How to Write a Job Description for a Project Manager

culled from:wikihow.com

Writing an effective job description for a project manager involves analyzing the role and duties of the position. Project managers are typically tasked with a large number of responsibilities, including identifying project needs, hiring qualified team members, managing budgets, and overseeing every aspect of service delivery or production. A thorough job description typically includes an appropriate job title, job summary, a list of regularly performed responsibilities, required qualifications and salary information. Here are some guidelines for writing a job description for a project manager.

Steps

1

Analyze the roles and responsibilities of the management position. A project manager generally manages projects from beginning to completion. Review all aspects of the particular project to determine a list of responsibilities.

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   Write a detailed job title. Project managers work in many industries, including construction, product development, computer installation, government-sponsored studies and military environments. Choose a job title that fits the specific project or environment. In the software production environment, for example, an appropriate job title might be "Product Development Project Manager."
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   Summarize the job. In a few sentences, summarize the roles and responsibilities of the project manager. This is a general view of how the project manager's responsibilities contribute to the larger goals of the organization.
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   List the responsibilities of the project manager. Generally provided in bullet format, this is a detailed list of all tasks that the project manager performs on a regular basis.
   • Begin each item in the list with a verb. A project manager plans activities, oversees personnel, hires new team members, manages budgets, coordinates projects, and reviews progress or performance. Use relevant verbs to accurately describe tasks.
   • Use specific terminology and language. Whereas "handles paperwork" is too general, "reviews resumes and job applications" is more specific.
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   Indicate required qualifications. Depending on the position, this may include educational background, specialized skills, work experience, special licenses or physical requirements.
   • Specify academic requirements. If the project manager is overseeing production of instructional software, for example, an advanced degree in education or software development may be required.
   • List the required work experience. Project management is a skill that develops over time. If the position requires advanced skills, indicate a minimum number of years of management experience. Also, specify whether the work experience must be in the same industry or with similar products or services.
   • Provide a list of specialized skills and licenses. The job may require research skills, quantitative aptitude, knowledge of specialized software or a special license.
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   Indicate schedule needs. Some project management positions are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. positions, and others require being on call around the clock. Indicate the schedule and whether working overtime is a requirement.
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   Address travel requirements. If the position requires travel to other cities or regions, indicate the percentage of the time that travel is required. For example, the project manager may be expected to travel 1 day of a 5-day work week. In this case, indicate that travel is required 20% of the time.
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   Provide salary information. If the job description will be used for job ads, include a salary range or an explanation that salaries are based on experience and qualifications.