Basic Needs and Student Support Administrative Program Assistant

Basic Needs and Student Support Administrative Program Assistant

Position Announcement

Proposed Start Date - 09/16/2026

Classification Title
- Administrative Program Assist

Working Title
- Basic Needs and Student Support Administrative Program Assistant

Department - 260410 - SPS Student Parent Serv

Position Number - D93031

Representation - OP - SEIU/OPEU Local 503

Position FTE - 1

End date, if 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 22,000 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 Administrative Program Assistant (APA) provides comprehensive operational and administrative support to the Basic Needs and Student Service Programs unit, which includes the Basic Needs Hub, the Resource Center for Students with Children (RCSWC), and the Food Pantry. This position acts as the primary administrative anchor for the unit, ensuring efficient daily operations across multiple service centers. The APA assists professional staff (Director and Coordinators) by managing the financial scholarship coordination and tracking, office procedures, coordinating complex scheduling and events, processing fiscal transactions, and serving as the first point of contact for students seeking resources.

Minimum Qualifications from Classification
- Three years of office experience which included two years at full performance level and experience generating documents; AND Lead work responsibility or coordination of office procedures.

Additional Minimum Qualifications for this Position

Preferred Qualifications
- Experience working in a higher education or social service setting. Demonstrated understanding of the barriers facing non-traditional students, including food insecurity, housing instability, and parenting responsibilities. Experience in processing financial documents (invoices, reimbursements) and tracking budgets. Proficiency with data entry and maintaining confidentiality regarding sensitive student information. Ability to communicate effectively with diverse populations using a trauma-informed approach.

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.

Environmental Stewardship
- Contributes to a culture of environmental stewardship, practices resource conservation, and actively works toward achieving long-term sustainability goals.

Work Days/Hours
- Typically Monday to Friday, 8am-5pm

Total Compensation Range & Benefits Statement
- The starting hourly rate for this position will be between $20.98 and $23.88. The starting hourly rate 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.) - Please include the names, email addresses and phone numbers for 3 professional references.

Background Check Required
- Yes

If you have questions
- If you have questions, contact Chad Mullen at chadm.

Search Details

Posting Close Date

Application screening begins