Project Manager

Alder Companies; Denver (CO); On-site; USD 250,000; Part time

Job summary

A family foundation in Denver is seeking an experienced Project Manager to lead the CO 150 Tapestry project. This role involves developing a project plan, coordinating with community members, and overseeing execution to ensure a finished product by December 2026. The budget for the project is up to $250,000. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in project management, excellent communication skills, and experience in art or cultural projects. Valid driver's license and the ability to travel within Colorado is required.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of project management experience.
• Experience managing multifaceted art, cultural or community projects.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to travel within Colorado.

Responsibilities

• Lead the planning and execution of the CO 150 Tapestry project.
• Coordinate and manage day-to-day aspects of the project.
• Ensure alignment with vision and objectives of the project.

Skills

Project management experience

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Stakeholder management

Ability to balance strategic thinking with operational execution

Job description

Introduction

A private family foundation in the Denver area is seeking an experienced project manager to lead the planning and execution of a collaborative art project.

Our goals for this project are to:

• Celebrate the 150th anniversary of Colorado statehood

The objective of this request is to find an independent contractor or firm that will develop and execute a detailed project plan, and interface with artist and community members to deliver a finished product by the end of December 2026 for potential display in a public location.

Background

In 2026 Colorado celebrates its 150th anniversary of statehood and America is celebrating 250 years since signing the Declaration of Independence. This once-in-a-lifetime moment is an opportunity to reflect on our shared history, celebrate our communities, and shape the future together. Statewide efforts are being led by the America 250 - Colorado 150 Commission, and communities across Colorado are planning celebrations.

The Colorado 150 Tapestry project is a work of textile art to be commissioned by a private family foundation in celebration of the 150th anniversary of Colorado statehood. Working with a local artist, the tapestry intends to tell Colorado’s collective story in ways that connect Coloradans with our shared history. This artwork will focus on what makes Colorado special and unique, including representations of the diversity of land, people and places within the state and will include recent history and contemporary historical Colorado figures. The piece may complement existing publicly displayed works of art celebrating Colorado’s history, such as the Colorado Women’s Gold tapestry that was developed for the 100th anniversary of Colorado statehood and displayed in the Colorado State Capitol.

The piece may culminate in a permanent display in a public location. The project may include community participation events throughout its production, interpretation, narration and storytelling produced alongside the art to accompany the piece in both written and other forms for exhibition throughout the state. This ambitious initiative requires strong leadership to target successful delivery by December 2026.

Budget

The total project budget is up to $250,000 inclusive of: project manager; artist contract and materials; community participation events; interpretation and installation.

The Project Manager (PM) will play a key role in the planning, coordination and execution of the CO 150 Tapestry project. Working in close partnership with the Foundation Manager and President of Philanthropy, the PM will manage the day-to-day aspects of development of the Tapestry project and exhibition from final project approval through final installation of tapestry at its permanent location. The role combines strategic leadership with operational execution, overseeing project planning, scope, and objectives while ensuring alignment with the concept vision. The role is structured as a contract position with an expected duration of nine months with possibility for extension aligned with project timelines.

Key Activities

• Project development, planning and approval
• Project coordination and execution
• Project delivery and reporting
• Minimum 5 years of project management experience
• Knowledge of all basic component aspects involved in developing and organizing exhibitions
• Experience managing multifaceted art, cultural or community projects including artist and exhibition contracts
• Superior communication, writing and organizational skills
• Ability to balance strategic thinking with operational execution
• Highly proactive, independent and productive
• Prior experience that shows excellence in stakeholder management and communication
• Valid driver’s license. Ability to travel within Colorado

Preferred

• Familiarity with arts administration and Colorado history

Submit letter of interest along with resume and/or project portfolio via email to contact below by January 28, 2026.

Contact

Direct all questions and inquiries to:

Anita Wesley, Foundation Manager

Estimated Selection and Project Timeline

January 2026-December 2026

Project Manager Finalist Selection

• Top finalists will be selected and contacted via email provided: February 6, 2026
• Finalists Interviews and Presentations - Interviews in person in Denver: February 9-27, 2026

Project Manager Selection

• Planning: March 2026
• Artist RFP and Selection: April -May 2026
• Overall Design Development: May-June 2026
• Production: July-October 2026
• Finishing & interpretation: Oct-Nov 2026