Project coordinator

Usually project coordinators are found in organizations that are either strong matrix- or project-based. The reasoning is that smaller projects or functional organizations don't have the bandwidth for a project manager and a coordinator to help the project work. And typically, in those cases, the functional managers are in charge anyway. Even though a coordinator may be helping a functional manager facilitate project work, in a functional, weak, or balanced matrix type of organization, this particular role is specific to helping a project manager with a variety of different tasks.

A coordinator would only be necessary in a longer-term project, or if the organization is designed to accommodate that particular role. There are really no set responsibilities that a coordinator would take on, because they are there to support the project manager and project work. Coordinators who support large projects provide administrative support by answering emails, scheduling meetings, distributing agendas, and so on. They may also be helping the project manager with updates to schedules and budgets and change requests.

The coordinator may also be the go-between of different key stakeholders and resources.

 The Project Management Institute (PMI^?) has a certification designed for project coordinators called the Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM^?). If you have some people on your team that want to get their feet wet in project management and improve their own skill sets, it's a good direction for them to go in, plus they will learn the same best practices you are learning here. It's not unusual for people to gain that certification, work as a coordinator on projects, and then pursue their Project Management Professional Certification (PMP^?) once they have the related experience needed. Just like you are taking your CompTIA Project + certification and then gaining more hours of experience so you can obtain additional certifications if you have the desire to do so.