Differences Between Project Coordinator and Project Manager

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Suppose you decide to become a project manager but are unsure how to begin. Project managers vs. project coordinators in this field have varying responsibilities and skills.

If you wish to work as a project executive, you should understand what project coordinators and project managers do. It can be helpful to understand how these roles vary regarding their skills, interests, and career goals to determine which career path is right for you.

To help you decide which career option is best for you, we'll examine the project coordinator vs. project manager relationship.

What Does a Project Coordinator Do?

The project coordinator can assist the project manager with administrative tasks. Team members and departments are provided with the resources and materials they need to meet deadlines set by the project manager.

The project coordinator has to know every aspect of the project, including the budget, schedule, and objectives. Most companies offer project coordinator positions.

What Does a Project Manager Do?

There can be several projects being managed at the same time by a project manager. In your role, you will be responsible for initiating, planning, executing, monitoring, controlling, and closing projects.

Managing a project effectively ensures that objectives and specifications are met. Whenever projects go off track, they have to get them back on track. Project managers and project coordinators perform essentially the same tasks. It is their responsibility and authority that differentiates them.

Project Coordinator vs. Project Manager

Identifying a project coordinator from a project manager is difficult. This may partly be due to companies deciding what kind of work they want project managers or coordinators to handle.

Many organizations don't even have project coordinator positions, while others only have those who do 'project manager work' and are not the actual project coordinators.

Let's begin by discussing the parallels between the two roles. The role of a project coordinator is to ensure a company's projects are completed successfully.

The role of a project manager is to ensure the projects are completed within a defined timeframe. They ensure tasks are completed on time and to the expected standard. Budget management is also an essential skill.

Project Coordinator vs. Project Manager: Differences and Similarities

So far, both roles sound very similar. Our list of key distinctions below helps you distinguish between project coordinator vs. project manager:

  • Typically, a project manager and a project coordinator work together to set and achieve project goals, deadlines, and budgets.
  • Experienced project managers typically have an undergraduate or graduate degree in business, management, or a related field. Project coordinators typically have a high school diploma or bachelor's degree and experience of one to four years.
  • The task of managing several projects or programs simultaneously is the responsibility of the project manager. The task of overseeing one project or program is the responsibility of the project coordinator.
  • While project coordinators assist with project management, they do not have the authority to make decisions independently.
  • A project manager typically earns $77,420 annually, while a project coordinator makes $65,214.

Project Coordinator vs. Project Manager: Is There a Skill Overlap?

There is a great deal of overlap in responsibilities and skill sets between project management and project coordination, despite the fact that they are two distinct roles. Therefore, a lot of project coordinators, whether within their current companies or in an outside company, become full-blown project managers after gaining sufficient experience and training.

Multitasking and communication skills are essential for both disciplines. Coordinators will also have a wide range of responsibilities, and project managers need to wear multiple hats without letting any of them slip.

Summary

By now, you should have a good idea of how project managers and coordinators differ. A project coordinator handles most of the administrative duties, while a project manager oversees the project and ensures no obstacles or risks arise.

To advance from the role of a project coordinator to that of project manager, you must sharpen your soft skills. Prepare your resume for project manager job applications and ask your boss for more responsibilities.

Business development and project management are closely related. Neither can be ignored when it comes to the success of any organization. By committing to project management, you are investing in your future. Explore CEO-ME's powerful management software and learn how to take your project management to the next level.

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