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Associate Research Director Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

We are seeking a Principal Clinical Scientist / Associate Director of Real-World Evidence ... Epidemiology and Observational Research Strategy * Lead the design, protocol development, and ...

OR ยท On-site

... research findings to the public and our donors, and on occasion we provide tailored advice to ultra-high-net-worth donors who want to rely on our expertise to direct their giving-but we never ask our ...

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Associate Research Director information

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an associate research director?

To thrive as an Associate Research Director, you need advanced expertise in research methodologies, data analysis, and project management, usually supported by a graduate degree in a relevant field. Familiarity with statistical software (such as SPSS or R), data visualization tools, and experience with research management systems are typically required. Strong leadership, strategic thinking, and communication skills enable you to guide teams and present complex findings to stakeholders effectively. These competencies are essential for delivering high-quality research insights, ensuring project success, and supporting organizational goals.

What is the difference between Associate Research Director vs Research Manager?

AspectAssociate Research DirectorResearch Manager
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in relevant field, often with research experienceBachelor's or Master's, with focus on project management and research oversight
Work EnvironmentStrategic planning, overseeing research teams, high-level decision makingManaging research projects, coordinating teams, ensuring project deliverables
Industry UsageUsed in corporate, academic, and government research settingsCommon in corporate and institutional research departments

The Associate Research Director typically holds a higher strategic role, overseeing multiple research projects and teams, while the Research Manager focuses on managing specific research projects and day-to-day operations. Both roles require strong research credentials, but the Associate Research Director is more involved in strategic planning and leadership.

What are some common challenges faced by associate research directors when managing multiple projects simultaneously?

Associate Research Directors often juggle several projects at once, which requires excellent organizational and time management skills. Balancing priorities, allocating resources efficiently, and ensuring consistent communication across teams can be demanding, especially when deadlines overlap or project scopes change. Additionally, maintaining high-quality standards while mentoring junior researchers and coordinating with senior leadership adds to the complexity. To succeed, it's important to develop strong delegation skills and foster collaborative relationships within the research team.

What is an associate research director?

An Associate Research Director is a senior-level professional who helps oversee the planning, execution, and management of research projects within an organization. They typically support the Research Director by supervising research teams, ensuring projects are completed on time and within budget, and maintaining the quality and integrity of research output. Associate Research Directors also play a key role in developing research strategies, analyzing data, and communicating findings to stakeholders. Their position often serves as a bridge between research staff and upper management.

Is an associate research director a high level position?

An Associate Research Director is considered a senior-level position within research organizations, often responsible for overseeing research projects, managing teams, and contributing to strategic planning. It typically requires extensive experience, leadership skills, and advanced knowledge in the field.
What are popular job titles related to Associate Research Director jobs in Oregon? For Associate Research Director jobs in Oregon, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Associate Research Director jobs in Oregon look for? The top searched job categories for Associate Research Director jobs in Oregon are:
Infographic showing various Associate Research Director job openings in Oregon as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 92% In-person, and 8% Remote job distribution.

