Manager, Projects & Operations

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.

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.

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.

• 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.

• 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

• 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

Advertised: July 14, 2026
Applications close: July 21, 2026

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: 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.

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.