Project Specialist, University Relations

About University Relations

The Division of University Relations (UR) is dedicated to promoting public awareness, support, and understanding of the university’s mission and objectives. It encompasses marketing, communications, and public affairs, adopting an integrated approach to deliver exemplary work that achieves strategic goals. UR supports key areas such as academics, research, enrollment, athletics, internal audiences, and advancement, leveraging data-driven authentic storytelling to enhance the university’s presence locally, nationally, and globally.

UR fosters an inclusive, supportive team culture where diverse perspectives and input are highly valued and contribute to collective success.

Position Overview

As a core member of the newly established project management team within University Relations, the Project Specialist will oversee and guide projects from initiation through to completion, delivering operational assistance across the division. Ideal for a detail-focused collaborator, this role involves developing procedures and systems from scratch and maintaining close coordination with campus partners and UR colleagues. Reporting to the Strategic Initiatives Support Manager, this role ensures effective project execution that aligns with the university’s broad priorities.

Key Responsibilities

• Coordinate multiple cross-functional projects simultaneously by defining scope, setting schedules, allocating duties, tracking progress, and updating stakeholders.
• Manage and prioritize incoming project requests through UR’s project management platform, ensuring proper routing and prioritization.
• Keep comprehensive records, status reports, and documentation for all projects.
• Engage appropriate university staff across units to collaborate or stay informed about projects, furthering UR’s integrated operational model.
• Detect and address potential risks or delays early, communicating effectively with involved parties to resolve them.
• Participate in refining project management methods, templates, and workflows as part of the foundational team.
• Utilize AI tools thoughtfully to aid content creation and process improvement while ensuring human oversight for consistency, accuracy, and brand integrity.
• Manage specific portfolio tasks such as securing permissions for photography, video, and design projects.
• Coordinate communications and confirmation processes among project stakeholders.
• Monitor project budgets to prevent overspending.
• Support talent management activities including recruitment and onboarding to assist hiring managers and team growth.
• Oversee vendor relations, contracts, and procurement processes to facilitate competitive bidding.
• Assist with creation of project management documents for divisional alignment.
• Provide scheduling, timeline, and committee support to the Associate Vice Chancellor as needed.
• Undertake additional tasks as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• 2-4 years of demonstrated experience managing multiple projects at once.
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education, work experience, or military training in relevant fields such as project management, marketing, or communications; candidates with an associate degree and sufficient professional experience are encouraged to apply.
• Proven skill in communicating and collaborating effectively across diverse personalities and organizational levels, from peers to senior leaders and external partners.

Preferred Qualifications

• Certification in project management.
• Experience within higher education, nonprofit, or related institutional sectors.

Working Conditions and Schedule

• Standard work hours are Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Mountain Time.
• Position location is Denver metro area, with eligibility for a hybrid schedule averaging three days onsite and two days remote, contingent on team needs.
• Role requires occasional travel and occasional weekend or after-hours commitment, especially for campus events.
• Continuous computer work with periods requiring movement around office or campus; ability to adapt quickly to priority changes.

Compensation and Benefits

• Salary range: $60,000 to $65,000 per year.
• Benefits include medical, dental, retirement plans, paid leave, tuition benefits, and an ECO pass.

Additional Information

The university is committed to equal employment opportunities and does not discriminate based on a variety of protected statuses. Employment offers are contingent upon successful background and registry checks. Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter by 4:00 p.m. MST on August 10, 2026.