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Campus Utilities Senior Project Manager

University of Colorado Boulder

University of Colorado Boulder

Operations
Boulder, CO, USA
USD 100k-111k / year
Posted on Jan 15, 2026

Job Summary

Planning Design & Construction (PD&C) at CU Boulder encourages applications for a Senior Project Manager! This role serves as a key representative of the University in the planning and execution of utility-focused construction 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 role ensures compliance with university policies, state laws, and industry standards while supporting the maintenance, improvement, and functionality of campus facilities.

This position manages large multimillion-dollar utility projects from project development through closeout, while maintaining autonomy over day‑to‑day project delivery. The position may also manage multiple small to large utility projects from project development through closeout, all together equaling several million dollars, in lieu of a few multimillion-dollar projects. In either case, the role collaborates closely with the University’s Utility & Energy Services group throughout the design and construction process.

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 department Project Delivery Guide to ensure compliance with policies and laws.
  • 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 alignment 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

  • Develop and maintain master project schedules using data from multiple sources.
  • Monitor progress and adjust schedules to ensure project delivery in a timely manner.
  • Prepare budget estimates and manage fiscal aspects of the project.
  • Negotiate costs with consultants, contractors, and suppliers.
  • Maintain and update budget tracking tools, including the Unifier Project Management module.
  • Engage with Team Leads and leadership to review and report on schedules and budgets.

Bidding and Construction Administration

  • Responsible for the 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 interested parties.
  • 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 partners 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, 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

Be impactful. Be visionary. 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 utilities or MEP-intensive, multi-million dollar institutional or commercial construction projects. This experience must include at least one (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 multi-functional teams of consultants, contractors, and internal collaborators.
  • Clear, concise communication tailored to diverse audiences; strong meeting facilitation skills.
  • Analytical problem‑solving, cost and schedule control, and meticulous attention to quality and safety.
  • Negotiation, consensus building, and proactive risk management skills.
  • Adaptability and continuous improvement mentality.
  • Proficiency in, or ability to quickly learn, Microsoft Word, Excel, and Project.
  • Strong oral and written communication skills, with a focus on customer service and partner engagement.

What We Would Like You to Have

  • Experience with central plants, hydronic/steam systems, power distribution, or similar infrastructure in a university and/or multi-building campus setting.
  • Proven experience with a variety of project delivery methods, including: Design-Bid-Build, Design-Build, Construction Manager/General Contractor (CM/GC).
  • Proven success in construction administration for new construction and renovation projects within institutional, higher education, or similar environments.
  • Experience delivering projects designed and built to sustainability standards (LEED, energy‑efficient design).
  • Working experience with project management information systems (e.g., Unifier, e-Builder, Kahua, Procore, or similar).
  • Familiarity with, or able to learn quickly, State of Colorado Office of the Architect and State Buildings Program contractual agreements, or comparable frameworks.
  • Active participation in professional construction or project management organizations (e.g., Lean Construction Institute, Construction Owners Association of America, CMAA), demonstrating commitment to industry standard processes and continuous professional development.
  • Active professional industry certification(s) such as PMP (Project Management Professional), CCM (Certified Construction Manager), DBIA (Design‑Build Institute of America), or Lean Construction credentials (LCI), demonstrating advanced expertise and commitment to industry standards.
  • Work experience with, or a credential in, a High Performance Certification Program (like LEED, Green Building Initiative, or Green Globes).

Special Instructions

To apply, please submit the following materials:

  1. A current resume.
  2. 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.

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.