Design and Construction Project Manager

University of Colorado; Boulder (CO); Hybrid; USD 82,000 - 88,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Retirement plans

Paid time off

Tuition assistance

Transit/ECO Pass

Job summary

The University of Colorado Boulder is seeking a Project Manager for campus-wide construction and renovation projects in Boulder, CO. You will define scope, manage budgets and schedules, and coordinate consultants, contractors, and internal partners to ensure timely, cost-effective delivery in alignment with university policies and standards.

You will lead multiple projects of varying size, from development through closeout, with budgets totaling several million dollars, and operate with autonomy

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required in a related field or equivalent.
• Experience managing campus construction projects or similar.
• Ability to define scope, budgets, and schedules with internal partners.
• Knowledge of university policies and regulatory compliance.

Responsibilities

• Project Development: define scope, maintain client satisfaction, coordinate with Facilities Management and EH&S, OIT, Parking.
• Contractual Agreements: solicit proposals, negotiate terms, ensure state rule compliance, monitor performance.
• Design Administration: lead design meetings, review documents, track progress, ensure QA.
• Schedule and Budget Management: develop master schedules, track budgets, negotiate costs, report to leadership.
• Bidding and Construction Administration: oversee bids, award contracts, coordinate construction activities, lead meetings.
• Dispute Resolution: mediate issues, obtain higher-level approval when needed, review change requests.

Skills

Project management

Budget management

Stakeholder coordination

Contract administration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Architecture, Architectural Engineering, Construction Engineering, Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or closely related field

Tools

Unifier Project Management

Job description

Requisition Number: 75099

Location: Boulder, Colorado

City: Boulder

State: Colorado

Employment Type: University Staff

Schedule: Full-Time

Posting Close Date: 11-Oct-2026

Date Posted: 23-Sep-2026

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-today 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.

Contractual Agreements

• 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.

Design Administration

• 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.

Schedule and Budget Management

• 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.

Bidding and Construction Administration

• 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.

Dispute Resolution

• 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.