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

A project specialist and a project coordinator are both responsible for ensuring the successful completion of a project. Though their roles are similar, there are several key differences between these two positions. In this article, we discuss the duties of a project specialist and a project coordinator, and we explain the main differences between these two job titles.

What is a Project Specialist?

A Project Specialist is a professional who helps to plan, organize and oversee the execution of specific projects. They work with project managers to ensure that all aspects of the project are on track and within budget. Project Specialists may be responsible for conducting research, preparing reports, coordinating team activities and communicating with project stakeholders. They may also be involved in quality control and risk management. Project Specialists typically have a background in project management, business administration or a related field.

What is a Project Coordinator?

A Project Coordinator is responsible for supporting the project manager with the day-to-day tasks associated with running a project. This can include creating and maintaining project schedules, coordinating project team members, tracking project milestones, and communicating project updates to stakeholders. A Project Coordinator may also be responsible for creating and maintaining project documentation, such as project plans, meeting minutes, and status reports. In some cases, a Project Coordinator may also be responsible for managing project finances, such as tracking project expenses and preparing project invoices.

Project Specialist vs. Project Coordinator

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

Job Duties

Project coordinators typically have more detailed duties than project specialists. As the second-level management, they’re responsible for managing the team and ensuring that each member fulfills their responsibilities. They also perform administrative tasks, such as creating schedules, assigning resources to different tasks, communicating with clients and documenting progress.

In contrast, project specialists are usually responsible for one aspect of the project. For example, a project specialist might be in charge of developing the software while another specialist is responsible for testing it. Their job is to provide input on their particular area and make sure that the project moves forward successfully.

Job Requirements

Project specialists and coordinators typically need 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). The PMI offers training programs that teach professionals how to use project management software and other tools they might need on the job.

Work Environment

Project coordinators typically work in an office setting, often with a team of project managers and other professionals. They may travel to different locations for meetings or site visits. Project coordinators usually have regular hours, but they may work overtime when necessary.

Project specialists can also work in an office environment, but they may also work on construction sites or at client locations. Specialists may spend more time outside than coordinators because they’re working directly with clients. This means that specialists may be exposed to weather conditions like extreme heat or cold.

Skills

Both project specialists and coordinators need to have excellent communication skills. This is important because they often act as a liaison between the project team, clients and other stakeholders. They also both need to be highly organized and detail-oriented in order to keep track of the various tasks that need to be completed during a project.

Project specialists typically need to have more in-depth knowledge about the subject matter of the project than coordinators. This is because specialists are often responsible for developing the project plan and ensuring that all tasks are completed according to schedule. Coordinators, on the other hand, typically focus on keeping the project team on track and ensuring that everyone is aware of their responsibilities.

Both specialists and coordinators need to be able to handle stress well, as projects can often be unpredictable and deadlines can be tight. They also both need to have good problem-solving skills in order to quickly resolve any issues that arise during the course of a project.

Salary

Project specialists can earn an average salary of $65,193 per year, while project coordinators can earn an average salary of $58,126 per year. Both of these average salaries may vary depending on the size of the company at which you work, location of your job and the level of experience you have prior to pursuing either position.