Manager, Projects & Operations
Job No: 498882
Work Type: Staff Full-Time
Location: Denver, CO
Categories: Student Affairs / Services, Business Operations / Services, Admin / Executive / Office Support
At the University of Denver, Student Affairs is at the heart of the student journey-empowering every student to thrive academically, personally, and professionally. Rooted in DU's signature 4D Experience, our division is committed to fostering holistic development through four dimensions: deepen intellect, develop wellbeing, discover character, and design careers and lives of purpose.
Our work reaches far beyond the classroom. Through dynamic, high-impact programs, services, and experiences offered at both the Denver Campus and the Kennedy Mountain Campus, we foster inclusive communities, promote health and wellness, cultivate exploration, engagement, and leadership, and develop a deep sense of belonging. We are committed to creating a high-touch environment where students and participants connect meaningfully, grow confidently, and thrive personally and collectively.
As a division, we serve the broader DU and Denver community which includes:
Current DU Students & Families
Prospective Students & Families
Faculty & Staff
Alumni & Donors
Local Community
Companies & Organizations
National Peers & Media
Together, we are shaping a vibrant, supportive, and dynamic campus culture where every student and participant can discover their potential and make a meaningful impact.
The Student Affairs division includes the following units:
4D Experience
Office of External Relations (OER)
Housing, Residential Education and Dining Services
Driscoll & Community Commons
Business and Planning
Student Engagement
New Student & Family Programs
Kennedy Mountain Campus
DU Outdoors
Wellness & Recreation
Health & Counseling Center
mailto:First@DU
Learning Effectiveness Program
Student Disability Services
Student Outreach & Support
Student Rights & Responsibilities
Veteran & Military Resources
Office of the Dean of Students
Student Engagement & Leadership Development - Student Center Operations
Student Activities and Involvement fosters vibrant campus life by creating meaningful opportunities for students to connect, lead, and engage beyond the classroom. The department supports the holistic student experience through student governments, events and traditions, the programming board, student organization operations and support, leadership development, and student center operations.
Grounded in a student centered and inclusive approach, Student Activities and Involvement empowers students to explore interests, develop leadership skills, build community, and contribute to a strong sense of belonging at the University. Through high impact programs, shared campus spaces, and collaborative partnerships, the department serves as a central hub for engagement-supporting student voice, campus traditions, and everyday connections that shape a dynamic and welcoming campus experience.
Position Summary
The Manager for Projects & Operations provides comprehensive project management, administrative, and operational support to the Student Engagement and Leadership Development business unit within the Division of Student Affairs. This position serves as a central coordinating role that ensures the effective operation, execution, and logistical support of programs, services, events, and initiatives spanning multiple engagement functions.
The Student Engagement portfolio is the University of Denver's central hub for co-curricular learning, leadership development, and campus life, advancing the University's 4-Dimensional Experience for undergraduate, graduate, 1st generation, post-traditional, and veteran students.
Through New Student & Family Programs; Driscoll & Community CommonsStudent Center Operations; Student Leadership, Volunteerism & Development; Student Activities & Organizations; mailto:FIRST@DU; and Post-Traditional & Veteran Student Services, Student Engagement fosters intellectual growth, connection and belonging, leadership and civic responsibility, and career readiness through experiential and applied learning.
The Project & Operations Manager supports portfolio-wide initiatives by managing administrative processes, contracts, event logistics, inventory systems, and guest services across Student Engagement programs and facilities. This role plays a critical function in ensuring high-quality student experiences, efficient internal operations, and coordinated support for large-scale programs, hallmark events, and daily engagement services.
The position works collaboratively with professional staff, student staff, campus partners, and external vendors to support 1st generation students, registered student organizations, Fraternity & Sorority Life, student governance, orientation and transition programs, leadership development initiatives, community engagement efforts, and major University events. Emphasis is placed on operational excellence, customer service, and systems coordination that support students navigating diverse pathways, responsibilities, and lived experiences.
This position summary is not designed to capture all activities, duties, or responsibilities required for this position. Responsibilities may change or new ones may be assigned at any time.
This position is a limited appointment with continuation contingent upon funding availability and performance
Essential Functions
Portfolio Wide Project & Event Management
Coordinate and support planning, execution, and logistics for 1st generation students and non-traditional students, Student
Engagement programs, large scale events, Hallmark experiences, and initiatives across multiple units, ensuring timelines, deliverables, and guest experiences are managed efficiently.
Administrative Operations & Contract Management
Provide comprehensive administrative support for the Student Engagement & Leadership Development portfolio, with emphasis on contracts, purchasing, vendor coordination, invoices, and compliance with University and divisional policies.
Facilities, Guest Services & Front Line Support
Oversee guest services and front desk operations for Student Engagement & Leadership Development spaces, support event check in and guest experience, and serve as a liaison for facilities, reservations, and space coordination.
Inventory, Systems & Operational Logistics
Manage inventory, supplies, equipment, andsources; maintain organized tracking systems; and support operational systems related to events, programs, and student engagement services.
Cross Unit Coordination, Communication & Continuous Support
Collaborate with professional staff, oversight/support of student staff, campus partners, and external stakeholders to support daily operations, respond to emerging needs, maintain records and documentation, and assist with special projects and other duties as assigned.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Demonstrated strong interpersonal skills
Demonstrated strong organizational skills
Demonstrated ability to work with internal and external constituents in an effective, confidential, friendly and responsive manner via phone, email, face-to-face meetings and video conferencing
Self-starter with ability to coordinate several tasks simultaneously with attention to detail
Familiarity with web-based data management and modern office practices and procedures
Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams and Outlook), Zoom, and Qualtrics. Experience with Banner, Slate, Concur, Qualtrics, 25 Live, Crimson Connect would be a plus.
Demonstrated ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
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