Project Director Jobs in Colorado
Project Director jobs in Colorado are concentrated in Denver, Colorado Springs, and Boulder, where industries like aerospace, defense, technology, and construction drive sustained demand for senior-level program oversight. Employers with deep Colorado roots and consistent project director hiring include Lockheed Martin, the University of Colorado Health system, and Jacobs Engineering. The most in-demand specialties are defense program management, healthcare capital projects, and large-scale IT infrastructure delivery. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Department Information
Who we are:
Auraria employees enjoy an excellent benefits package which includes paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave, multiple medical, dental and vision options, discounted RTD Eco-Pass, BenefitHub and outstanding retirement plan. Learn more through this link: Non-Classified Benefits Package.
So, if you're interested in a great job working alongside great people, this may be the opportunity for which you've been waiting for.
Description of Job
The Director of Construction Project Management is responsible for leading the project management team in delivering construction project management services including project development, project design, project oversight, partnering with procurement to establish contracts and following State of Colorado processes related to construction projects. The Project Management team provides project management services to the Auraria Campus including the three academic institutions that share the Auraria Campus (the Community College of Denver, the Metropolitan State University of Denver, and the University of Colorado Denver) and the Auraria Higher Education Center that operates the campus.
Essential Job Functions:
Direct and administer the overall activities of the Construction Project Management Team:
- Directly supervise and provide on-going feedback, performance evaluations, timely direction, and coaching to all direct reports.
- Lead all hiring processes for the Project Management Team.
- Manage day-to-day activities of the Project Management Team including project development, project design, project oversight, contracting and project closeout in an efficient and timely manner. This includes all levels of projects: deferred maintenance projects, capital construction projects, controlled maintenance projects, institutional and agency enhancements, and campus damage.
- Plan, assign, and/or supervise the work of other project managers, ensuring work is done according to State Buildings standards, code, financial constraints, State Guidelines and per the Agreements with Institutional Partners.
- Manage and monitor project schedules, progress, and budget/costs to ensure projects are completed on time and effectively. Maintain, adjust, and update project plans as needed. Consolidate, communicate and manage all issues and risks affecting the project. Provide timely and accurate communication of project status to project participants and stakeholders.
- Coordinate with the Auraria Planning Department to ensure compliance with the Campus Framework Plan as well as working collaboratively to provide post project design drawings to integrate into campus data systems.
- Execute projects to meet facilities and customer/institutional driven requirements. Work in coordination with the Business Services Department to ensure that all contracts and documentation are developed in a timely manner and in accordance with fiscal requirements.
- Work closely with the Facilities Maintenance team including the Director of Facilities Maintenance, Assistant Director of Facilities maintenance, front office team and trades supervisors as needed for design review and coordination.
- Lead the continuous improvement of project processes and systems in order to streamline functions and create a more efficient and consistent environment within the project management team. Processes include project intake, project tracking, customer communication, project closeout, billing, change orders etc.
- Follow all agency, safety, and regulatory requirements including, but not limited to, policies, procedures, standards, and guidelines as they relate to this position and the work duties being performed.
- Manage and monitor project quality to ensure that project deliverables are acceptable and fulfill the terms of the project contract or specifications.
- Ensure department and project budgets are accurately tracked and reconciled.
- Partner with finance team to track project expenditures monthly
- Develop and administer contracts for projects and other initiatives which may or may not entail charge backs or other reconciliations with other State entities. Ensure that project accounts and revenue and expenditure budgets are accurately tracked and reconciled.
- Direct team in data collection and reporting processes for department developed KPIs.
- Report out on project data to a variety of audiences including Chief Executive Officers, Presidents, and Chancellors.
- Partner with Campus Planning Department to submit accurate cost estimates for Capital Construction and Capital renewal project submissions to the Colorado Department of Higher Education and Office of State Architect. Ensure all deadlines are met in submission process.
- Meet state submission deadlines for annual project updates.
- Support Campus Architect in annual submission of Controlled Maintenance request to Office of state architect including preparing accurate cost estimates and socializing plan with campus constituents. Ensure all deadlines are met in submission process.
