What are the responsibilities and job description for the Design and Construction Project Manager position at University of Colorado?
Job Summary
The Project Manager serves as a key representative of the University in the planning and execution of construction and renovation projects across campus. In this role, you will define project scope, handle budgets and schedules, and coordinate consultants, contractors, and internal partners to ensure timely and cost-effective project delivery. The Project Manager ensures compliance with university policies, state regulations, and industry standards while supporting the maintenance, improvement, and functionality of campus facilities.
The position leads multiple small to large projects from project development though closeout, all together equaling several million dollars. For larger capital projects, the position operates under the guidance of senior leadership to ensure strategic alignment and oversight, while maintaining autonomy over day-to-day project delivery.
CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.
Who We Are
The PD&C department consists of three teams (Planning, Engineering, and Design & Construction) responsible for the planning, design, and construction of buildings on campus, in support of CU Boulder's academic mission. The Design & Construction team consists of approximately 40 high performing project delivery professionals leading over 400 projects across campus annually with a combined budget of over $500 million. The Design & Construction team strives to guide campus development in a way that gives physical form to the university's mission, vision, and programs through the effective use of human, environmental, and financial resources.
What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be
Project Development
What You Should Know
What We Can Offer
The salary range for this position is $82,000 - $87,500 annually.
Benefits
At the University of Colorado Boulder , we are committed to supporting the holistic health and well-being of our employees. Our comprehensive benefits package includes medical, dental, and retirement plans; generous paid time off; tuition assistance for you and your dependents; and an ECO Pass for local transit. As one of Boulder County's largest employers, CU Boulder offers an inspiring academic community and access to world-class outdoor recreation. In fact, CU Boulder has been named one of Forbes' America's Best Large Employers , ranking #4 among large employers in Colorado and #28 among universities nationwide. Explore additional perks and programs through the CU Advantage program.
Be Statements
Be positive. Be willing. Be Boulder.
What We Require
What You Will Need
What We Would Like You to Have
Special Instructions
To apply, please submit the following materials:
We may request references at a later time.
Please apply by October 11, 2026 for consideration.
Note: Application materials will not be accepted via email. For consideration, please apply through CU Boulder Jobs .
In compliance with the Colorado Job Application Fairness Act, in any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.
The Project Manager serves as a key representative of the University in the planning and execution of construction and renovation projects across campus. In this role, you will define project scope, handle budgets and schedules, and coordinate consultants, contractors, and internal partners to ensure timely and cost-effective project delivery. The Project Manager ensures compliance with university policies, state regulations, and industry standards while supporting the maintenance, improvement, and functionality of campus facilities.
The position leads multiple small to large projects from project development though closeout, all together equaling several million dollars. For larger capital projects, the position operates under the guidance of senior leadership to ensure strategic alignment and oversight, while maintaining autonomy over day-to-day project delivery.
CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.
Who We Are
The PD&C department consists of three teams (Planning, Engineering, and Design & Construction) responsible for the planning, design, and construction of buildings on campus, in support of CU Boulder's academic mission. The Design & Construction team consists of approximately 40 high performing project delivery professionals leading over 400 projects across campus annually with a combined budget of over $500 million. The Design & Construction team strives to guide campus development in a way that gives physical form to the university's mission, vision, and programs through the effective use of human, environmental, and financial resources.
What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be
Project Development
- Meet with campus clients to review proposed improvements and define project scope.
- Communicate regularly with clients to ensure satisfaction and alignment with expectations.
- Coordinate with Facilities Management, building occupants, and auxiliary services (EH&S, OIT, Parking).
- Consult the department's Project Delivery Guide to ensure compliance with policies and regulations.
- Collaborate with Team Leads to review scopes of work and update monthly reports.
- Solicit proposals or qualifications and negotiate contract terms.
- Prepare and amend consultant and contractor contracts as needed.
- Ensure compliance with State rules and regulations in consultant selection.
- Monitor contract performance and ensure adherence to terms.
- Complete contract close-out procedures.
- Lead design meetings with clients and consultants to finalize project documents.
- Review and circulate design documents for campus feedback.
- Track design progress and identify variances from project objectives.
- Implement corrective actions and ensure quality assurance.
- Communicate project updates to partners.
- Develop and maintain master project schedules using data from multiple sources.
- Monitor progress and adjust schedules to ensure timely project delivery.
- Prepare budget estimates and lead fiscal aspects of the project.
- Negotiate costs with consultants, contractors, and suppliers.
