Office Specialist 1
About the role
The Helen Gordon Child Development Center (HGCDC) and Helen Gordon Infant/Toddler Center (HGITC) are full-day children's programs for Portland State University, serving children aged six weeks to five years. Located on the PSU campus in downtown Portland, the Centers provide model early childhood programs for the children of Portland State University students, faculty and staff, and the Portland community. The Centers are a laboratory for students and faculty participating in observation, practice and research activities in Early Childhood Education, Child, Youth and Family Studies, psychology, and related fields. HGCDC is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children.
Responsibilities
- Serves as a first point of contact for families, students and the campus community.
- Greets families and visitors in a warm and friendly manner.
- Carries out a range of responsibilities that the overall program’s administration.
- Center reception and communication.
- Aid in daily scheduling.
- Ordering and invoice processing.
- Maintain procurement cards.
- Record keeping and filing.
- General clerical support.
Requirements
- Excellent interpersonal skills.
- Successful completion of a background check.
- Minimum Step 6 classification in Oregon Registry.
- Prior experience working with children and families.
- Intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Word and Google Docs.
- Ability to create and edit documents, including formatting text, inserting images and tables, and checking for grammar and spelling errors.
Qualifications
- Completed AA degree.
- Prior experience working in a school or child care facility.
- Prior experience with children and families.
- Strong oral and written communication skills.
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
Monday to Friday, 40 hours per week.
The work schedule will be between the hours of 7:30 am to 5:30 pm, depending on yearly program needs.
Total Compensation Range & Benefits Statement
The starting salary rate for this position will be between $18.06 and $20.19 per hour. 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
Please list the names, telephone numbers and email addresses for three professional references.
Background Check Required
Yes
If you have questions
Please email the Helen Gordon Child Development Center at helengordoncdc@pdx.edu
Search Details
Posting Close Date 08/03/2026
Application screening begins 07/27/2026
Supplemental Questions
* What step are you on the Oregon Childcare Registry?
* How did you first find out about this position?
If you selected Other, please describe. (Open Ended Question)
Applicant Documents
Required Documents: Resume, Cover Letter, Statement of Interest, Professional References
Optional Documents: N/A