- Partner closely with the Director and Assistant Director of Facilities Maintenance and Director of Custodial Services
- Participate in agency wide Director’s meetings
- Lead biweekly project update meeting to provide project updates to Auraria Campus Senior Leadership and facilitate decision making discussions.
- Maintain professional relationships with campus institutions, campus constituents, jurisdictions, and community to ensure seamless project execution and completion.
- Present general and specific project updates to leadership teams from Auraria Campus, and each of the IHEs as requested.
Other Duties:
- Support the Operations Division with other duties as assigned including but not limited to snow removal, emergency situation support, and covering for staff who are out of the office.
- Respond to after-hours calls as part of the Operation Leadership team as needed.
Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights
- Completed online application, and resume.
- Resume is required.
- Must possess a valid unencumbered Colorado driver's license at the time of application.
- Failure to submit a completed application, and resume may result in removal from further consideration.
- Bachelor's degree or higher and a degree in a relevant field such as construction management, architecture, engineering, facilities management or a closely related field preferred.
- Minimum of 10 years of professional experience in project management, systems oversight, budget management and contract management.
- Experience managing large projects with budgets of over $10 million.
- Must be a state of Colorado resident.
- Must be able to successfully pass a criminal background check.
- Must maintain a valid unencumbered driver's license.
- Please note that if offered employment, candidates will be required to furnish a copy of their motor vehicle report (MVR) as part of the background check process.
- Bachelor's degree or higher in construction management, architecture, engineering, facilities management or related field.
- 3 or more years of progressively responsible experience in management and staff supervision.
- Experience managing large projects within the State of Colorado related to construction management, procurement and contracting is preferred.
- Experience working for state or local government.
- Experience managing large projects of $30 million or higher.
- Proven experience in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with a diverse population at all levels throughout the institution - and into the community.
- Ability to communicate in a positive and effective manner, across various modalities.
- Ability to balance multiple projects and tasks in parallel to maintain attention to detail.
- Outwardly contributes to a respectful, positive, and professional workspace.
- Ability to establish work priorities, follow through, and meet established deadlines.
- Strong judgment and critical thinking skills.
- Ability to deliberately listen and communicate relevant information, anticipate problems, and offer suggestions for resolution.
- This position must have very strong interpersonal skills and communication skills. They must be able to interact effectively across a broad spectrum of people, both professionals within the construction environment as well as internal staff and representatives from the Institutions of Higher Education.
Supplemental Information
Colorado Partnership for Quality Jobs and Services Act information:
After careful review of this position and the duties that it performs, it has been designated in accordance with the Colorado Partnership for Quality Jobs and Services Act as a "Not Covered" position, it does not fall in the category of employees that are eligible for representation by COWINS, also known as the union. To learn more about this designation please visit this link: http://coloradowins.org/
Applicant Checklist & Minimum Qualifications:
E-mail Address:
All correspondence regarding your status in the selection/examination process will be conducted by email.
Applicant Checklist:
Resume (REQUIRED) detailing a summary of work history- Cover Letter (OPTIONAL) detailing how your experience & education meet minimum and preferred qualifications
- Supplemental Questions (REQUIRED) - responses must be completed within the online application before it can be submitted.
Your application as submitted is used to determine if you meet Minimum Qualifications. Please read the Minimum Qualifications and ensure that information in your application "draw correlations" to the Minimum Qualifications. Human Resources Analysts will not infer that you meet the Minimum Qualifications if information isn't detailed in your application.
*Years of experience will be expressed in terms of full-time equivalent service with full-time workload equal to one (1) Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) year. No more than 1.00 FTE year may be credited in any twelve (12) month period. Positions working 40 hours or less per week will be pro-rated (30 hrs/wk=0.75 FTE=9 mos credit; 20 hrs/wk=0.5 FTE=6 mos credit; 10 hrs/wk=0.25 FTE=3 mos credit.) *
Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion: The State of Colorado believes that equity, diversity, and inclusion drive our success, and we encourage candidates from all identities, backgrounds, and abilities to apply. The State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer committed to building inclusive, innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them. Therefore, in all aspects of the employment process, we provide employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, medical condition related to pregnancy, creed, ancestry, national origin, marital status, genetic information, or military status (with preference given to military veterans), or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law.
