Engineering and Architecture Program Manager (Senior Project Manager)

Job Summary:

This position will be assigned projects on the CU Denver campus.  The Senior Project Manager is typically assigned a project at conception and will manage the project through all phases of planning, construction, and close-out.  The Senior Project Manager may be managing upwards of twenty projects at various stages of the project life-cycle depending on project type, volume, and University needs.  Throughout the course of a project, the Senior Project Manager will work with internal University clients, departments, stakeholders, Facilities Building Maintenance and Operations, and University Service Providers such as the Office of Institutional Planning, EH&S, Office of Information Technology, University Police, Electronic Security, and Grants and Contracts as appropriate. The position will develop strong relationships with architectural and engineering firms, consultants, and contractors.  This position will have opportunities to serve on project oversight committees, design team and contractor selection committees, and internal department committees. 

Key Responsibilities:

• Project Schedule and Budget Management

• Contractual Agreements

• Design Administration

• Bidding and Construction Administration

• Post Construction Issues

• Dispute Resolution

• Estimating

Work Location:

Hybrid – New hires should expect to work onsite approximately four days per week during onboarding, with an ongoing expectation of three to four days per week based on team and university needs.

Why Join Us:

Millions of moments start at CU Denver, a place where innovation, research, and learning meet in the heart of a global city. We're the state's premier public urban research university with more than 100 in-demand, top ranked bachelors, master's, and doctoral degree programs. We partner with diverse learners-at any stage of their life and career-for transformative educational experiences. Across seven schools and colleges, our leading faculty inspires and works alongside students to solve complex challenges and produce impactful creative work. As part of the state's largest university system, CU Denver is a major contributor to the Colorado economy, with 2,000 employees and an annual economic impact of $800 million. This position is involved in a wide variety of construction projects including site infrastructure, classrooms, offices, lab space, day care facilities and police facilities. The work varies from smaller office renovations to large multi-million dollar ground up new construction. Modifying space on campus is a constant process ranging from creating the best facilities for the student population to new lab space for cutting edge medical research.

Why work for the University?

We have AMAZING benefits and offer exceptional amounts of holiday, vacation and sick leave! The University of Colorado offers an excellent benefits package including:

• Medical: Multiple plan options

• Dental: Multiple plan options

• Additional Insurance: Disability, Life, Vision

• Retirement 401(a) Plan: Employer contributes 10% of your gross pay

• Paid Time Off: Accruals over the year

• Vacation Days: 22/year (maximum accrual 352 hours)

• Sick Days: 15/year (unlimited maximum accrual)

• Holiday Days: 15/year

• Tuition Benefit: Employees have access to this benefit on all CU campuses

• ECO Pass: Reduced rate RTD Bus and light rail service

There are many additional perks & programs with the CU Advantage.

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited, non-correspondence college or university in construction management, architecture, architectural engineering, construction engineering, civil engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering or related degree

AND

• Six (6) years of construction project management experience in the alteration, modification and remodel of small ($25K) to large ($10M+) renovation and capital projects for institutional or commercial buildings which must have included at least one year experience in planning/cost estimating work

  • Substitution: A combination of education and related technical/military/paraprofessional experience may be substituted for a bachelor’s degree on a year for year basis.

Applicants must meet minimum qualifications at the time of hire.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in design and construction administration of buildings and remodel projects in an institutional, higher education, or similar setting.

• Experience working for organizations with construction standards and guidelines.

• Experience with construction project management platforms

• Experience with State of Colorado, Office of the Architect, and State Buildings Program contractual agreements, or similar.

• Experience in Design/Build or Construction Management/General Contractor project delivery methods.

Conditions of Employment:

• Must possess a current, valid Colorado Driver’s License or have the ability to obtain one.

• Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without requiring sponsorship. We are unable to provide work visa sponsorship or employment authorization for this position now or in the future.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel and Project

• Proficiency with Bluebeam or similar document management/review software

• Excellent oral and written communication and customer services skills

• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects, priorities, and stakeholders simultaneously.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with faculty, staff, consultants, contractors, and stakeholders throughout the institution.

How to Apply:

For full consideration, please submit the following document(s):

1. A letter of interest must provide sufficient detail about your background and experience to allow the screening panel to properly assess your experience in the required elements, including your experience and achievements. 

2. Curriculum vitae / Resume

3. Three to five professional references, including name, address, phone number (mobile number if appropriate), and email address

Applications are accepted electronically ONLY at www.cu.edu/cu-careers.

Questions should be directed to: Ida Mae Isaac, [email protected]

Screening of Applications Begins:

Immediately and continues until position is filled. For best consideration, apply by August 31, 2026.

Anticipated Pay Range:

The starting salary range (or hiring range) for this position has been established as $91,884 - $110,000.

The above salary range (or hiring range) represents the University’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting. This position may be eligible for overtime compensation, depending on the level.

Your total compensation goes beyond the number on your paycheck. The University of Colorado provides generous leave, health plans and retirement contributions that add to your bottom line.

Total Compensation Calculator

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

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.

ADA Statement:

The University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities throughout the employment application process. To request an accommodation pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact the Human Resources ADA Coordinator at [email protected]​.

Background Check Statement:

The University of Colorado Anschutz is dedicated to ensuring a safe and secure environment for our faculty, staff, students and visitors. To assist in achieving that goal, we conduct background investigations for all prospective employees.

Vaccination Statement:

CU Anschutz strongly encourages vaccination against the COVID-19 virus and other vaccine preventable diseases. If you work, visit, or volunteer in healthcare facilities or clinics operated by our affiliated hospital or clinical partners or by CU Anschutz, you will be required to comply with the vaccination and medical surveillance policies of the facilities or clinics where you work, visit, or volunteer, respectively. In addition, if you work in certain research areas or perform certain safety sensitive job duties, you must enroll in the occupational health medical surveillance program.