A project coordinator and a project manager both work to keep projects on track, but their roles are different in responsibility and scope.
A project coordinator mainly supports the project by organizing tasks, tracking progress, communicating with team members, and handling the details that keep everything running smoothly. They don’t usually make the big decisions about the project’s direction or budget.
A project manager, on the other hand, is responsible for the overall success of the project. They plan the project from start to finish, set goals, make key decisions, manage the budget, and lead the team. While a project coordinator handles the day-to-day logistics, the project manager is in charge of strategy, problem-solving at a higher level, and ensuring the project meets its objectives.
In short, the coordinator keeps things organized and running efficiently, while the manager guides the project, makes decisions, and takes full responsibility for its outcome. Many project coordinators use their experience as a stepping stone to become project managers later in their careers.
