Project Management for Administrative Professionals

Overview:

Project management is no longer limited to technical experts or team leaders - administrative professionals play a critical role in ensuring projects run smoothly from start to finish.

While they may not carry the official title of "project manager," their ability to organize information, track deadlines, and support communication often makes them the backbone of project success. For administrative staff, understanding core project management principles such as the project charter, planning, and monitoring ensures they can provide meaningful support, align stakeholders, and help teams stay on track. This knowledge empowers them to move beyond simply "keeping notes" and into actively shaping how projects are structured and delivered.

A 60-minute session on this topic equips administrative professionals with the essentials: defining a project through its charter, breaking it down into manageable tasks using a Work Breakdown Structure (WBS), and applying monitoring and controlling practices to keep efforts aligned with goals.

The session also highlights how AI tools can enhance efficiency by helping with document drafts, schedules, and progress updates - while still requiring human oversight for accuracy and judgment. The result is a practical, skills-focused approach that gives administrative professionals confidence to step into a more strategic, visible role in supporting projects across their organizations.

Why you should Attend:

Attending this webinar will give administrative professionals the practical tools and confidence to actively support projects in ways that go far beyond routine coordination. In just 60 minutes, participants will learn how to frame a project with a clear charter, break down complex goals into manageable steps with a Work Breakdown Structure, and apply simple monitoring techniques to keep teams on schedule and aligned.

They'll also see how AI can streamline everyday project tasks - from drafting documents to tracking progress - making their contributions more visible and impactful. This session is designed to help participants strengthen their value as essential partners in project success.

Areas Covered in the Session:

• Quick Introduction (2 minutes)
• • Welcome and session goals
  • Why project management matters for administrative professionals
• The Project Charter - Defining the Project (12 minutes)
• • Purpose of the charter: authority, scope, and alignment
  • Key elements: objectives, stakeholders, deliverables, constraints
  • How admins support charter creation and updates (gathering info, organizing approvals)
  • Example: converting leadership goals into a clear, one-page charter
• Planning and the Work Breakdown Structure (18 minutes)
• • Why planning is the foundation of success
  • Work Breakdown Structure (WBS): definition and benefits
  • Breaking projects into phases, tasks, and milestones
  • How admins assist: documentation, dependencies, schedules, accountability charts
  • Example: creating a WBS for an office relocation or training rollout
• Monitoring and Controlling Projects (18 minutes)
• • Role of monitoring: comparing actual progress to plan
  • Key tools: simple checklists, milestone trackers, risk logs
  • Status reporting essentials: clarity, brevity, and accuracy
  • Recognizing early warning signs (missed deadlines, scope creep, unclear ownership)
  • How admins contribute: recording progress, escalating concerns, supporting corrective actions
• Leveraging AI to Enhance Project Management (8 minutes)
• • AI applications for administrative professionals:
  • • Drafting project charters and summaries
    • Generating first-cut WBS outlines
    • Turning notes into concise status updates
    • Scheduling reminders and flagging risks
• Cautions: human oversight, accuracy checks, and data confidentiality

Who Will Benefit:

• Executive Assistants
• Administrative Assistants
• Office Managers
• Project Coordinators
• Program Assistants
• Team Support Specialists
• Operations Coordinators
• Departmental Secretaries
• Event Coordinators
• Training and HR Support Staff