Departmental Research Administration; DRA Manager

Departmental Research Administration (DRA) Manager

Full‑time position at Portland State University’s downtown campus in Portland, Oregon.

As a member of the Sponsored Projects Administration (SPA) unit, the DRA Manager leads a team of Departmental Research Administrators and provides financial and budget support to principal investigators throughout the sponsored projects lifecycle. The role involves supervision, training, and mentorship of DRAs, resolving complex escalations, and ensuring post‑award compliance and fulfillment of institutional, state, sponsor, and federal policies.

• Lead and manage a team of Departmental Research Administrators.
• Supervise, train, and mentor DRAs while managing workload.
• Resolve complex issues escalated from team members.
• Ensure post‑award obligations and compliance with institutional, state, sponsor, and federal regulations.
• Provide financial and budget administration support to principal investigators of sponsored projects.
• Monitor and communicate project status, keeping multiple projects on track.
• Maintain customer‑focused service and provide responsive support to faculty, staff, and external partners.

• Bachelor’s degree and three or more years of related experience.
• Master’s degree may substitute for a portion of experience requirements.

• Interpreting and applying federal and state laws and regulations, including financial management of sponsored awards.
• Experience using financial accounting systems or fund accounting systems.
• Working knowledge of federal regulations governing research (e.g., OMB Uniform Guidance, Federal Acquisition Regulations, and sponsor policies).
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to learn quickly, apply creativity, understand complex processes, prioritize workload, and meet deadlines with minimal supervision.
• Commitment to excellent customer service and support.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to learn quickly, apply creativity, understand complex processes, prioritize workload, and meet deadlines with minimal supervision.
• Commitment to excellent customer service and support.
• Ability to monitor and communicate project status and keep multiple projects on track.
• Interpersonal skills for inter‑departmental communication and team‑building in a complex institutional setting.
• Proficiency in Google Workspace, Microsoft Office (Word, Excel), scheduling and email programs, and financial information systems.
• Ability to communicate ideas clearly and diplomatically with all levels of the University, sponsors, and audit agencies.
• Independent judgment and problem‑solving skills to anticipate consequences and implement viable solutions.
• Ability to manage diverse personnel issues diplomatically, promoting positive morale and productivity.
• Coaching skills for developing team dynamics, empowerment, and creativity.

• Experience in sponsored projects administration at a higher‑education institution.
• Supervisory experience.
• Certificate in Research Administration (CRA).

• Create an environment that acknowledges, encourages, and celebrates differences.
• Communicate effectively and respectfully within diverse cultural backgrounds and identities.
• Seek opportunities to gain experience working in inclusive settings and continuously improve.
• Adhere to PSU policies on prohibited discrimination, harassment, and professional standards.

Contribute to a culture of environmental stewardship, practice resource conservation, and work toward long‑term sustainability goals.

Monday‑Friday, 40 hours per week. Limited remote work may be permitted up to one day per week, subject to approval.

Starting annual salary range: $65,100 – $83,556, subject to negotiation based on experience, skills, and market factors. The position begins at the Q1 level within the PSI salary band.

Benefits include healthcare coverage (95% premium paid), a generous retirement and vacation package, and reduced tuition rates for employees, spouses, or dependents at Oregon University System schools.