July 18, 2017
Welcome back to another feature of IT role profiles! This month we will be highlighting the role of the Project Coordinator. What does it take to be a Project Coordinator? Do you need specific training or certifications to have the job? We’ll answer these questions and more!
What is a Project Coordinator?
A Project Coordinator is an integral member of an organization’s project team. A Project Coordinator works under a Project Manager to ensure projects are completed on time and within budget. They are responsible for coordinating activities, resources, equipment, and information. A project coordinator works with the client and various members of the project team to develop a timeline, create schedules, and oversees progress to ensure goals are met on time. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, “Project coordinators track dates, budgets, and other information using spreadsheets. They also sort reports, contracts, invoices, and financial files for quick access”. These duties can vary, depending on the needs of the organization. IT Project Coordinators are usually employed by large IT companies that work with multiple clients. They act as a link between the company’s senior management and the different project managers working to develop new technology according to Payscale.com.
How can I become a Project Coordinator?
To become a Project Coordinator, you should have excellent project management, communication, and organizational skills along with the ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment. Thebalance.com shares that while a formal degree in Project Management is not typically required, your employer will expect you to have several years of experience in the industry you will be working for along with a degree related to the field. In addition, you may need experience in various project management techniques or software packages, such as PRINCE2, Microsoft Office or Primavera.
At York Solutions, we also have a program dedicated to helping stay-at-home parents, veterans, and those looking to change careers re-enter the workforce, specifically in IT project coordination and management. The Barriers to Entry program, or B2E, is a 3-week training course in project management, as well as some other technical programs, designed to prepare participants for the real-world IT experience. Program graduates are then placed, through York, at one of our clients on a contract-to-hire basis.
How is Project Coordinator different than a Project Manager?
The roles and responsibilities of Project Coordinators and Project Managers can often be confused. While a Project Coordinator may do some of the management work, the Project Manager is responsible and held accountable for the overall success of the project. The primary role of the Project Coordinator is to keep the project and all related processes running smoothly. For more information on the differences between the two roles, check out this helpful article on Project Coordinator vs Project Manager.
What is the outlook for Project Coordinators?
As IT projects become more complex, companies are starting to see the real business value in hiring Project Coordinators. Glassdoor reports the national average salary of Project Coordinators is $49,500.
Learn more about B2E! And, take a look at our other role profiles here!
Posted By: Megan Thurow