MANAGER, PROJECTS & OPERATIONS

Job no: 498882

Work type: Staff Full-Time

Location: Denver, CO

Categories: Student Affairs / Services, Business Operations / Services, Admin / Executive / Office Support

Division: Student Affairs & Incl Excellence

At the University of Denver, Student Affairs is at the heart of the student journey - empowering every student to thrive academically, personally, and professionally. Rooted in DU’s signature 4D Experience, our division is committed to fostering holistic development through four dimensions: deepen intellect, develop wellbeing, discover character, and design careers and lives of purpose.

Our work reaches far beyond the classroom. Through dynamic, high-impact programs, services, and experiences offered at both the Denver Campus and the Kennedy Mountain Campus, we foster inclusive communities, promote health and wellness, cultivate exploration, engagement, and leadership, and develop a deep sense of belonging. We are committed to creating a high-touch environment where students and participants connect meaningfully, grow confidently, and thrive personally and collectively.

As a division, we serve the broader DU and Denver community which includes:

Current DU Students & Families

Prospective Students & Families

Faculty & Staff

Alumni & Donors

Local Community

Companies & Organizations

National Peers & Media

Together, we are shaping a vibrant, supportive, and dynamic campus culture where every student and participant can discover their potential and make a meaningful impact.

The Student Affairs division includes the following units:

4D Experience

Office of External Relations (OER)

Housing, Residential Education and Dining Services

Driscoll & Community Commons

Business and Planning

Student Engagement

New Student & Family Programs

Kennedy Mountain Campus

DU Outdoors

Wellness & Recreation

Health & Counseling Center

First@DU

Learning Effectiveness Program

Student Disability Services

Student Outreach & Support

Student Rights & Responsibilities

Veteran & Military Resources

Office of the Dean of Students

Student Engagement & Leadership Development - Student Center Operations

Student Activities and Involvement fosters vibrant campus life by creating meaningful opportunities for students to connect, lead, and engage beyond the classroom. The department supports the holistic student experience through student governments, events and traditions, the programming board, student organization operations and support, leadership development, and student center operations.

Grounded in a student centered and inclusive approach, Student Activities and Involvement empowers students to explore interests, develop leadership skills, build community, and contribute to a strong sense of belonging at the University. Through high impact programs, shared campus spaces, and collaborative partnerships, the department serves as a central hub for engagement - supporting student voice, campus traditions, and everyday connections that shape a dynamic and welcoming campus experience.

Position Summary

The Manager for Projects & Operations provides comprehensive project management, administrative, and operational support to the Student Engagement and Leadership Development business unit within the Division of Student Affairs. This position serves as a central coordinating role that ensures the effective operation, execution, and logistical support of programs, services, events, and initiatives spanning multiple engagement functions.

The Student Engagement portfolio is the University of Denver’s central hub for co-curricular learning, leadership development, and campus life, advancing the University’s 4-Dimensional Experience for undergraduate, graduate, 1st generation, post-traditional, and veteran students.

Through New Student & Family Programs; Driscoll & Community Commons Student Center Operations; Student Leadership, Volunteerism & Development; Student Activities & Organizations; FIRST@DU; and Post-Traditional & Veteran Student Services, Student Engagement fosters intellectual growth, connection and belonging, leadership and civic responsibility, and career readiness through experiential and applied learning.

The Project & Operations Manager supports portfolio-wide initiatives by managing administrative processes, contracts, event logistics, inventory systems, and guest services across Student Engagement programs and facilities. This role plays a critical function in ensuring high-quality student experiences, efficient internal operations, and coordinated support for large-scale programs, hallmark events, and daily engagement services.

The position works collaboratively with professional staff, student staff, campus partners, and external vendors to support 1st generation students, registered student organizations, Fraternity & Sorority Life, student governance, orientation and transition programs, leadership development initiatives, community engagement efforts, and major University events. Emphasis is placed on operational excellence, customer service, and systems coordination that support students navigating diverse pathways, responsibilities, and lived experiences.

