Program Director Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

Pacific University achieves excellence and distinction by investing in exceptional people to think, care, create, and pursue justice in our world. We embrace discovery in a close and nurturing environment that leads to genuine transformation. Our community is diverse, sustainable, and dedicated to discovery and excellence in teaching, scholarship, and practice.
At Pacific University, we thrive in an extraordinary environment, surrounded by the beauty of the great Pacific Northwest, with campus locations in Forest Grove and Hillsboro. We humbly acknowledge and thank the original caretakers of the lands on which we live, work, teach, and acquire and share knowledge.
Salary Range: $48,000 - $59,000
Reports to: Director, MSW (Primary supervisor); Director, MNL (Secondary supervisor)
GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF POSITION
The Program Coordinator provides high-level administrative and operational support for Pacific University's Master of Social Work (MSW) and Master's in NonProfit Leadership (MNL) programs. Serving as a central pillar within the Graduate and Professional Division, this role acts as the primary liaison between students, faculty, and university-wide service departments on behalf of their program directors. The Coordinator is responsible for optimizing program workflows and collaborating with Executive Assistants and Budget Managers to align divisional practices, streamline event programming, and ensure a seamless experience for a diverse community of graduate scholars.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Align divisional operations by collaborating regularly with Executive Assistants and Budget Managers to standardize program management practices across the college.
• Serve as a strategic liaison between the division and university-wide service departments to ensure seamless communication and resource sharing.
• Act as a key contributor to the Graduate and Professional Division, attending planning meetings and providing insights to harmonize processes across multiple academic units.

Operations

• Implement and manage program budgets, ensuring strict compliance with institutional fiscal policies and applicable constraints; provide regular reporting and data-driven updates to division budget managers.
• Process and authorize payments by reconciling invoices.
• Analyzing program data and assessing needs and opportunities in admissions, policies and procedures, and budget and implementing changes within policy and scope.
• Assist with developing and reviewing administrative and programmatic systems and procedures to ensure effectiveness of program and compliance with internal and external requirements including accreditation.
• Administer (and in some cases develop and implement) policies, procedures, and processes in alignment with the institution to support program operations.
• Create and maintain office systems and independently initiate efforts to research and change policies and procedures to assure efficiency and integrity of program systems.
• Assist with accreditation and school social work licensure pathway data collection and activities.
• Coordinate and collaborate across the units within the college to offer additional necessary support as needed.
• In collaboration with the program Director(s), create and route Personnel Actions Forms, Personnel Requestion Forms and part-time adjunct faculty contracts.

Faculty & Student Support

• Direct onboarding for new faculty and students across the graduate programs, including orientation logistics and clinical compliance tracking.
• Manage student registration and course scheduling in consultation with Program Directors.
• Oversee Moodle sites and provide first-tier technical troubleshooting for students and instructors.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for students; program policies and events; hire and supervise work-study personnel.
• Manage the production and distribution of programmatic materials, application packets, and new student welcome assets.

Communications & Event Management

• Coordinate messaging between Graduate & Professional Admissions, Marketing & Communications (MarCom), and external partners to ensure program visibility and consistency across digital platforms and Moodle resource pages.
• Serve as the central hub for communication among students, faculty advisors, student committees, and external contractors.
• Partner with University Events to plan and execute high-stakes programming, including clinical/practicum trainings and commencement ceremonies.
• Direct the student entry process (including virtual and in-person orientations) while auditing mandatory compliance records.

SECONDARY FUNCTIONS:

• MSW: PROGRAM-SPECIFIC SUPPORT
  • Manage data and information systems for the Field Practicum Program in alignment with Director directives.
  • Monitor student practicum requirements and maintain consistent communication regarding clinical standing.
  • Attend Clinical Coordinator meetings as a designated proxy for the Practicum Director when necessary.
• Other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISOR RESPONSIBILITY

• Occasional Oversight: This position may provide occasional guidance or taskspecific oversight to student workers, interns, or temporary staff.

