What is the role of a project sponsor?

The role of a project sponsor is primarily to provide support, resources, and direction to the project team. This includes ensuring that the project aligns with the organization's strategic goals and objectives, securing necessary funding and resources, and facilitating access to stakeholders. The project sponsor acts as a bridge between the project team and upper management, advocating for the project's needs and addressing any challenges that may arise. Their involvement is crucial for the project's success, as they help to set the vision and objectives while empowering the project manager and team to execute the project effectively.

In contrast, managing the project day-to-day typically falls under the responsibilities of the project manager, who oversees the team's activities, timelines, and deliverables. While the project sponsor may communicate with stakeholders, this is not their primary role; this task often involves the project manager or dedicated stakeholder engagement roles. Additionally, conducting quality assurance is also not the sponsor's responsibility; that function is usually managed by the project team under the guidance of the project manager.