The Auraria Campus is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, our agency will assist individuals who have a disability with any reasonable accommodation requests related to employment, including completing the application process, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, participating in the employee selection process, and/or to perform essential job functions where the requested accommodation does not impose an undue hardship. If you have a disability and require reasonable accommodation to ensure you have a positive experience applying or interviewing for this position, please direct your inquiries to Nicole Yanez at nicole.yanez@ahec.edu
Department Information
Who we are:
Auraria employees enjoy an excellent benefits package which includes paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave, multiple medical, dental and vision options, discounted RTD Eco-Pass, BenefitHub and outstanding retirement plan. Learn more through this link: Non-Classified Benefits Package.
So, if you're interested in a great job working alongside great people, this may be the opportunity for which you've been waiting for.
Description of Job
The Director of Construction Project Management is responsible for leading the project management team in delivering construction project management services including project development, project design, project oversight, partnering with procurement to establish contracts and following State of Colorado processes related to construction projects. The Project Management team provides project management services to the Auraria Campus including the three academic institutions that share the Auraria Campus (the Community College of Denver, the Metropolitan State University of Denver, and the University of Colorado Denver) and the Auraria Higher Education Center that operates the campus.
Essential Job Functions:
Direct and administer the overall activities of the Construction Project Management Team:
- Directly supervise and provide on-going feedback, performance evaluations, timely direction, and coaching to all direct reports.
- Lead all hiring processes for the Project Management Team.
- Manage day-to-day activities of the Project Management Team including project development, project design, project oversight, contracting and project closeout in an efficient and timely manner. This includes all levels of projects: deferred maintenance projects, capital construction projects, controlled maintenance projects, institutional and agency enhancements, and campus damage.
- Plan, assign, and/or supervise the work of other project managers, ensuring work is done according to State Buildings standards, code, financial constraints, State Guidelines and per the Agreements with Institutional Partners.
- Manage and monitor project schedules, progress, and budget/costs to ensure projects are completed on time and effectively. Maintain, adjust, and update project plans as needed. Consolidate, communicate and manage all issues and risks affecting the project. Provide timely and accurate communication of project status to project participants and stakeholders.
- Coordinate with the Auraria Planning Department to ensure compliance with the Campus Framework Plan as well as working collaboratively to provide post project design drawings to integrate into campus data systems.
- Execute projects to meet facilities and customer/institutional driven requirements. Work in coordination with the Business Services Department to ensure that all contracts and documentation are developed in a timely manner and in accordance with fiscal requirements.
- Work closely with the Facilities Maintenance team including the Director of Facilities Maintenance, Assistant Director of Facilities maintenance, front office team and trades supervisors as needed for design review and coordination.
- Lead the continuous improvement of project processes and systems in order to streamline functions and create a more efficient and consistent environment within the project management team. Processes include project intake, project tracking, customer communication, project closeout, billing, change orders etc.
- Follow all agency, safety, and regulatory requirements including, but not limited to, policies, procedures, standards, and guidelines as they relate to this position and the work duties being performed.
- Manage and monitor project quality to ensure that project deliverables are acceptable and fulfill the terms of the project contract or specifications.
- Ensure department and project budgets are accurately tracked and reconciled.
- Partner with finance team to track project expenditures monthly
- Develop and administer contracts for projects and other initiatives which may or may not entail charge backs or other reconciliations with other State entities. Ensure that project accounts and revenue and expenditure budgets are accurately tracked and reconciled.
- Direct team in data collection and reporting processes for department developed KPIs.
- Report out on project data to a variety of audiences including Chief Executive Officers, Presidents, and Chancellors.
- Partner with Campus Planning Department to submit accurate cost estimates for Capital Construction and Capital renewal project submissions to the Colorado Department of Higher Education and Office of State Architect. Ensure all deadlines are met in submission process.
