Assistant Director, Center Entrepreneurship

Equal Opportunity Employer / Veterans / Disabled

Portland State University’s Center for Entrepreneurship (CE) is responsible for creating, funding, and implementing entrepreneurship and innovation programs for PSU students and other students in the State of Oregon. The 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 recruit students, design impactful entrepreneurial programs, and facilitate hands‑on experiences, including mentoring student teams, leading training sessions, and providing comprehensive program support throughout participants’ entrepreneurial journey. The role also involves building strong relationships with campus partners, the Portland startup ecosystem, and other institutions to drive entrepreneurial initiatives s dynamic position is ideal for someone passionate about experiential education, fostering innovation, and empowering student success.

• Recruit students into entrepreneurship and innovation programs.
• Design and implement student‑focused entrepreneurship education and competition programs.
• Mentor student teams and provide guidance throughout their entrepreneurial journey.
• Lead training sessions and workshops for students and participants.
• Coordinate logistics, programming, and event management to ensure smooth operations.
• Build and maintain relationships with campus partners, local startup ecosystem, and other institutions.
• Support the Center’s strategic goals and initiatives under the Director’s direction.

• Bachelor's degree with 46 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.
• Current PSU AAUP academic professional (required by collective bargaining agreement).

• Direct entrepreneurial experience as a founder or team member in a startup.
• Proven experience in program design, logistics coordination, and event management.
• Outstanding presentation and storytelling skills.
• Strong expertise in graphic, presentation, or space design.
• Demonstrated sales acumen in building trust and effectively conveying value.
• Knowledge of the Portland startup ecosystem and a strong professional network.
• International experience that enhances cross‑cultural competencies.

• Creates an environment that acknowledges, encourages, and celebrates differences.
• Communicates effectively and respectfully within diverse contexts.
• Seeks opportunities to collaborate in multicultural and inclusive settings.
• Adheres to all PSU policies, including the policies on Prohibited Discrimination & Harassment and Professional Standards of Conduct.

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

40 hours per week, usually weekdays, with frequent evening networking and occasional weekends.

Salary is dependent on several factors; new employees will typically start around the Q1 level, with potential for growth within the salary band. The starting annual salary for this position is between $65,736 and $74,169, and may be negotiated above this range based on experience and other factors. An excellent benefits package includes 95% premium‑paid healthcare, a generous retirement and vacation package, and reduced tuition rates for employees, spouses, or dependents at any of the Oregon University System schools.

Posting closes 02/25/2026. Application screening begins 02/12/2026.