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

• Minimum of five years of related professional experience
• Demonstrated knowledge of Microsoft Office, Outlook, and/or Google Suite.
• Proficiency with online, Zoom, and hybrid course and event facilitation.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Command of written and spoken English is required.
• Excellent customer service and successful written and verbal communication with a broad and diverse audience in a culturally responsive manner.
• Ability to maintain confidential, detailed records.
• Proficient in the use of common office software, spreadsheets, email, databases, and electronic platforms.
• Ability to prioritize and perform multiple projects, track data, meet timelines, respond to others in a timely manner, and work both independently and as a collaborative member of the University with a high standard of integrity and ethics, in support of the University's strategic vision and the division's annual goals.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bilingual or multilingual skills, especially in Spanish.
• Experience working in a higher education setting, preferred.
• Experience coordinating or supporting student programs, events, or initiatives
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Familiarity with FERPA, Title IX, or other relevant higher education compliance standards
• Experience supervising student staff or volunteers

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Position based on the Forest Grove Campus, with regular shifts at the Hillsboro Campus. May allow for hybrid, on-campus and remote work when events are not occurring.

Schedule Expectations:

• Standard weekday hours (Monday-Friday); Occasional evening and/or weekend responsibilities

Travel Requirements:

• Occasional travel required between the Forest Grove and Portland Office.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• This position is categorized as Light to Medium Work. While primarily sedentary, the role requires the ability to occasionally lift and transport up to 50 pounds (e.g., residency supplies, faculty book shipments, and event materials).
• Visual Acuity: Requires the ability to perceive, analyze, and interpret complex digital data, financial reports, and printed instructional materials.
• Must be capable of operating a motor vehicle (including campus vans) to transport students and guest authors during residency periods.
• Employees must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily. Upon request, reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions, absent undue hardship.

APPLICATION PROCESS
To apply, please upload your resume and cover letter along with your Paycom application. Persons who do not follow and complete the application process are not applicants and will not be considered for employment.
Only qualified applicants will be contacted for an interview. During the selection process, we will strive to provide timely notifications. The selection process may vary from recruitment to recruitment but typically includes multiple interviews and may take several weeks depending on the position. All qualified applicants will be notified once the selection process has closed.
Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire and continue to work without employer visa sponsorship, now or in the future.
At Pacific University, we are dedicated to offering experiences that are authentic, holistic, equity-minded, and responsive. Our communal success rests on the recognition that complex problems and effective solutions are best approached by teams with a variety of diverse perspectives. and life experiences. As we continue to develop our equity practices, we actively promote access to opportunities and equitable pay for all employees.
Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs where they are unsure if they can perform every function in the job description. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job and that candidate may come from a variety of backgrounds and lived experiences. If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about how your background and skill set may qualify you for the role.
We, who make up Pacific University, aspire to become a community of purpose where everyone is enabled to be wholly and comfortably who they are; accountable for inclusive behaviors and practices; built on trust, civility, care, openness, and honest conversations often around critical subjects. We know that these values are critical to prepare for a global world with complex problems, through an asset-based mindset so that everyone is afforded an opportunity to succeed. We believe in fostering a workplace where every employee is respected, their contributions are valued, and they are provided opportunities to succeed.
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
We offer a comprehensive benefits package for qualifying employees. Current benefits include:

• Generous paid time off (for vacation, holidays-including winter break-and sick leave)
• Medical coverage with alternative care options (with in-network services covered at 100% after payroll deduction)
• Comprehensive dental and vision plans
• Generous retirement contribution after one year of service with no match required
• Free mental health appointments
• Tuition remission for employees and their dependent child(ren) who meet eligibility requirements
• On-campus benefits, including free access to our sports facility and library
• Discounts on campus food, bookstore purchases, clinic services, and outdoor program gear rentals (including kayaks, snowshoes, and bikes)

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYMENT
Pacific University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to complying with all applicable laws, including those concerning employment and workplace policies. We are committed to fostering a non-discriminatory and inclusive work environment. We are proud to encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including those from historically underrepresented groups.
NOTICE OF NONDISCRIMINATION POLICY
Pacific University makes all employment decisions without regard to race, color, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, age, religion or religious creed, disability, sex, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, or any other characteristics protected by applicable law. Applicable laws include, but are not limited to, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Age Discrimination Act, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Questions or complaints may be directed to the Vice President for Academic Affairs at 2043 College Way, Forest Grove, OR 97116 or via email at provost@pacificu.edu.