This position summary is not designed to capture all activities, duties, or responsibilities required for this position. Responsibilities may change or new ones may be assigned at any time.

This position is a limited appointment with continuation contingent upon funding availability and performance

Essential Functions

Portfolio Wide Project & Event Management

Coordinate and support planning, execution, and logistics for 1st generation students and non-traditional students, Student

Engagement programs, large scale events, Hallmark experiences, and initiatives across multiple units, ensuring timelines, deliverables, and guest experiences are managed efficiently.

Administrative Operations & Contract Management

Provide comprehensive administrative support for the Student Engagement & Leadership Development portfolio, with emphasis on contracts, purchasing, vendor coordination, invoices, and compliance with University and divisional policies.

Facilities, Guest Services & Front Line Support

Oversee guest services and front desk operations for Student Engagement & Leadership Development spaces, support event check in and guest experience, and serve as a liaison for facilities, reservations, and space coordination.

Inventory, Systems & Operational Logistics

Manage inventory, supplies, equipment, andsources; maintain organized tracking systems; and support operational systems related to events, programs, and student engagement services.

Cross Unit Coordination, Communication & Continuous Support

Collaborate with professional staff, oversight/support of student staff, campus partners, and external stakeholders to support daily operations, respond to emerging needs, maintain records and documentation, and assist with special projects and other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Demonstrated strong interpersonal skills

Demonstrated strong organizational skills

Demonstrated ability to work with internal and external constituents in an effective, confidential, friendly and responsive manner via phone, email, face-to-face meetings and video conferencing

Self-starter with ability to coordinate several tasks simultaneously with attention to detail

Familiarity with web-based data management and modern office practices and procedures

Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams and Outlook), Zoom, and Qualtrics. Experience with Banner, Slate, Concur, Qualtrics, 25 Live, Crimson Connect would be a plus.

Demonstrated ability to work both independently and as part of a team.

Required Qualifications

Associates Degree or combination of 3 or more years education and work experience

Experience with customer service management

Experience working with students

Experience with event and project management

Preferred Qualifications

Bachelor’s Degree

One to two (1-2) years of experience in customer service in an office setting

One to two (1-2) years of experience in business processes in an office setting

Experience with Word, Excel, Adobe, and Outlook in a professional context

Working Environment

Working Environment: Standard office environment, unexpected interruptions occur often, and stress level is moderate to high, noise level is quiet to moderate.

This position requires employees to work onsite with occasional evenings, weekends, and holiday shifts. (Schedules vary by department and position.)

Staff are expected to support student Hallmark, Tradition and other program events throughout the year.

Physical Activities

Physical Activities: Ability to sit in front of a computer for an extended period of time, occasionally required to move about the office/campus with the capability of transporting objects up to 20 lbs.

Work Schedule

This position requires employees to work onsite with occasional evenings, weekends, and holiday shifts. (Schedules vary by department and position.)

Staff are expected to support student Hallmark, Tradition and other program events throughout the year.

Application Deadline

For consideration, please submit your application materials by 4:00 p.m. (MST) July 21, 2026.

Special Instructions

Candidates must apply online through jobs.du.edu to be considered. Only applications submitted online will be accepted.

Salary Grade Number:

The salary grade for the position is 9.

Hourly Rate:

The hourly ratefor the position is $30.65

The University of Denver has provided a compensation range that represents its good faith estimate of what the University may pay for the position at the time of posting. The University may ultimately pay more or less than the posted compensation range. The salary offered to the selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal salary equity considerations, and available market information, but not based on a candidate’s sex or any other protected status.

Benefits:

The University of Denver offers excellent benefits, including medical, dental, retirement, paid time off, tuition benefit and ECO pass. The University of Denver is a private institution that empowers students who want to make a difference.

Please include the following documents with your application:

1. Resume

2. Cover Letter

All offers of employment are based upon satisfactory completion of a criminal history and National Sex Offender Registry background check.

Advertised: July 14, 2026

Applications close: July 21, 2026