Project Manager

What is a Project Manager?

What are project manager responsibilities? They can vary according to project needs; however, there are a few fundamental responsibilities regardless of the project.

• Write the project proposal:
  The special projects office will assist with this process and in some cases will take responsibility for leading the writing team. The workload of the grant specialists at the time a proposal is being developed as well as the due date of the proposal are two major factors in determining whether the special projects office leads a writing team. Nevertheless, at least some technical assistance will be available from the office.

• Develop a budget:
  A preliminary budget is developed for the project application. Upon being awarded a grant, the project manager prepares a TERMS project budget with the assistance of bookkeepers in the special projects office.

• Initiate purchase requisitions and monitor expenditures:
  The project manager is responsible for initiating expenditures that are consistent with federal and state regulations for the specific project. The budget is to be monitored to ensure compliance with purchasing and accounting policies and guidelines and to ensure spending stays within the established budget.

• Select and hire personnel:
  If personnel are included in the project budget, the project manager is often responsible for selecting and hiring with the approval of the personnel department and the project manager's supervisor. Many times the project manager's supervisor and the director of special projects will assist with this process. Other types of personnel salaries that are also processed by the project manager include teacher stipends, contracted services and independent contractors. More information on these topics is provided in project managers procedures section.

• Prepare contracts:
  The project manager is responsible for preparing contracts, if included in the project's approved budget, with outside vendors. When requested, the director of special projects will assist in this process. The special projects office facilitates School Board approval and secures appropriate signatures on all grant-funded contracts with outside vendors. Additional information on this is provided in project managers procedures section.

• Prepare project reports:
  The funding source often requires progress reports and annual reports that are prepared by the project manager and, when appropriate, the project evaluator. If needed and requested, assistance will be provided by the special projects office.