Basic Needs and Student Support Administrative Program Assistant

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.

About the role

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 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.

Responsibilities

• Manage financial scholarship coordination and tracking.
• Oversee office procedures and ensure efficient daily operations across multiple service centers.
• Coordinate complex scheduling and events.
• Process fiscal transactions, including invoices and reimbursements.
• Serve as the first point of contact for students seeking resources.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding sensitive student information.
• Communicate effectively with diverse populations using a trauma-informed approach.

Requirements

• Three years of office experience, including two years at full performance level and experience generating documents.
• Lead work responsibility or coordination of office procedures.

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.

Schedule

Typically Monday to Friday, 8am-5pm.

Pay

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, dependent upon the knowledge, experience, skills, and abilities of the chosen candidate, the budget of the hiring department, and approval from HR.

Benefits

• 95% premium paid healthcare.
• Generous retirement and vacation package.
• Reduced tuition rates for employee, spouse, or dependent at any of the Oregon Public Universities.