Project Manager – Strategic Plan Implementation

Position Details
University of Colorado Denver
Official Title: Business Services Program Manager
Working Title: Project Manager Strategic Plan Implementation
FTE: Full-time
Salary Range: $84100 - $92895
Position # Requisition #38191

This is a limited-term position ending June 30 2028

About the University of Colorado - Denver
Millions of moments start at CU Denver a place where innovation research and learning meet in the heart of a global city. Were the states premier public urban research university with more than 100 in-demand top ranked bachelors masters and doctoral degree programs. We partner with diverse learnersat any stage of their life and careerfor 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 states largest university system CU Denver is a major contributor to the Colorado economy with 2000 employees and an annual economic impact of $800 million. To learn more about how CU Denver helps learners meet their moment visit .
Job Description
* Applications are accepted electronically ONLY at *
The Strategic Plan Implementation Project Managers will work on a team to implement and actualize an ambitious 2030 vision for the University of Colorado Denver. This role reports to the Director of Strategic Projects and will work closely with the CU Denver cabinet campus leadership and constituents across the institution. This is a three-year position (through June 30 2028).
In 2021 the CU Denver launched a bold purpose-driven strategic planning process to shape its direction for the next decade. Through an inclusive and collaborative effort involving thousands of participants the CU Denver campus community identified five ambitious goals ( aimed at positioning the university as a public urban research institution that truly works for all supporting learners at every stage of life and addressing critical challenges in our communities.
Since the plans adoption the Chancellors cabinet has identified nearly 200 strategic projects with more than 100 already completed. These efforts are bringing CU Denver steadily closer to realizing our 2030 vision.
The Strategic Plan (SP) Team was established to lead and support this progress delivering on the ambitions laid out in the 2030 Strategic Plan by the CU Denver community. This five-person team comprised of a Director of Strategic Projects two Project Managers a Business Analyst and a Project and Operations Coordinator plays a central role in implementing the close collaboration with the Chancellors cabinet the SP team develops annual roadmaps which guide the operationalization of our strategic goals. The team provides project management business analysis change management and operational coordination to coordinate successful execution. The Strategic Plan Team works with campus partners to drive projects forward ensuring alignment with institutional priorities and delivering meaningful results.
Success in this work requires a strong grasp of complex organizational dynamics change management expertise and a deep commitment to innovation and the universitys long-term vision.
We are looking for a Strategic Planning Project Manager who will fit seamlessly into a small hard-working cross-unit team. This person must be an innovative thinker leader and doer. This position will be responsible for managing the development and execution of specific strategic projects and driving progress toward campus strategic objectives. This position will utilize agreed upon tools and follow industry-standard methodologies for defining scope establishing schedules time management deliverables milestones etc.

This position will be required to:
Think critically and with imagination about the Universitys direction at an 80000-foot level as well as analytically and tactically about the execution of the strategic planning project
Exhibit high emotional intelligence and very strong organizational communication relationship-building facilitation and problem-solving skills
Communicate effectively with executive audiences in addition to relating to and understanding students faculty and staff across the institution
Demonstrate expertise in strategy development project management and change management in a higher education setting
Demonstrate collaboration adaptability and resourcefulness to achieve project objectives

Project Manager Strategic Plan Implementation
What you will do:
Using project management theories principles and practices manage all aspects and phases of Strategic Roadmap Projects
Develop change management plans and tactics in collaboration with project leads and University Communications partners
In close partnership and consultation with executive sponsors determine project plan and course of action.
Provide and facilitate on-going communications with constituents
Create drive manage and communicate project plan and schedule
Assign and track tasks and deadlines of internal constituents and support teams
Identify risks escalate challenges and support leaders to clear roadblocks when necessary
Assess and evaluate project success along the way and at project close
Ensure constituents are delivering needed content reviewing content in a timely manner
Maintain a trackable method for determining status of project
Provide regular status reports to executive project sponsor and leadership team
Provide regular communication of project status to audiences at all levels of the organization
Ensure alignment of work to other related initiatives such as CU System Strategic Planning
Build and maintain strong working relationships with faculty staff and students across campus in support of project implementation

These skills and experiences will be called upon as this position will be a critical component to the conceptualization and execution of CU Denvers strategic planning efforts.
There will be a particular emphasis on bridging all constituents units establishing project tasks and deadlines identifying risks and providing status updates.

Qualifications you already possess (Minimum Qualifications)
Applicants must meet minimum qualifications at the time of hire.
Bachelors degree from an accredited institution.
3 years of experience executing projects at a large complex organization or institution.
Experience working in the field of education in some capacity.

Preferred Qualification to possess (Preferred Qualifications)
Experience in management consulting and/or a strategy function within complex organizations
Experience working within higher education in an administrative capacity
Experience working with senior organizational leaders
Project management and/or change management certification
Experience facilitating meetings and/or conversations with large groups of diverse constituents

Knowledge Skills and Abilities
Ability to push boundaries and guide teams through organizational change is valued.
Ability to assist executives with conceptualizing a project that delivers on identified objectives.
Meticulous about managing the details of every project and the impact each detail may have on the overall project success.
Proficient in managing large-scale project plans and time management.
Ability to clearly communicate project status.
Ability to constantly monitor and report on progress of the project to all constituents.
Proficient in facilitating and leading project meetings with prepared agendas clearly stated goals and objectives and processes for tracking decisions issues and action items.

Conditions of Employment
This position requires availability for onsite presence on campus 5 days a week due to the collaborative nature of the work however hybrid work arrangements are assessed based on specific project demands.

Mental Physical and/or Environmental Requirements
The ability to sit for extended periods stand and walk occasionally reach with hands and arms use hands to manipulate a keyboard and mouse and have good near vision for computer work;often requiring minimal lifting but may involve bending or reaching to retrieve items from shelves or drawers.
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
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.

Employment Sponsorship
Please be advised that this position is not eligible now or in the future for visa sponsorship.

Compensation and Benefits
The salary range (or hiring range) for this position has been established at $84100 - $92895.
The salary of the finalist(s) selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors including but not limited to internal equity experience education specialty and training.
The above salary range (or hiring range) represents the Universitys good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.
This position is not eligible for overtime compensation.
Your total compensation goes beyond the number on your paycheck. The University of Colorado Denver provides generous leave health plans and retirement contributions that add to your bottom line.
Benefits: Compensation Calculator: Deadline
Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Preference will be given to complete applications received by November 10th 2025. Those who do not apply by this date may or may not be considered.

Required Application Materials:
To apply please visit: and attach:
A cover letter which specifically addresses the job requirements and outlines qualifications
A current CV/resume
List of three references (we will notify you prior to contacting both on and off-list references)

Questions should be directed to Tawnya Boulier

Background Check Policy
The University of Colorado Denver strives to maintain a safe and productive educational clinical research and employment environment. All prospective employees and current employees must therefore consent to and pass background checks prior to any final appointment/employment.