A project sponsor plays an important role in all projects, as without them, the project would not have been proposed.  Below I have outlined the roles of the sponsor and what roles the project manager has in regards to the sponsor(s).   

Roles of the Project Sponsor:

• Individuals that recognize the strong business need for the project
• Have an interest in seeing the project succeed and supports the project manager and project team
• Person or group that provides the financial resources for the project
• The project sponsor should have an idea of the business value that is gained from the project, both in tangible (Ex. 2% reduction in operating costs) and intangible ways (Ex. improved customer service, competitive position)
• Acts as an advisor/mentor to the project manager
• Removes obstacles
• Writes the Project Charter
• Helps to define the project team roles and responsibilities
• Reviews and approves statements of work/contracts and planning documents
• Ultimately is accountable for the success of the project
• Becomes the focal point for issues management and decision-making whenever the project manager’s scope of authority is exceeded

Roles of the Project Manager:

• Make sure you understand who the project sponsors are
• You need to ensure that the project sponsors has enough authority and influence to undertake the work and bring about the proposed change in affected parts of the organization
• The project manager will need to guide the sponsors throughout the project and keep them apprised of the project’s status

Tips:

• Significant projects will normally require sponsorship from the organization’s executive level
• The project size or scope determined what kind of sponsor is needed
• Great sponsors and project managers clearly articulate the root cause of the problem that is to be solved
• The sponsor and project manager should verify the solution resolves the root cause of the problem
• The best sponsors are from the business; leaders who want to change the way the business operates
• Sponsors may have already constructed a good definition of the project and have a clear view of what is required
• The project sponsor and project manager should make time to meet and discuss the project status