Associate Director of Development - Athletics

Portland State University Foundation

Portland, OR โ€ข On-site

$66K - $75K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

About Us
Portland State University (PSU) Foundation fuels the mission and priorities of Oregon's most diverse, innovative, and affordable research university by raising and stewarding philanthropic gifts that transform lives and communities.
At PSU, more than half of incoming first-year students identify as BIPOC, nearly a quarter are parents, and half are the first in their families to attend college. When PSU graduates thrive, families transform, communities prosper, and innovation expands. The PSU Foundation plays a vital role in advancing this impact by inspiring donors, engaging alumni and community partners, and stewarding resources with integrity and purpose.
Recognized as one of Oregon's best non-profits to work for five years in a row, PSU Foundation is a community of purpose-driven professionals who lead with heart, act with trust, and keep our mission forward in everything we do. Guided by creativity and collaboration, we foster a strong sense of belonging-empowering every team member to bring bold ideas and their authentic selves to work.
About The Role
The Associate Director of Development is responsible for managing a portfolio of major gift donors and prospects, with responsibility for advancing philanthropic relationships that result in increased engagement and revenue in support of Portland State University. The initial portfolio will focus heavily on qualifying donors who could make a major gift in the areas of education, social service-related disciplines, and the humanities. The Associate Director of Development also works collaboratively to support planning and implementing solicitation strategies for university priorities.
Building on disciplined fundraising experience, this role demonstrates consistent execution of donor strategy, consistent use of CRM systems, and sound fundraising judgment, with an increased expectation and demonstrated readiness to solicit larger, more complex gifts. The Associate Director uses data to inform outreach strategies across digital and in person channels to qualify, cultivate, solicit, and steward donors, while collaborating closely with Foundation colleagues and campus partners.
This position regularly works with PSU stakeholders, faculty, and Foundation colleagues to align fundraising strategy with academic initiatives.
Position Overview
  • Manages a High-Impact Portfolio: Leads a dynamic portfolio of major and principal gift donors and prospects, ensuring strategic qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship. Maintains accountability for achieving individual fundraising goals while fostering trust and collaboration across teams.
  • Drives Strategic, Cross-Functional Collaboration: Contributes to complex, cross-organizational initiatives-including annual planning and goal-setting.
  • Represents PSUF at Events: Attends, actively participates in and supports athletics and development-related events, serving as a positive ambassador for the university and fostering a sense of community and belonging among stakeholders.
  • Occasional travel is required (15% or less) - most travel is regional in scope requiring travel by driving.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Measures of Success
  • Meet or exceed frontline fundraising metrics, including, but not limited to, face-to-face visits, submitted/funded proposals, individual and unit fundraising.
  • Effective management of portfolio of prospects through all phases of the donor cultivation cycle, with special emphasis on cultivating and soliciting gifts of $25,000 or more.
  • Effective relationship management both internally with PSU partners/units and externally with donors/prospects.
  • Manage Athletics annual giving clubs, programs and initiatives, and meet or exceed new donor and donor retention goals.

Minimum Qualifications
  • 4+ years of progressively responsible fundraising experience, including proven success in securing gifts of $25K+.
  • Bachelor's degree in relevant area, or equivalent combination of education, training, and relevant experience.
  • Technical fluency in fundraising systems and tools.
  • Proficiency with commonly used workplace technologies, including Microsoft Office, SharePoint, CRM platforms, and other cloud-based collaboration and document management tools; demonstrated ability to leverage emerging technologies to enhance productivity, accuracy, and overall work quality.
  • Demonstrated ability to work effectively in an inclusive, equitable, and respectful environment, collaborating with individuals from diverse backgrounds, identities, and experiences.
  • Commitment to fostering a positive and collaborative workplace culture through active engagement with colleagues, open communication, and alignment with organizational values and culture initiatives.
  • Demonstrate reliable, regular, and predictable work attendance.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience working in higher education or for a large complex non-profit organization.
  • Demonstrated success fundraising in higher education for a large public institution with complex matrixed environment.
  • Working knowledge of CRM or donor database systems (i.e. Blackbaud, Raiser's Edge, Salesforce, etc.)
  • Working knowledge of Asana or similar project management tools.
  • Working knowledge of Portland's donor community.

Compensation & Benefits
Our compensation philosophy reflects our commitment to pay equity, transparency, and valuing the contributions of every team member.
  • Hiring Range: $66,000 - 75,000 per year
    • Offers are determined based on a candidate's skills, experience, and qualifications, while ensuring internal pay equity.
  • 4-Day Workweek:
    • As part of our commitment to wellness and workplace culture, we've transitioned to a 4-day workweek-an innovative shift that reflects our values and promotes balance across our team. Business operations are closed on Fridays, supporting work-life balance and recognizing the value of your time.

  • Top-Tier Benefits:
    We offer one of Oregon's leading nonprofit benefits packages, designed to support the well-being of employees and their families. Full-time employee benefits include:
    • 4 Day Work Week, with business operations closed on Fridays
    • 100% employer-paid medical coverage on our base plan
    • 95% employer-paid dental and vision coverage
    • Up to 27 days of paid time off plus 10 paid holidays, including one floating holiday
    • Up to 12% employer contribution to eligible 401(k) plans after applicable waiting periods
    • Employer-paid Long-Term Disability and Life Insurance
    • Portland State University affiliated employee benefits, including tuition discount

How to Apply
Interested in applying? We invite you to submit your application through our Careers page at psuf.org.
Don't meet every requirement? We'd still like to hear from you!
If you enjoy being part of a collaborative results-driven team and making a difference in our community, we encourage you to apply, even if you believe you don't meet all of the requirements listed. Studies have shown that individuals with marginalized identities are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every qualification in the job description. Our priority is finding the best candidate for the role, and we welcome candidates from all backgrounds. PSU Foundation is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.