Project Coordinator vs. Project Administrator: What Are the Differences?

A project coordinator and project administrator are responsible for ensuring the smooth operation of a project. Though both roles are important, there are several key differences between them. In this article, we discuss the duties of a project coordinator and a project administrator, and we explain the key differences between the two positions.

What is a Project Coordinator?

Project Coordinators work with Project Managers to ensure that all aspects of a project are moving forward on schedule and within budget. They develop and maintain project schedules, track project milestones, coordinate resources and equipment, and monitor project progress. Project Coordinators also develop and distribute project status reports, and they may be responsible for conducting quality assurance checks. In some cases, Project Coordinators may also be responsible for training project team members on how to use project management software.

What is a Project Administrator?

The Project Administrator is responsible for providing administrative support to the project team. They may be responsible for scheduling meetings, preparing agendas, taking minutes, maintaining project documentation and tracking project progress. The Project Administrator may also be responsible for ordering supplies, coordinating travel arrangements and managing project finances. In some cases, the Project Administrator may also be responsible for providing secretarial support to the project manager. The Project Administrator role is vital to the success of a project as they help to keep the project team organized and on track.

Project Coordinator vs. Project Administrator

Here are the main differences between a project coordinator and a project administrator.

Job Duties

Project coordinators have more varied duties than project administrators. As the second-in-command on a project, they’re responsible for overseeing all aspects of it. This includes creating and implementing the project plan, managing the team, communicating with stakeholders and clients and ensuring that the team is completing their tasks efficiently.

In contrast, administrative professionals have duties that are specific to one area of a project. They might create and distribute documents, schedule meetings or input data into a system. Their job is to support the project coordinators by providing them with information they need and helping them communicate with other teams.

Job Requirements

Project coordinators and project administrators typically need at least a bachelor’s degree in business administration, project management or another related field. Some employers prefer candidates to have a master’s degree as well, but it is not required for entry-level positions. Additionally, many professionals in these roles pursue certifications through the Project Management Institute (PMI) or other organizations. These certifications can help professionals stand out to potential employers and demonstrate their commitment to the field.

Work Environment

Project coordinators and administrators can work in a variety of environments, depending on the type of company they’re working for. For example, project coordinators may work in an office setting where they have access to resources like computers, printers and other equipment that helps them complete their job duties. They also may travel to different locations to meet with clients or attend meetings.

Project administrators typically work in an office environment as well, but they may spend more time at their desk than a project coordinator does. This is because project administrators often perform administrative tasks such as creating reports and sending emails.

Skills

Both project coordinators and project administrators use similar skills to perform their jobs, such as organization, multitasking and communication. However, there are some key differences in the skills that each position requires.

Project coordinators typically need to have strong interpersonal skills to effectively manage relationships with team members, clients and vendors. They also need to be able to handle conflict resolution when necessary. In addition, project coordinators need to have excellent time management skills to ensure that projects stay on track and meet deadlines.

Project administrators usually do not interact with clients or vendors as much as project coordinators do. Instead, they focus more on the administrative side of things, such as creating reports, maintaining project documentation and handling invoicing. As a result, project administrators need to have strong attention to detail and be able to work independently.

Salary

Project coordinators and project administrators both work in the field of project management. Project coordinators earn an average salary of $58,126 per year, while project administrators earn an average salary of $59,758 per year.