Small Construction Project Manager
University of Colorado Boulder
Job Summary
The University of Colorado Boulder is searching for a Small Construction Project Manager! This position functions as a University representative to the campus community for small to large construction and renovation projects, figuring out scope of work, estimating and cost control management, and giving instructions to hired contractors and consultants for the timely alteration, modification, maintenance, and repair of campus buildings. As the University representative, the position develops, handles, and analyzes budgets and master schedules. Projects will be conducted within Facilities Operations Trades Services and/or outside contractors/vendors.
Who We Are
Facilities Management is responsible for the overall physical development and maintenance of the campus. The mission of the department is to provide a safe physical environment that promotes the advancement and transfer of knowledge.
What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be
Project Development
- Meet with campus building clients to review proposed improvements and meet or exceed customer expectations. Communicate frequently with client to achieve customer satisfaction. Develop project scope statements, in consultation with clients and other project personnel such as architects and engineers. Coordinate with Facilities Management, PD&C, building proctors and occupants, and auxiliary services such as EH&S, OIT, and Parking Services.
Project Schedule and Budget Management
- Evaluate scheduling needs, compile data from numerous sources and develop a master project schedule for projects within portfolio. Monitor schedule and make adjustments as necessary to deliver project on time; decide when additional effort is required to keep project on schedule and has authority to take action if work falls behind. Prepare budget estimates to give clients magnitude of cost for proposed renovation work. Have full responsibility for fiscal management of project budget and sole discretion of adjusting budget for maximum effectiveness. Discuss costs of services with consultants, contractors, and suppliers. Maintain a computer based budget worksheet and update status on a regular basis.
Contractual Agreements
- Solicit proposals or qualifications, as necessary; create and negotiate mutually acceptable terms and conditions; prepare consultant and contractor contracts; obtain appropriate approvals; amend contracts as applicable; and monitor activities of consultants and contractors for conformance to contract terms and conditions. Make consultant selections based on State rules and regulations, ensuring the best team is selected to meet client and project needs.
Bidding and Construction Administration
- Supervise document preparations for bidding and manage the construction phase of the project. Monitor project progress against project objectives. Prepare bidding advertisements to contractors, establish criteria to be met by bidding contractors, conduct pre-bid meetings, site visits, clarify plan information, chair bid openings, determine the validity of received bids and award contracts. Oversee construction activity and coordinate with the Contractor and University entities for project needs. Conduct construction meetings to review progress, clarify details, process information, update status, receive client input, relay instructions to contractors and monitor quality control issues, and determine appropriateness of requested changes so budget and schedules can be adjusted if necessary. Keep University community informed of outages or potential disruptions by following appropriate policies and procedures. Complete contract close-out.
Design Administration
- Monitor project progress by measuring progress against project objectives. Conduct design meetings with clients and consultants to complete drawings, contract documents, budget reviews, and schedules for proposed project. Analyze and circulate information to various campus departments for review and comment. Review and inspect work product regularly, identifying variances between planned and actual project objectives, identify problem areas of concern and determine necessary corrective measures, communicate project progress to interested parties through written or verbal communications.
Dispute Resolution and Safety
- Mediate disputes and resolve discrepancies by hearing arguments from all parties and various perspectives. Evaluate complex issues, figuring out which require approval from a higher authority, coordinating with their supervisor as applicable. Review change requests from consultants, clients, and contractors, verifying applicability, often negotiating final cost and time requests. Seek consensus regarding disputes or different requirements among client requests, building code requirements, and state and university requirements. Actively participate in safety meetings. Follow safety policies, procedures and guidelines, and adhere to Standing Operating Procedures for assignments and use of equipment. Participate in and finish safety trainings. Reports potential safety hazards, mistakes, accidents, or procedural violations in a timely manner.
What You Should Know
This will be a primarily in-person position, with some flexibility for hybrid work. The anticipated work schedule is Monday - Friday during regular business hours.
What We Can Offer
The salary for this role is $84,500 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. Explore additional perks and programs through the CU Advantage program.
Be Statements
What We Require
- 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. Experience can substitute for the degree on a year for year basis.
- 3 years of construction project management experience in the alteration, modification and remodel of small ($2K) to large ($1M) renovation projects for institutional or commercial buildings, which must have included at least one year experience in planning/cost estimating work.
What You Will Need
- Knowledge of, or a demonstrated ability to quickly learn Microsoft Word, Excel and Project.
- Knowledge of, or ability to learn the State of Colorado, Office of the Architect, and State Buildings Program contractual agreements, or similar.
- Excellent customer service and social skills.
- Strong oral and written communication skills.
What We Would Like You to Have
- Experience in mechanical, electrical, and structural systems.
- Experience working with contractors.
- Experience in acquiring multiple bids.
- Experience in negotiations.
- Experience in drafting Notices to Proceed, Notices of Substantial Completion, and Notice of Final Acceptance Letters.
- Experience in the project management of buildings and remodel projects in an institutional, higher education, or similar setting.
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 December 14, 2025, for consideration.
Note: Application materials will not be accepted via email. For consideration, please apply through CU Boulder Jobs.
Essential Services
This position is designated “essential services.” The incumbent is required to respond to requests for work during campus emergencies (snow, wind, rain, flood and any other natural or man-made event) and report to work for his / her regularly assigned shift during emergency campus closures.