- Meet state submission deadlines for annual project updates.
- Support Campus Architect in annual submission of Controlled Maintenance request to Office of state architect including preparing accurate cost estimates and socializing plan with campus constituents. Ensure all deadlines are met in submission process.
- Partner closely with the Director and Assistant Director of Facilities Maintenance and Director of Custodial Services
- Participate in agency wide Director’s meetings
- Lead biweekly project update meeting to provide project updates to Auraria Campus Senior Leadership and facilitate decision making discussions.
- Maintain professional relationships with campus institutions, campus constituents, jurisdictions, and community to ensure seamless project execution and completion.
- Present general and specific project updates to leadership teams from Auraria Campus, and each of the IHEs as requested.
Other Duties:
- Support the Operations Division with other duties as assigned including but not limited to snow removal, emergency situation support, and covering for staff who are out of the office.
- Respond to after-hours calls as part of the Operation Leadership team as needed.
Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights
- Completed online application, and resume.
- Resume is required.
- Must possess a valid unencumbered Colorado driver's license at the time of application.
- Failure to submit a completed application, and resume may result in removal from further consideration.
- Bachelor's degree or higher and a degree in a relevant field such as construction management, architecture, engineering, facilities management or a closely related field preferred.
- Minimum of 10 years of professional experience in project management, systems oversight, budget management and contract management.
- Experience managing large projects with budgets of over $10 million.
- Must be a state of Colorado resident.
- Must be able to successfully pass a criminal background check.
- Must maintain a valid unencumbered driver's license.
- Please note that if offered employment, candidates will be required to furnish a copy of their motor vehicle report (MVR) as part of the background check process.
- Bachelor's degree or higher in construction management, architecture, engineering, facilities management or related field.
- 3 or more years of progressively responsible experience in management and staff supervision.
- Experience managing large projects within the State of Colorado related to construction management, procurement and contracting is preferred.
- Experience working for state or local government.
- Experience managing large projects of $30 million or higher.
- Proven experience in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with a diverse population at all levels throughout the institution - and into the community.
- Ability to communicate in a positive and effective manner, across various modalities.
- Ability to balance multiple projects and tasks in parallel to maintain attention to detail.
- Outwardly contributes to a respectful, positive, and professional workspace.
- Ability to establish work priorities, follow through, and meet established deadlines.
- Strong judgment and critical thinking skills.
- Ability to deliberately listen and communicate relevant information, anticipate problems, and offer suggestions for resolution.
- This position must have very strong interpersonal skills and communication skills. They must be able to interact effectively across a broad spectrum of people, both professionals within the construction environment as well as internal staff and representatives from the Institutions of Higher Education.
Supplemental Information
Colorado Partnership for Quality Jobs and Services Act information:
After careful review of this position and the duties that it performs, it has been designated in accordance with the Colorado Partnership for Quality Jobs and Services Act as a "Not Covered" position, it does not fall in the category of employees that are eligible for representation by COWINS, also known as the union. To learn more about this designation please visit this link: http://coloradowins.org/
Applicant Checklist & Minimum Qualifications:
E-mail Address:
All correspondence regarding your status in the selection/examination process will be conducted by email.
Applicant Checklist:
Resume (REQUIRED) detailing a summary of work history- Cover Letter (OPTIONAL) detailing how your experience & education meet minimum and preferred qualifications
- Supplemental Questions (REQUIRED) - responses must be completed within the online application before it can be submitted.
Your application as submitted is used to determine if you meet Minimum Qualifications. Please read the Minimum Qualifications and ensure that information in your application "draw correlations" to the Minimum Qualifications. Human Resources Analysts will not infer that you meet the Minimum Qualifications if information isn't detailed in your application.
