Design and Construction Senior Project Manager
Requisition Number: 69499
Location: Boulder Colorado
Employment Type: University Staff
Schedule: Full Time
Posting Close Date: 28-Jan-2026
Date Posted:
Job Summary
Planning Design & Construction (PD&C) at CU Boulder encourages applications for a Design and Construction Senior Project Manager! This role is 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, manage budgets and schedules, and coordinate consultants, contractors, and internal partners to ensure timely and cost-effective project delivery. The position ensures compliance with industry standards, state regulations, and university policies while supporting the maintenance, improvement, and functionality of campus facilities.
This position handles large multimillion-dollar design and construction projects from project development through closeout, and works in close collaboration with University Planning, from project planning through design, while maintaining autonomy over day-to-day project delivery. The position may also run multiple small to large projects from project development through closeout, all together equaling several million dollars, in lieu of a few multimillion-dollar projects.
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).
Review 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 team members.
Schedule and Budget Management
Create and maintain master project timelines using data from multiple sources.
Monitor progress and adjust schedules to ensure timely project delivery.
Prepare budget estimates and manage fiscal aspects of the project.
Negotiate costs with contractors, consultants, and suppliers.
Maintain and update budget tracking tools, including the Unifier Project Management module.
Engage with leadership and Team Leads to review and report on schedules and budgets.
Bidding and Construction Administration
Supervise 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 collaborators.
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 Go-Live 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 team members while ensuring compliance with codes and policies.
What You Should Know
This position will work in a hybrid work modality, though the training period will require at least 3 days a week to be in person. The position has a work schedule of Monday - Friday during regular business hours.
What We Can Offer
The salary range for this position is $100,000 - $111,000 annually.
Benefits
At the University of Colorado Boulder (https://www.colorado.edu/) , we are committed to supporting the holistic health and well-being of our employees. Our comprehensive benefits package (https://www.colorado.edu/jobs/benefits) 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. Explore additional perks and programs through the CU Advantage (https://advantage.cu.edu/campus/cu-boulder) program.
Be Statements
Be adaptable. Be resourceful. 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 work experience may be substituted for the required degree on a year-for-year basis.
5 years of experience managing large-scale, multi-million-dollar institutional or commercial construction projects. This 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, internal partners, and contractors.
Clear, concise communication tailored to diverse audiences; strong meeting facilitation skills.
Strong oral and written communication skills, with a focus on customer service and collaborator engagement.
Analytical problem-solving, cost and schedule control, and thorough attention to quality and safety.
Negotiation, consensus building, and proactive risk management.
Adaptability and continuous improvement mentality.
Special Instructions
To apply, please submit the following materials:
A current resume.
A cover letter that specifically tells us how your background and experience align with the requirements, qualifications, and responsibilities of the position.
We may request references at a later time.
Please apply by January 28, 2026 , for consideration.
Note: Application materials will not be accepted via email. For consideration, please apply through CU Boulder Jobs (https://jobs.colorado.edu/) .
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.
To apply, visit https://jobs.colorado.edu/jobs/JobDetail/Design-and-Construction-Senior-Project-Manager/69499 (https://apptrkr.com/6855561)
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The University of Colorado does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, pregnancy, disability, creed, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, veteran status, political affiliation, or political philosophy. All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply.
