Project Administrator vs.

Project Assistant
by Tara Duggan, Demand Media
A job framework established for a company allows you to see a clear career
path. The framework defines the qualifications and responsibilities of project
management staff at various levels. Managers use this information to create
job descriptions, help employees plan their careers and conduct performance
assessments. A typical progression starts with the job title project assistant,
followed by project coordinator, project administrator, project manager and
culminating with project director. As employees get promoted, they take on
additional responsibilities.
Qualifications
A project assistant role typically requires a high school diploma or equivalent.
Usually, one to three years of office work is preferred. To gain experience for
this job, do volunteer work or participate in school or community projects. A
project Administrator job usually requires a bachelor's degree and three
years of experience. For complex project environments, a master's degree in
business administration or extensive project management experience is
preferred. Project administrators may require additional certification. The
Project Management Institute offers several project management credentials.
It also publishes the Project Management Body of Knowledge to guide project
management professions.
Expertise
Project assistants usually have basic skills in using office applications, such
as

Microsoft

Word,

Excel

and

PowerPoint.

You

must

have

good

communication skills, such as writing, listening and speaking. In addition to

these skills, at the project administrator level, additional skills in planning,
negotiating and influencing are important. Both roles require strong
organizational skills and the ability to focus on multiple tasks at the same

time. Additionally, project administrators typically define the tools, templates

and

techniques

used

in

the

company's

project

initiation,

planning,

development, monitoring and execution, and closing.

Job Responsibilities
A project assistant typically provides general administrative support to
projects, under the direction of more experienced project management
professionals. Project assistants help produce proposals, plans and reports.
They organize and maintain project files and databases. They might assist
with monitoring the project budget, scheduling meetings and preparing
presentations. Project administrators develop policies and procedures. They
oversee the activities of project assistants and collaborate with superiors to
develop plans and evaluate progress.
Leadership
Project assistants work with clients and customers to solve daily business
problems. They perform a tactical function and may be the first point of
contact for all project communication. Project administrators perform a more
strategic

role

by

establishing

procedures,

motivating

subordinates,

implementing process improvement projects and building relationships with

stakeholders and sponsors. Project administrators also check for errors and
manage risk so projects achieve their expected outcomes.