*Years of experience will be expressed in terms of full-time equivalent service with full-time workload equal to one (1) Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) year. No more than 1.00 FTE year may be credited in any twelve (12) month period. Positions working 40 hours or less per week will be pro-rated (30 hrs/wk=0.75 FTE=9 mos credit; 20 hrs/wk=0.5 FTE=6 mos credit; 10 hrs/wk=0.25 FTE=3 mos credit.) *
Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion: The State of Colorado believes that equity, diversity, and inclusion drive our success, and we encourage candidates from all identities, backgrounds, and abilities to apply. The State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer committed to building inclusive, innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them. Therefore, in all aspects of the employment process, we provide employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, medical condition related to pregnancy, creed, ancestry, national origin, marital status, genetic information, or military status (with preference given to military veterans), or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law.
The Auraria Campus is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, our agency will assist individuals who have a disability with any reasonable accommodation requests related to employment, including completing the application process, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, participating in the employee selection process, and/or to perform essential job functions where the requested accommodation does not impose an undue hardship. If you have a disability and require reasonable accommodation to ensure you have a positive experience applying or interviewing for this position, please direct your inquiries to Nicole Yanez at nicole.yanez@ahec.edu
See All 18 Project Director Jobs in Colorado
Find roles in Colorado that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Project Director JobsProject Director Jobs by City in Colorado
Where Colorado roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Project Director Job Market in Colorado
A snapshot from current Colorado openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Consulting & Professional Services
What Colorado Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in project director jobs across Colorado.
- Project Management Professional (PMP) certification required or strongly preferred
- Bachelor's degree in engineering, construction management, business, or a related field
- Ten or more years of progressive project management experience with a leadership record
- Demonstrated experience managing multi-million-dollar budgets and cross-functional teams
- Proficiency with project management tools such as MS Project, Primavera, or Smartsheet
- Strong written and verbal communication skills for executive-level stakeholder reporting
Project Director Jobs in Colorado: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a project director in Colorado?
Most project directors in Colorado reach the role by combining a bachelor's degree in engineering, construction management, business, or a related field with years of progressively senior project management experience. The Project Management Professional (PMP) certification from PMI is the most widely recognized credential Colorado employers expect at the director level. Colorado does not require a state-issued license specific to project directors, though roles in construction may also require a Colorado-issued contractor license through the Division of Professions and Occupations.
How much do project directors make in Colorado?
Project directors in Colorado earn a median of about $110,050 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $68,990 for the lowest 10% to over $171,630 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire project directors in Colorado?
Companies currently hiring project directors in Colorado include Black & Veatch, TAKKION, and Rippling, per current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. Colorado's concentration of defense contractors, healthcare systems, and engineering firms means demand for project directors remains broad and consistent across the state.
Which Colorado cities have the most project director jobs?
Denver, Centennial, and Colorado are the Colorado cities with the most project director openings. Denver anchors the market as the state's business and government hub, while Colorado Springs draws significant demand from defense and military contractors like Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman, and Boulder's technology and research corridor generates steady openings in IT and life sciences project leadership.
Are there remote project director jobs in Colorado?
Yes, but they're less common than for individual contributor roles, since project directors typically need to be on-site or close to stakeholders to manage teams and deliverables effectively. About 67% of project director openings tied to Colorado are remote or hybrid as of September 2026, which reflects the hands-on coordination demands of the role. The functions most likely to be done remotely are portfolio planning, reporting, and vendor oversight rather than day-to-day team and site management.
How can I get hired as a project director in Colorado with little or no experience?
The most realistic path is to start as a project coordinator or project manager at a Colorado employer, then build toward director-level responsibility over time. Large Colorado organizations like UCHealth, Jacobs Engineering, and state government agencies regularly hire project coordinators and junior program managers who can grow into director roles. Earning a PMP or Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) credential early strengthens your candidacy, and volunteering to lead internal initiatives or cross-functional projects gives you the portfolio evidence Colorado employers expect at the director level.
Where can I find and apply to project director jobs in Colorado?
You can find and apply to project director jobs in Colorado on Migrate Mate, which lists current Colorado openings across industries including defense, healthcare, technology, and construction. Find the roles that fit your background and apply directly to the ones that match.
See All 18 Project Director Jobs in Colorado
Find roles in Colorado that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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