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 20,000 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.

The Grants & Agreements Manager provides technical expertise and operational leadership for Sponsored Projects Administration's (SPA) Award Acceptance function at Portland State University. The position serves as the University's technical resource for research agreements, conducting and overseeing the review, redlining, negotiation, acceptance, and documentation of sponsored research contracts, grants, and related agreements. The manager independently analyzes complex agreements, develops alternative contract language, negotiates acceptable solutions with external parties, and resolves contractual issues that affect the University's rights, obligations, and risk.

The Manager supervises a team of Grants & Agreements Specialists responsible for reviewing, negotiating, and accepting sponsored awards and research agreements; drafting and executing outgoing subaward agreements; and documenting award information necessary to support institutional stewardship, compliance, and financial management.

The Manager builds and hones team expertise in the operational and legal implications of research contract clauses and partners with them to develop effective negotiation strategies and counter-proposals, establishes operational priorities, assigns and monitors work, manages service delivery, evaluates performance, and provides technical guidance and feedback on agreement review and negotiation. Working collaboratively with SPA leadership, legal counsel, and campus partners, the manager promotes consistent application of university policy, sponsor requirements, and applicable regulations; recognizes issues requiring consultation or escalation; and improves agreement review processes, tools, and resources.

The Manager serves as an Authorized Organizational Representative (AOR) and Institutional Signing Official for sponsored projects, authorized to execute sponsor-required certifications, assurances, representations, and other institutional approvals related to sponsored projects. In accordance with PSU's Delegated Signature Authority Policy, the incumbent also has delegated authority to execute sponsored project agreements and other authorized documents that legally bind the University to financial and administrative commitments.

This position is based at Portland State University's vibrant urban campus in downtown Portland, where you'll be part of a welcoming and collaborative community. We offer flexible scheduling options and, when operational needs allow, the possibility of limited remote work (typically up to one day per week) under an approved remote work agreement in accordance with University policy.

Bachelor's degree and four or more years of progressively responsible experience directly reviewing, redlining, and negotiating complex contracts and agreements, and demonstrated experience supervising and managing staff.*

*A master's degree may substitute for a portion of the experience requirements, however some direct contract review and negotiation experience and staff supervisory experience are required.

Related experience includes:

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required to Perform the Duties of the Position:

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

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 range for this position will be $74,232 to $94,000 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 visit our total compensation calculator to see the full value of our benefits package.