assistant

The College of Urban and Public Affairs at Portland State is among the country’s top professional public policy and urban planning colleges. It offers undergraduate and graduate programs in Criminology and Criminal Justice, Economics, Politics and Global Affairs, Public Administration, and Urban Studies and Planning, and it houses fifteen Centers and Institutes that conduct applied research and engagement for the community.

The Operations Manager & Dean’s Executive Assistant provides high‑level confidential administrative support to the College and manages Dean’s Office operations and special projects.

• Ensure smooth operations of the Dean’s Office by developing, implementing, and maintaining office policies and procedures.
• Organize and maintain the workings of the Office of the Dean, including procurement card custodian duties.
• Serve in the DAS role for the travel authorization and reimbursement process for Dean’s office administration.
• Authorize airline bookings for Senior Administration, including the Dean, Associate Dean, and Assistant Dean/Senior Fiscal Officer, while maintaining travel authorization and budgetary guidelines.

• Assist the Dean, Associate Dean, and Assistant Dean/Senior Fiscal Officer in formulating and implementing College policy and procedure.
• Manage the Dean’s calendar and schedule meetings for the Dean’s Office.
• Review and prioritize correspondences.
• Coordinate Dean’s travel arrangements, authorizations, and reimbursements.
• Utilize excellent organizational, interpersonal, and judgment skills to facilitate collaboration and communication among diverse groups, proactively solving problems and independently handling a variety of complicated and confidential issues.

• Three years of administrative support experience.
• Experience managing correspondence and coordinating meetings using calendar software such as Google Calendar.
• Sound management skills and ability to prioritize, multi‑task, and meet goals and deadlines.
• Demonstrated ability to work as part of a team providing efficient and reliable administrative support.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills and enthusiasm for the mission of Portland State University.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to remain calm in a fast‑paced environment and work well with and assist a diverse clientele.
• Self‑directed, proactive, and a demonstrated ability to initiate problem‑solving.
• Experience with general office procedures related to financial tasks such as paying invoices and ordering supplies.
• A working knowledge of appropriate computer software including Google Calendar and email, Google Suite products, and/or Microsoft Office Suite.

• Experience providing support to the executive level.
• Experience supervising front‑line staff and/or students.
• A working knowledge of higher education and Portland State University in particular.
• Experience in Banner and People Power.
• 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.
• Contribute to a culture of environmental stewardship, practice resource conservation, and actively work toward achieving long‑term sustainability goals.

Monday–Friday, 8:30 am–5:00 pm. The position requires physical presence on campus five days per work week. Limited remote work hours may become available after the first six months based on business need.

Salary is dependent on experience and other factors, with new employees typically starting around the Q1 level. The starting annual salary range is $55,281 to $61,422
, though it may be negotiated above this range depending on budget and approval. Benefits include 95 % premium‑paid health care, a generous retirement and vacation package, and reduced tuition rates for employees, spouses, or dependents at Oregon University System schools. The full benefits package can be viewed via the total compensation calculator.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled