Assistant Director, Center for Entrepreneurship
Portland State University
Position Announcement Position Details Proposed Start Date 03/17/2025 Classification Title Field, Research, and Outreach Services Rank N - No Rank Working Title Assistant Director, Center for Entrepreneurship Department 400311 - STP Ctr f/Innovatn & Entrepreneursp Position Number D91070 Representation AU - AAUP Renewable Renewable End date, if applicable 06/30/2026 Position FTE 1.0 Tenure Status N - not applicable Position Summary Brief Description of PSU/School/Dept The PSU Center for Entrepreneurship creates and implements of entrepreneurship and innovation programs for PSU students and other students in the State of Oregon. The signature state program is Invent Oregon, a high-visibility annual statewide collegiate invention competition serving 20+ campuses and ~300 students and running for the entire academic year, for which PSU is the managing entity. Other programs include the PSU’s Cleantech Challenge, Launch-in-9, Kickstart Weekend, The Cube, and other student entrepreneurship programs.
Position Summary The PSU Center for Entrepreneurship (CE) Assistant Director will play a pivotal role in the recruitment, design, and implementation of student entrepreneurship education and invention competition programs, including Kickstart Weekend, Cleantech Challenge, Everyday Entrepreneur, the Cube and Invent Oregon.
Under the guidance of the Director, the Assistant Director will be responsible for recruiting students, designing impactful entrepreneurial programs, and facilitating the delivery of hands-on experiences, including mentoring student teams, leading training sessions, and providing comprehensive program support throughout participants’ entrepreneurial journey.
The Assistant Director will help drive entrepreneurial initiatives at PSU, recruit students into programs, and build strong relationships with campus partners, the Portland startup ecosystem, and other institutions. This dynamic position is ideal for someone passionate about experiential education, fostering innovation, and empowering student success.
This 12-month position is available with the possibility of renewal, contingent on funding.
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 with 4–6 years of professional experience or a Master’s degree with 2+ years of relevant experience. Demonstrated experience with and understanding of entrepreneurship principles, concepts, and practices. Experience in teaching and mentoring, with a demonstrated ability to engage and guide students or participants. Proficiency in Google Suite or Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Suite or Canva. Possession of a valid State-issued driver’s license.
Special Working Conditions: Ability to interact in a professional manner with a variety of people to create a community of support. Some evenings and weekends and travel are required.
Preferred Qualifications Direct entrepreneurial experience as a founder or team member in a startup, demonstrating practical knowledge of the entrepreneurial process. Proven experience in program design, logistics coordination, and event management to ensure smooth operations and successful outcomes. Outstanding presentation and storytelling skills to engage, inspire, and motivate through clear, compelling communication. Strong expertise in graphic, presentation, or space design, with a talent for visual storytelling and creating impactful materials and environments. Demonstrated sales acumen in building trust, fostering relationships, and effectively conveying value to drive engagement. Knowledge of the Portland startup ecosystem, including its resources and a strong professional network. International experience that enhances cross-cultural competencies and brings a global perspective to entrepreneurial practices.
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’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 40 hours per week, weekdays, with frequent evening networking and occasional weekends 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 $61,356 and $69,228, but may be negotiated above this rate 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 : https://www.pdx.edu/human-resources/benefits-overview
Please visit our total compensation calculator to see the full value of our benefits package : https://www.pdx.edu/human-resources/psu-total-compensation-calculator. Application Instructions Additional Information In accordance with the AAUP collective bargaining agreement this position is open only to current PSU AAUP academic professionals. Article 17 Section 11 refers.
#internal
Additional Application Instructions (deadlines, etc.) Please list the names, telephone numbers and email addresses for three professional references.
