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: $84,250 - $93,118

Position #00791001- Requisition #36689

Join the University of Colorado Denver

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. 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. To learn more about how CU Denver helps learners meet their moment, visit ucdenver.edu.

Job Description

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

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 (https://www.ucdenver.edu/2030/goals-for-2030) 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 plan's adoption, the Chancellor's 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 plan. In close collaboration with the Chancellor's 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 university's 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 University's direction at an 80,000-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 Denver's 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.

• 
  

  Bachelor's 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 workplaceengagement@ucdenver.edu.

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 $84,250 - $93,118.

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 University's 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: https://www.cu.edu/employee-services/benefits

Total Compensation Calculator: http://www.cu.edu/node/153125

Application Deadline

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Preference will be given to complete applications received by May 9, 2025. Those who do not apply by this date may or may not be considered.

Required Application Materials:

To apply, please visit: http://www.cu.edu/cu-careers and attach:

1. 
   

   A cover letter which specifically addresses the job requirements and outlines qualifications

   
   
2. 
   

   A current CV/resume

   
   
3. List of three references (we will notify you prior to contacting both on and off-list references)

Questions should be directed to Tawnya Boulier, tawnya.boulier@ucdenver.edu.

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.