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the ROI from these projects and ensures their alignment with the organizations strategic
objectives. Particularly in large organizations, a Portfolio Manager may only have
responsibility for a subset of the organizations projects and their alignment to
organizational strategic objectives. While the portfolio of projects may share resources,
they may have diverse objectives and may be operationally independent of one another.
A Portfolio Manager may interact with senior managers, executives, and major
stakeholders to establish strategic plans and objectives for an organization. May also be
responsible for the organization-wide integration of consistent project management
methodologies and terminology.
5. Program Manager: Responsible for the coordinated management of multiple related
projects, and in many (most) cases, ongoing operations which are directed toward a
common objective. Works with constituent Project Managers (who are responsible to the
program manager for the execution of their project and its impact on the program) to
monitor cost, schedule, and technical performance of component projects and operations,
while working to ensure the ultimate success of the program. Generally responsible for
determining and coordinating the sharing of resources among their constituent projects to
the overall benefit of the program. Usually responsible for stakeholder management,
particularly stakeholders external to the organization.
6. Project Manager III: Under general direction of either a Portfolio Manager or in some
cases a Program Manager, oversees high-priority projects, which often require
considerable resources and high levels of functional integration. In addition to duties of a
Project Manager II, takes projects from original concept through final implementation.
Interfaces with all areas affected by the project including end users, distributors, and
vendors. Ensures adherence to quality standards and reviews project deliverables. May
communicate with a company executive regarding the status of specific projects.
7. Project Manager II: Under general supervision of either a Portfolio Manager or a
Program Manager, oversees multiple projects or one larger project. In addition to duties
of Project Manager I, responsible for assembling project team, assigning individual
responsibilities, identifying appropriate resources needed, and developing schedule to
ensure timely completion of project. May communicate with a Senior Project Manager,
Functional Area Manager, or Program Manager regarding status of specific projects.
8. Project Manager I: Under direct supervision of a more senior project manager, a
Portfolio Manager, or a Program Manager, oversees a small project or phase(s) of a larger
project. Responsibility for all aspects of the project over the entire project life (initiate,
plan, execute, control, close). Must be familiar with system scope and project objectives,
as well as the role and function of each team member, to effectively coordinate the
activities of the team.
9. Project Management Specialist: Responsible for a specific area of project management
(i.e., scheduling, cost management, risk management, etc.). Supports the Project Manager
and their associated projects.
10. Project Management Consultant: Acts as internal or external consultant to one or more
levels of program or functional management in the areas of project planning,
management, best practices, execution and analysis. Is likely to have held senior project
management positions at one or more organizations before becoming a consultant.
11. Functional Manager: Responsible for the operations of any of the organization's
functional groups (e.g., Accounting, Human Resources, Information Technology, etc.).
May also be responsible for the organization-wide integration of policies and procedures
related to the functional group.
12. Educator/Trainer: Primarily responsible for educating students, practitioners, or internal
training professionals in the field of project management. Usually highly experienced
and/or educated in project management. An educator is likely to work in a university or
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