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Special Projects Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Special Projects Director

Golden, CO · On-site

$130 - $170/hr

Non-Exempt The City of Golden is looking for qualified Special Project Director candidates to join our team temporarily! This role supports the City Manager and City projects by coordinating special ...

Special Projects Director

Golden, CO · On-site

$130 - $170/hr

The City of Golden is looking for qualified Special Project Director candidates to join our team temporarily. This role supports the City Manager and City projects by coordinating special activities ...

Actuary (Validation & Special Projects)

Denver, CO · Hybrid

$119K - $141K/yr

Leads several special project initiatives, including AI adoption, to improve existing workflows within the Model Development and First Line Validation team. * May supervise a team of employees.

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Special Projects information

See Colorado salary details

$20.5K

$88.3K

$135.6K

How much do special projects jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for special projects in Colorado is $88,251.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $67,800.00 and $108,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a special projects role?

Special projects roles are positions focused on managing and executing unique, short-term, or high-priority initiatives within an organization. These roles often require cross-functional collaboration and the ability to adapt quickly to changing objectives. Individuals in special projects roles may work on anything from launching new products to improving internal processes or handling urgent business needs. The responsibilities can vary widely depending on the organization's goals and current needs.

What types of projects does a special projects role typically manage, and how do these projects differ from standard departmental initiatives?

A Special Projects role often involves managing high-priority, cross-functional initiatives that fall outside the scope of routine departmental work. These projects can range from launching new business lines, overseeing organizational change efforts, to implementing strategic partnerships. Unlike standard projects, special projects are usually time-sensitive, require collaboration across multiple teams, and demand adaptability as objectives can evolve quickly. Professionals in this role should be comfortable with ambiguity, proactive communication, and balancing multiple stakeholders' interests.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in a special projects role, and why are they important?

To thrive in a Special Projects role, you need strong project management abilities, strategic thinking, and adaptability, often supported by a bachelor’s degree in business or a related field. Familiarity with project management tools like Asana or Trello, and sometimes certifications like PMP, is valuable for organizing and tracking initiatives. Exceptional communication, problem-solving, and stakeholder management skills help you navigate complex, cross-functional assignments. These skills ensure you can successfully deliver unique and high-impact projects that drive organizational goals.

What is the difference between Special Projects vs Project Coordinator?

AspectSpecial ProjectsProject Coordinator
Required CredentialsVaries; often includes relevant industry experience, certifications like PMP or PMITypically requires a bachelor's degree, project management certifications are a plus
Work EnvironmentFlexible, often cross-departmental, may involve high-level strategic tasksStructured, team-oriented, focused on day-to-day project support
Employer & Industry UsageUsed across industries for specialized initiativesCommon in corporate, non-profit, and government sectors for ongoing projects

Special Projects roles focus on managing unique, high-impact initiatives that often require strategic planning and cross-functional collaboration. Project Coordinators handle the organization and support of ongoing projects, ensuring tasks are completed on time. While both roles involve project management skills, Special Projects positions tend to be more strategic and variable, whereas Project Coordinators focus on operational support and coordination.

What do special projects teams do?

Special projects teams are responsible for managing and executing unique, high-priority initiatives that fall outside regular operations. They often handle tasks such as process improvements, strategic initiatives, or product launches, requiring skills in project management, coordination, and problem-solving. These teams typically work across departments and may use tools like project management software to track progress.

What are the most commonly searched types of Special Projects jobs in Colorado?

The most popular types of Special Projects jobs in Colorado are:

What cities in Colorado are hiring for Special Projects jobs?

Cities in Colorado with the most Special Projects job openings:

Infographic showing various Special Projects job openings in Colorado as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $88,251 per year, or $42.4 per hour.