Does this position require the employee to drive a motor vehicle? Yes Background Check Required Yes Position End Date (if applicable) 06/30/2026 If you have questions Please email the Center for Entrepreneurship at psuce@pdx.edu Search Details Posting Close Date 02/13/2025 Projected Close Date for Posting Closes Application screening begins 01/31/2025 Quick Link https://jobs.hrc.pdx.edu/postings/46711 Supplemental Questions
Position Summary The PSU Center for Entrepreneurship (CE) Assistant Director will play a pivotal role in the recruitment, design, and implementation of student entrepreneurship education and invention competition programs, including Kickstart Weekend, Cleantech Challenge, Everyday Entrepreneur, the Cube and Invent Oregon.
Under the guidance of the Director, the Assistant Director will be responsible for recruiting students, designing impactful entrepreneurial programs, and facilitating the delivery of hands-on experiences, including mentoring student teams, leading training sessions, and providing comprehensive program support throughout participants’ entrepreneurial journey.
The Assistant Director will help drive entrepreneurial initiatives at PSU, recruit students into programs, and build strong relationships with campus partners, the Portland startup ecosystem, and other institutions. This dynamic position is ideal for someone passionate about experiential education, fostering innovation, and empowering student success.
This 12-month position is available with the possibility of renewal, contingent on funding.
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 with 4–6 years of professional experience or a Master’s degree with 2+ years of relevant experience. Demonstrated experience with and understanding of entrepreneurship principles, concepts, and practices. Experience in teaching and mentoring, with a demonstrated ability to engage and guide students or participants. Proficiency in Google Suite or Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Suite or Canva. Possession of a valid State-issued driver’s license.
Special Working Conditions: Ability to interact in a professional manner with a variety of people to create a community of support. Some evenings and weekends and travel are required.
Preferred Qualifications Direct entrepreneurial experience as a founder or team member in a startup, demonstrating practical knowledge of the entrepreneurial process. Proven experience in program design, logistics coordination, and event management to ensure smooth operations and successful outcomes. Outstanding presentation and storytelling skills to engage, inspire, and motivate through clear, compelling communication. Strong expertise in graphic, presentation, or space design, with a talent for visual storytelling and creating impactful materials and environments. Demonstrated sales acumen in building trust, fostering relationships, and effectively conveying value to drive engagement. Knowledge of the Portland startup ecosystem, including its resources and a strong professional network. International experience that enhances cross-cultural competencies and brings a global perspective to entrepreneurial practices.
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’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 40 hours per week, weekdays, with frequent evening networking and occasional weekends 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 $61,356 and $69,228, but may be negotiated above this rate 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 : https://www.pdx.edu/human-resources/benefits-overview
Please visit our total compensation calculator to see the full value of our benefits package : https://www.pdx.edu/human-resources/psu-total-compensation-calculator. Application Instructions Additional Information In accordance with the AAUP collective bargaining agreement this position is open only to current PSU AAUP academic professionals. Article 17 Section 11 refers.
#internal
Additional Application Instructions (deadlines, etc.) Please list the names, telephone numbers and email addresses for three professional references.
Does this position require the employee to drive a motor vehicle? Yes Background Check Required Yes Position End Date (if applicable) 06/30/2026 If you have questions Please email the Center for Entrepreneurship at psuce@pdx.edu Search Details Posting Close Date 02/13/2025 Projected Close Date for Posting Closes Application screening begins 01/31/2025 Quick Link https://jobs.hrc.pdx.edu/postings/46711 Supplemental Questions
Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
* This position is open only to current PSU AAUP academic professionals. Are you currently employed as an AAUP academic professional? Yes No * What is your highest degree earned?(Open Ended Question)
* Please name the specific field/discipline in which you received your degree.(Open Ended Question)
* Do you possess and maintain a valid State-issued driver's license? Yes No * How did you first find out about this position? PSU Website Indeed.com HERCJobs Urban League of Portland Hispanic Metropolitan Chamber Oregon Employment Department Social Media Person Referral Career Builder Glass Door Other - Please describe in the next Question If you selected Other, please describe.(Open Ended Question)
Applicant Documents Required Documents Cover Letter Resume Professional References Optional Documents
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