Design and Construction Project Manager

The Chronicle Of Higher Education, Inc.; Allenspark (CO); Hybrid; USD 82,000 - 88,000; Full time

Job summary

The Project Manager at University of Colorado Boulder leads construction and renovation projects across campus, defining scope, budgets, and schedules while coordinating consultants, contractors, and internal partners to ensure timely, cost-effective delivery.

This role oversees multiple projects from development to closeout, supports policy compliance, and guides larger capital programs with senior leadership, while maintaining day-to-day autonomy and a strong emphasis on safety and quality.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Architecture, Architectural Engineering, or related field.

Responsibilities

• Meet with campus clients to review proposed improvements and define project scope.

Skills

Client relationships

Stakeholder management

Cross-functional leadership

Communication skills

Negotiation

Risk management

Adaptability

Education

Bachelor's degree in Construction Management

Architecture or Civil Engineering degree

Tools

Unifier

e-Builder

Kahua

Procore

Microsoft 365

Job description

Job Summary

The Project Manager serves as a key representative of theUniversity in the planning and execution of construction andrenovation projects across campus. In this role, you will defineproject scope, handle budgets and schedules, and coordinateconsultants, contractors, and internal partners to ensure timelyand cost-effective project delivery. The Project Manager ensurescompliance with university policies, state regulations, andindustry standards while supporting the maintenance, improvement,and functionality of campus facilities.

The position leads multiple small to large projects from projectdevelopment though closeout, all together equaling several milliondollars. For larger capital projects, the position operates underthe guidance of senior leadership to ensure strategic alignment andoversight, while maintaining autonomy over day-to‑day projectdelivery.

CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with allapplicable federal, state, and local laws governingnondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating aworkplace where all individuals are treated with respect anddignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds toapply, including protected veterans and individuals withdisabilities.

Who We Are

The PD&C department consists of three teams (Planning,Engineering, and Design & Construction) responsible for theplanning, design, and construction of buildings on campus, insupport of CU Boulder's academic mission. The Design & Construction team consists of approximately 40 high performingproject delivery professionals leading over 400 projects acrosscampus annually with a combined budget of over $500 million. TheDesign & Construction team strives to guide campus developmentin 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 anddefine project scope.
• Communicate regularly with clients to ensure satisfaction andalignment with expectations.
• Coordinate with Facilities Management, building occupants, andauxiliary services (EH&S, OIT, Parking).
• Consult the department's Project Delivery Guide to ensurecompliance with policies and regulations.
• Collaborate with Team Leads to review scopes of work and updatemonthly reports.

Contractual Agreements

• Solicit proposals or qualifications and negotiate contractterms.
• Prepare and amend consultant and contractor contracts asneeded.
• Ensure compliance with State rules and regulations inconsultant selection.
• Monitor contract performance and ensure adherence toterms.
• Complete contract close-out procedures.

Design Administration

• Lead design meetings with clients and consultants to finalizeproject documents.
• Review and circulate design documents for campus feedback.
• Track design progress and identify variances from projectobjectives.
• Implement corrective actions and ensure quality assurance.
• Communicate project updates to partners.

Schedule and Budget Management

• Develop and maintain master project schedules using data frommultiple sources.
• Monitor progress and adjust schedules to ensure timely projectdelivery.
• Prepare budget estimates and lead fiscal aspects of theproject.
• Negotiate costs with consultants, contractors, andsuppliers.
• Maintain and update budget tracking tools, including theUnifier Project Management module.
• Engage with Team Leads and D&C Leadership to review andreport on budgets and schedules.

Bidding and Construction Administration

• Oversee preparation of bidding documents and manage theconstruction phase.
• Advertise bids, conduct pre-bid meetings and site visits, andchair bid openings.
• Evaluate bids and award contracts in compliance with universityprocedures.
• Coordinate construction activities with contractors anduniversity team members.
• Lead weekly construction meetings to review progress andresolve issues.
• Ensure quality control and communicate disruptions to theuniversity community.
• Coordinate space activation activities with internal projectpartners, external project vendors and consultants, and clientrepresentatives to ensure a smooth launch transition.

Dispute Resolution

• Mediate disputes and evaluate complex issues from multipleperspectives.
• Coordinate with supervisors on issues requiring higher-levelapproval.
• Review and negotiate change requests from consultants, clients,and contractors.
• Seek consensus among partners while ensuring compliance withcodes and policies.

What You Should Know

• This position is eligible for a hybrid work modality (at least3 days a week are required to be in office), and has an anticipatedwork schedule of Monday - Friday during regular businesshours.
• We may make multiple hires from this recruitment.

What We Can Offer

The salary range for this position is $82,000 - $87,500annually.

Benefits

At the University of Colorado Boulder, we arecommitted to supporting the holistic health and well-being of ouremployees. Our comprehensive benefits package includes medical,dental, and retirement plans; generous paid time off; tuitionassistance for you and your dependents; and an ECO Pass for localtransit. As one of Boulder County’s largest employers, CU Boulderoffers an inspiring academic community and access to world-classoutdoor recreation. Explore additional perks and programs throughthe CU Advantage program.

Be Statements

Be positive. Be willing. Be Boulder.

What We Require

• Bachelor’s degree in one of the following fields: ConstructionManagement, Architecture, Architectural Engineering, ConstructionEngineering, Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering ElectricalEngineering, or a closely related field. Relevant experience maysubstitute for the required degree on a year-for-year basis.
• 3 years of construction project management experience involvingthe alteration, modification, or remodeling of institutional orcommercial buildings, ranging from small ($2K) to large ($1M)renovation projects. This experience must include at least 1 yearof experience in planning and cost estimating.

What You Will Need

• Client‑focused relationship building; ability to serve as atrusted advisor to campus partners.
• Inclusive, collaborative leadership across cross‑functionalteams of consultants, contractors, and internal partners.
• Clear, concise communication tailored to diverse audiences;strong meeting facilitation skills.
• Analytical problem‑solving, cost and schedule control, andrigorous attention to quality and safety.
• Negotiation, consensus building, and proactive riskmanagement.
• 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, ConstructionManager/General Contractor (CM/GC)
• Proven experience managing building construction and renovationprojects, particularly within institutional or higher educationenvironments.
• Experience delivering projects designed and built tosustainability 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 ofColorado’s Office of the Architect and State Buildings Program contractual agreements, or comparable frameworks.
• Strong oral and written communication skills, with a focus oncustomer service and team member engagement.
• Active participation in professional construction or projectmanagement organizations (e.g., Lean Construction Institute,Construction Owners Association of America, CMAA), anddemonstrating commitment to industry standards and continuousprofessional development is a plus.
• Active professional industry certification(s) such as PMP(Project Management Professional), CCM (Certified ConstructionManager), DBIA (Design‑Build Institute of America), or LeanConstruction credentials (LCI), thereby demonstrating advancedexpertise and commitment to industry standards is a plus.
• Work experience with, or a credential in, a High PerformanceCertification Program (like LEED, Green Building Initiative, orGreen Globes) is a plus.

We may request references at a later time.

Please apply by August 20, 2026 for consideration.

Posting Contact Information

Posting Contact Name: Boulder Campus Human Resources

Posting Contact Email: [e-mail]