Special Projects Director

Golden, CO • On-site

City of Golden, CO
Public Administration • 501 - 1,000 employees

$130 - $170/hr

Temporary

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Salary: $130.00 - $170.00 Hourly
Location : City Hall Annex, 1000 10th St, Golden, CO
Job Type: Seasonal
Job Number: 2026-00079
Department: City Manager's Office
Opening Date: 08/21/2026
Closing Date: 8/24/2026 11:59 PM Mountain
FLSA: Non-Exempt
The City of Golden is looking for qualified Special Project Director candidates to join our team temporarily! This role supports the City Manager and City projects by coordinating special activities as directed by the City Manager.
This position will work 20 hours per week starting September 1. 2026 until December 31, 2026. This position is not eligible for benefits.
The hourly pay range for this role is $130 - $170 dependent on experience.
Applications will close on Monday, August 24, 2026 at 11:59pm
JOB SUMMARY
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.
Provides administrative and management staff assistance to the City Manager; conducts analysis of municipal policies involving organization, procedures, finance, and services.
Assists in developing, planning, and implementing City goals and objectives; recommends and helps administer policies and procedures; makes recommendations for improvement.
Reviews and analyzes City policies, operating practices, and procedures; conducts research and develops recommendations on work methods, programs, and services; prepares and presents staff reports and correspondence.
Advises on organizational design, division of responsibilities, and administrative structure within the City Manager's Office and assigned divisions.
Provides project management support for capital projects and other initiatives as assigned by the City Manager, including scheduling, coordination among departments and outside partners, and status reporting.
Completes technical, confidential, and/or complex special projects as assigned, and plans, directs, and coordinates assigned projects, including conferring with department heads to identify and resolve problems.
Assists in the development and administration of the City Manager's Office and City Council annual budget; submits budget recommendations; monitors expenditures; recommends adjustments as appropriate.
Identifies opportunities for operational efficiency and cost savings; conducts economic and market research relevant to assigned projects.
Provides advisory support on organizational structure, staffing coordination, and workflow within assigned administrative divisions; provides business and leadership coaching and training support to City staff as requested.
Provides day-to-day operational supervision and coordination of one or more administrative divisions within the City, as assigned, including work assignment, workflow oversight, and coordination of staff activities. This operational supervision does not include disciplinary authority.
QUALIFICATIONS
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE
Master's degree in public administration, business, management, political science or related field. Minimum six (6) years increasingly responsible experience in municipal government administration/management.
Must have exceptional interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills. Must be able to work independently with limited direction and supervision. Ability to work collaboratively with a wide variety of stakeholders.
CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS
Valid driver's license with good driving record.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
LANGUAGE SKILLS
Ability to read, analyze, and interpret highly complex documents. Ability to interpret and apply City policies, procedures, laws and regulations relating to assigned activities.
Ability to establish and maintain an effective and professional working relationship with City elected officials, City staff, local boards and commissions, business interests, and the public. Excellent public speaking skills.
MATHEMATICAL SKILLS
Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, & decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent and to draw and interpret bar graphs.
REASONING ABILITY
Ability to analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions and implement recommendations in support of goals.
OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES
Knowledge of administrative and organizational theory, research analysis, public sector financing, municipal budgets, and local government structure and operations.
Ability to independently perform complex administrative support services. Ability to research, analyze and evaluate assigned service delivery methods and techniques.
Ability to understand the organization and operations of the City and of outside agencies as necessary to assume assigned responsibilities. Knowledge of Public administration principles and practices; research methods and techniques; legal research principles. Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite.
MATERIALS & EQUIPMENT DIRECTLY USED
Standard office equipment, including computers.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and reach with hand and arms. The employee frequently is required to talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to walk. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.
Work environment is primarily in an office setting. Will be required to drive to various city offices and locations throughout the City of Golden.
The City of Golden is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Part-Time and Seasonal employees may be eligible for some benefits as they relate to the position and department in which they work.
Part-Time and Seasonal employees are also eligible to accrue 1 hour of sick leave for every 30 hours worked.
For more detailed information please refer to the section of our website.
01
Do you have a master's degree in public administration, business, management, finance or a related field from an accredited college or university?
  • Yes
  • No

02
How many years of increasingly responsible experience in municipal government management do you have?
  • Less than 6 years
  • 6 years or more

03
Do you have a minimum of five years of direct supervisory experience?
  • Yes
  • No

04
Are you a member of the International City Manager's Association (ICMA)?
  • Yes
  • No

05
Do you possess a valid driver's license and good driving record? A good driving record includes, but is not limited to, no suspension or revocation of license within the last three years and no conviction of a DUI, DUID, DWAI or any hit and run accident within the last two years.
  • Yes
  • No

06
The hourly pay for this position is $130 - $170 dependent on experience. Are you comfortable with this range of pay?
  • Yes
  • No

Required Question