- Maintain and update budget tracking tools, including the Unifier Project Management module.
- Engage with Team Leads and D&C Leadership to review and report on budgets and schedules.
- Oversee preparation of bidding documents and manage the construction phase.
- Advertise bids, conduct pre-bid meetings and site visits, and chair bid openings.
- Evaluate bids and award contracts in compliance with university procedures.
- Coordinate construction activities with contractors and university team members.
- Lead weekly construction meetings to review progress and resolve issues.
- Ensure quality control and communicate disruptions to the university community.
- Coordinate space activation activities with internal project partners, external project vendors and consultants, and client representatives to ensure a smooth launch transition.
- Mediate disputes and evaluate complex issues from multiple perspectives.
- Coordinate with supervisors on issues requiring higher-level approval.
- Review and negotiate change requests from consultants, clients, and contractors.
- Seek consensus among partners while ensuring compliance with codes and policies.
What You Should Know
- This position is eligible for a hybrid work modality (at least 3 days a week are required to be in office), and has an anticipated work schedule of Monday - Friday during regular business hours.
- We may make multiple hires from this recruitment.
What We Can Offer
The salary range for this position is $82,000 - $87,500 annually.
Benefits
At the University of Colorado Boulder , we are committed to supporting the holistic health and well-being of our employees. Our comprehensive benefits package includes medical, dental, and retirement plans; generous paid time off; tuition assistance for you and your dependents; and an ECO Pass for local transit. As one of Boulder County's largest employers, CU Boulder offers an inspiring academic community and access to world-class outdoor recreation. In fact, CU Boulder has been named one of Forbes' America's Best Large Employers , ranking #4 among large employers in Colorado and #28 among universities nationwide. Explore additional perks and programs through the CU Advantage program.
Be Statements
Be positive. Be willing. Be Boulder.
What We Require
- Bachelor's degree in one of the following fields: Construction Management, Architecture, Architectural Engineering, Construction Engineering, Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering Electrical Engineering, or a closely related field. Relevant experience may substitute for the required degree on a year-for-year basis.
- 3 years of construction project management experience involving the alteration, modification, or remodeling of institutional or commercial buildings, ranging from small ($2K) to large ($1M) renovation projects. This experience must include at least 1 year of experience in planning and cost estimating.
What You Will Need
- Client-focused relationship building; ability to serve as a trusted advisor to campus partners.
- Inclusive, collaborative leadership across cross-functional teams of consultants, contractors, and internal partners.
- Clear, concise communication tailored to diverse audiences; strong meeting facilitation skills.
- Analytical problem-solving, cost and schedule control, and rigorous attention to quality and safety.
- Negotiation, consensus building, and proactive risk management.
- Adaptability and continuous improvement approach.
What We Would Like You to Have
- Proven experience with a variety of project delivery methods, including: Design-Bid-Build, Design-Build, Construction Manager/General Contractor (CM/GC)
- Proven experience managing building construction and renovation projects, particularly within institutional or higher education environments.
- Experience delivering projects designed and built to sustainability standards (LEED, energy-efficient design).
- Proficiency in Microsoft 365, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams and Project.
- Working experience with project management information systems (e.g., Unifier, e-Builder, Kahua, Procore, or similar)
- Familiarity with, or the ability to quickly learn, the State of Colorado's Office of the Architect and State Buildings Program contractual agreements, or comparable frameworks.
- Strong oral and written communication skills, with a focus on customer service and team member engagement.
- Active participation in professional construction or project management organizations (e.g., Lean Construction Institute, Construction Owners Association of America, CMAA), and demonstrating commitment to industry standards and continuous professional development is a plus.
- Active professional industry certification(s) such as PMP (Project Management Professional), CCM (Certified Construction Manager), DBIA (Design-Build Institute of America), or Lean Construction credentials (LCI), thereby demonstrating advanced expertise and commitment to industry standards is a plus.
- Work experience with, or a credential in, a High Performance Certification Program (like LEED, Green Building Initiative, or Green Globes) is a plus.
Special Instructions
To apply, please submit the following materials:
- A current resume.
- A cover letter that highlights how your unique background and experience align with the requirements, qualifications, and responsibilities of the position, and tells us in your own words why this opportunity interests you.
We may request references at a later time.
Please apply by October 11, 2026 for consideration.
Note: Application materials will not be accepted via email. For consideration, please apply through CU Boulder Jobs .
In compliance with the Colorado Job Application Fairness Act, in any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.
Salary : $82,000 - $87,500