A digital project manager is a project manager who makes full use of available technology, such as project management software to coordinate and monitor the activities and objectives of their team. They differ from more traditional methodologies by focusing on speed of execution and the ability to track progress and pivot resources in the necessary direction using software and cloud-based tools.
To become a digital project manager, one must be highly tech-aware and display a desire to keep on top of the latest advancements in management technology and software. It is also necessary to have the confidence and capability to make strategic decisions based on real-time information.
The skills needed to be a digital project manager
Anybody wondering “What is a digital project manager?” need only look to the core difference from a standard project manager, that is the addition of “digital”. The key is harnessing the best current project management software to enhance team performance. Decision-making and transparency can both be greatly improved through effective use of available technology and a digital project manager can provide significant value through their abilities in the area.
To be a successful digital project manager a particular skillset is a prerequisite. Here’s a list of some of the most important skills for the area:
- Familiarity and awareness of project management software
- Ability to utilize technology to communicate and expedite team activities
- Outlining project deliverables
- Assigning tasks to appropriate team members
- Deciding on and informing team members of responsibilities
- Initial setting and constant monitoring of project budgets
- Organizing meetings and setting agendas
- Facilitating team meetings, either physically or online
- Oversight of both individual and team progress towards objectives
- Redirecting focus or resources to prevent project delays
- Recognizing productivity gaps and potential project risks
- Informing project stakeholders of current status and additional requirements
- Being an accessible point of reference for both team members and other stakeholders
- Creating and distributing relevant project reports
- Final project assessments and evaluation of project success
How to become a digital project manager
The central concept of what a digital project manager is arises from their knowledge of and ability to use project management software to get the best out of their team and improve chances of project success. If you are looking to get into the field therefore, one of the most important areas to focus on is the available technology. With advances in the sphere the days of tracking project progress on spreadsheets or trying to coordinate communications between a team via unsuitable apps are gone.
Getting into the digital project management field
Once you are aware of what a digital project manager is the next step is finding an appropriate opening to apply the skills necessary. Though project management software is increasingly used in all industries it still has its core base in the fields where it first arose, namely digital based projects. These include:
- App development projects
- Web design
- Online education courses
- Remote employment coordination
- Digital marketing
- E-commerce projects
- Systems integration
- Sales analytics
- Production modelling
- Data storage
The takeaways on what a digital project manager is
Improving your skills with technology and specifically project management software is vital for becoming a successful digital project manager. One can do this by researching and using available technologies to discover the fullness of their capabilities and becoming better at taking full advantage of what they bring to the project management table. There are a lot of industries searching for digital project managers, making it a position which is high in demand and thus relatively high salaries, with an $83,134 national average.
