Innovation Hub Program Navigator

PORTLAND, ORPosted 19 days ago

Job summary

• Job post source

  This job is directly from Portland State University, College of Urban and Public Affairs.

• Job overview

  The Innovation Hub Program Navigator at Portland State University supports regional entrepreneurs by connecting them with resources to foster innovation-based businesses, playing a key role in the Metro Region Innovation Hub.

• Responsibilities and impact

  The Navigator will maintain relationships with regional resources, assess entrepreneur needs, refer and case-manage clients, follow up on engagements, and help set program objectives while leading and coordinating with the Hub team.

• Compensation and benefits

  The salary range is $63,816 to $80,000 with excellent benefits including 95% paid healthcare premiums, generous retirement and vacation packages, and reduced tuition rates for employees and dependents at Oregon University System schools.

• Experience and skills

  Candidates need a bachelor's degree with 4+ years of experience or a master's with 2+ years, preferably with deep metro region entrepreneurial ecosystem experience, coaching skills, high-volume customer service, and strong organizational abilities.

• Career development

  The position offers potential for salary growth within the structured band and opportunities to contribute to evolving Hub objectives and regional entrepreneurial ecosystem development.

• Work environment and culture

  The role emphasizes a diverse, inclusive, and respectful work environment that celebrates differences and encourages collaboration across cultural backgrounds, aligned with PSU's policies on discrimination and professional conduct.

• Company information

  Portland State University is a leading institution focused on innovation and entrepreneurship, partnering with students, faculty, and community to transform ideas into impactful ventures in Portland and beyond.

• Team overview

  The Navigator will join a closely coordinated team of Hub Navigators working under the Hub director and oversight board to serve the tri-county Metro area entrepreneurial ecosystem.

• Job location and travel

  The position is based at Portland State University, working Monday to Friday with some nights and weekends, serving the tri-county Metro region in Oregon.

• Application process

  Applicants must be current PSU AAUP academic professionals and submit a resume, cover letter, and three professional references by July 30, 2025, with screening beginning July 21, 2025.

• Unique job features

  This role uniquely invests in local connectors to equitably support entrepreneurs across diverse communities, requiring flexible, creative problem-solving and cross-cultural communication competence.

Company overview

Portland State University's College of Urban and Public Affairs (CUPA) is an academic institution focused on urban studies, public administration, and community engagement. It offers undergraduate and graduate programs that prepare students for careers in public service, urban planning, and policy analysis. CUPA generates revenue through tuition, grants, research funding, and partnerships with public and private organizations. Established as part of Portland State University, it plays a critical role in addressing urban challenges and fostering sustainable development in the Pacific Northwest. Its mission emphasizes innovation, equity, and collaboration to improve urban environments and public systems.

How to land this job

• Position your resume to highlight your experience in entrepreneurial ecosystems, especially your ability to connect entrepreneurs with resources and support services, reflecting the Innovation Hub's mission at Portland State University, College of Urban and Public Affairs.

• Emphasize skills such as cross-cultural communication, organizational ability, coaching or case management experience, and familiarity with regional innovation resources; these align directly with the Navigator role's responsibilities and preferred qualifications.

• Apply through multiple platforms including the PSU official job portal, LinkedIn, and other job boards mentioned in the posting like HERCJobs or Indeed to maximize your application visibility.

• Connect on LinkedIn with current employees or faculty in the College of Urban and Public Affairs or the Metro Region Innovation Hub; use ice breakers like asking about recent Hub initiatives, expressing interest in their work supporting regional entrepreneurs, or inquiring about the impact of equity-focused programs.

• Optimize your resume for ATS by incorporating keywords from the job description such as 'entrepreneurial ecosystem,' 'resource navigation,' 'cross-cultural communication,' 'organizational skills,' and 'equity and accessibility,' ensuring your resume passes initial automated screenings.

• Leverage Jennie Johnson's Power Apply feature to automate your multi-channel applications and LinkedIn networking, allowing you to focus your energy on preparing for interviews and tailoring your narrative for this unique role.