I am starting my new one-year contract on Monday for a non-profit organization that collaborates with the government. I will be a project coordinator on a new one-year project, and I would appreciate any advice based on your experience in this role on what I should look out for, ask, etc.
The project involves explicitly forming a roundtable with various stakeholders to combat gun and gang violence. A week after I start, I will attend a conference in another city, so the first week will be relatively easy, but after that, we will get going.
Thank you
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Here's some advice for your new role as a project coordinator:
- In your first week, take time to learn as much as you can about the scope of the project, timelines, stakeholders involved, etc. Ask lots of questions!
- Set up filing systems right away - both electronic and physical folders. Stay super organized from the jump.
- Map out the key milestones and work backwards to plan out tasks. Leave buffers in the schedule for unexpected delays.
- Get to know your team. Look for how each person's skills complement each other. Build rapport so people feel comfortable coming to you.
- Run your first stakeholder meeting efficiently. Have an agenda set up front and stick to timelines. Take detailed notes.
- Communicate often with your nonprofit bosses. Over-communicate progress, issues, changes needed.
- Track budgets closely. Watch out for scope creep so you don't go over.
- Motivate your team when things get stressful! Show you believe in the project's goals.
- Document lessons learned along the way so you can apply them next time.
Let me know if any other questions come up! Killing it in this role will take hard work but is super rewarding. You've got this!