Assistant Director, Center for Entrepreneurship
Portland State University, Portland, Oregon, United States, 97204
Please see Special Instructions for more details.
To apply, please upload the following required documents:
Resume
- outlining professional experience and education
Cover letter
- describing your interest in this position at PSU (about one page)
List of three professional
references
– include name, title, company, relationship to applicant (e.g., supervisor), email, and phone number. We will not contact references without first notifying the applicant.
Position Announcement Proposed Start Date: 05/01/2026
Classification Title: Field, Research, and Outreach Services
Rank: N - No Rank
Working Title: (unspecified)
Department: (unspecified)
Position Number: D91070
Representation: AU - AAUP
Renewable: Renewable
End date, if applicable: (unspecified)
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. 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 PSU Center for Entrepreneurship (CE) Director is responsible for the creation, funding, and implementation of entrepreneurship and innovation programs for PSU students and other students in the State of Oregon. The signature state program is the InventOR, 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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, usually 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 is between $65,736 and $74,169, 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.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled.
For questions about the position, please contact: (contact information omitted)
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Resume
- outlining professional experience and education
Cover letter
- describing your interest in this position at PSU (about one page)
List of three professional
references
– include name, title, company, relationship to applicant (e.g., supervisor), email, and phone number. We will not contact references without first notifying the applicant.
Position Announcement Proposed Start Date: 05/01/2026
Classification Title: Field, Research, and Outreach Services
Rank: N - No Rank
Working Title: (unspecified)
Department: (unspecified)
Position Number: D91070
Representation: AU - AAUP
Renewable: Renewable
End date, if applicable: (unspecified)
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. 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 PSU Center for Entrepreneurship (CE) Director is responsible for the creation, funding, and implementation of entrepreneurship and innovation programs for PSU students and other students in the State of Oregon. The signature state program is the InventOR, 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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, usually 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 is between $65,736 and $74,169, 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.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled.
For questions about the position, please contact: (contact information omitted)
#J-18808-Ljbffr