Manager for Projects & Operations

University of Denver•Denver, CO

5d•Onsite

About The Position

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, 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 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.

Requirements

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

Nice To Haves

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
Experience with Banner, Slate, Concur, Qualtrics, 25 Live, Crimson Connect would be a plus.

Responsibilities

Coordinate and support planning, execution, and logistics for Student Engagement programs, large-scale events, Hallmark experiences, and initiatives across multiple units, ensuring timelines, deliverables, and guest experiences are managed efficiently.
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.
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.
Manage inventory, supplies, equipment, and shared resources; maintain organized tracking systems; and support operational systems related to events, programs, and student engagement services.
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.