Department Manager

Position Details Proposed Start Date: 08/03/2026 Classification Title: Administrative Support Rank: N - No Rank Working Title: Department Manager Department: 220700 - ECN Economics Position Number: D93453 Representation: AU - AAUP Renewable: Renewable Position FTE: 1.0 Tenure Status: N - not applicable Position Summary 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. For information about the Department of Economics, visit The Department Manager position is the lead administrator position in the academic unit responsible for operations, budget management, HR, marketing and student success initiatives, and supervising department administrative support staff. This position provides oversight for all administrative components within the department by utilizing specialized skills and independent judgement to ensure continuous operations and policy compliance within a complex and dynamic university environment. Under minimal supervision, the Department Manager has primary responsibility for developing solutions to the financial and operational challenges that arise on a regular basis. This 1.0 FTE, 12‑month appointment reports directly to the Department Chair, as well as works closely with Assistant Dean for Finance & Administration, staff in the Dean’s Office, other Department Managers within CUPA, and staff across campus. In accordance with the AAUP collective bargaining agreement this position is open only to current PSU AAUP academic professionals. Article 17 Section 11 refers. Minimum Qualifications Bachelor’s degree plus 2+ years minimum work‑related experience Minimum 1 year successfully demonstrated ability to supervise, train, and manage support staff and/or student employees Demonstrated ability of program management/project coordination skills Ability to successfully problem‑solve and collaborate with colleagues at all levels within a large organization Self‑starter, able to work independently as well as participate effectively with teams and/or committees Effective oral and written communication skills; demonstrated ability to provide excellent customer service to internal team members and external partner and community members Demonstrated ability to effectively plan and organize activity within a unit to meet deadlines and follow‑through on commitments Demonstrated ability to perform very detailed work with a high level of accuracy Experience with performing appropriate data analysis, working with complex databases, reporting tools/techniques, and producing reports and/or recommendations Successful completion of a background check. Preferred Qualifications 4+ years of experience working in higher education Experience managing budgets Experience working with Banner, Datamaster/Cognos or similar enterprise systems Experience with graphic design software and web CMS Intermediate level (or higher) expertise with Excel. Key Cultural Competencies 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. 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‑Friday, 40 hours per week, schedule to be determined. Total Compensation Range & Benefits Statement Salary is dependent on several factors, and new employees will typically start around the Q1 level to allow for later growth within the salary band. PSU has a structured process for determining starting compensation, taking into account years of related experience, applicable skills, knowledge and abilities, market parity, and internal equity. The starting annual salary for this position will be between $58,956 and $62,000, but may be negotiated above this range, dependent upon the factors above, the budget of the hiring department, and approval from HR. An 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 University System schools. Please see the total compensation calculator for the full value of our benefits package. Equal Employment Opportunity Equal employment opportunity, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. PI285438543 #J-18808-Ljbffr