Top Project Management Jobs for Transitioning Teachers
Jul 01, 2023
Updated: 03/24/25
If you’ve ever created a lesson plan, coordinated a field trip, or led a school-wide initiative—congrats, you’ve already done project management. These roles let you apply your planning, multitasking, and leadership skills in a whole new way (and often with less stress and more pay).
Note: Salary ranges are general estimates based on commonly available salary information from sources like the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), PayScale, and Glassdoor. Keep in mind that these figures are approximate and can vary depending on location, experience level, industry, and company size.
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Project Coordinator
Avg. Salary Range: $40K - $65K per year
What it is:
Project Coordinators support Project Managers by keeping things on track—handling logistics, tracking timelines, updating documentation, and making sure everyone knows what’s happening next.Why you're a fit:
You’ve kept classrooms running smoothly, managed multiple moving parts, and communicated across teams. You’re already an expert in deadlines, calendars, and follow-through.How to land it:
Search for entry-level project coordinator roles in nonprofits, healthcare, edtech, or corporate settings. Get familiar with tools like Asana or Trello and highlight your organizational skills on your resume.
>>> Click Here To See Current Open Roles On LinkedIn
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Project Manager
Avg. Salary Range: $70K - $120K per year
What it is:
Project Managers lead teams to deliver results on time and within budget. You’ll define goals, allocate resources, monitor progress, and keep stakeholders informed.Why you're a fit:
You’ve already led classrooms, managed student outcomes, and communicated with diverse stakeholders. You know how to set goals, track progress, and adjust course when needed.How to land it:
You don’t need a PMP certification to start. Apply for Associate PM or Junior PM roles and learn on the job. Use your resume to showcase how you've launched initiatives, coordinated cross-functional teams, or managed high-stakes events.
>>> Click Here To See Current Open Roles On LinkedIn
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Program Manager
Avg. Salary Range: $70K - $120K per year
What it is:
Program Managers oversee multiple related projects and ensure they align with big-picture goals. They coordinate across teams, manage strategy, and measure impact.Why you're a fit:
You’ve overseen grade-level or school-wide programs, balanced competing priorities, and worked toward long-term outcomes. You’re used to seeing the big picture while managing the details.How to land it:
Look for nonprofit, higher ed, or edtech program management roles. Highlight experience in launching and managing multi-layered programs or initiatives in education.
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Operations Manager
Avg. Salary Range: $60K - $110K per year
What it is:
Operations Managers streamline systems and improve how an organization functions—whether that’s through better processes, smart resource allocation, or team support.Why you're a fit:
You’ve optimized classroom procedures, created systems that work, and handled logistics like a pro. You’re used to thinking in terms of efficiency, equity, and outcomes.How to land it:
Entry roles like Operations Associate, Ops Coordinator, or Program Operations Specialist are great starting points. Use your resume to show how you created systems, handled logistics, or managed resources.
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Event Manager
Avg. Salary Range: $45K - $80K per year
What it is:
Event Managers plan and execute events—conferences, fundraisers, retreats, or corporate gatherings. They handle budgets, coordinate with vendors, and make sure every detail is covered.Why you're a fit:
You’ve already planned school events, field trips, open houses, or PD days. You know how to engage an audience and keep a complex event running smoothly from start to finish.How to land it:
Start with roles like Event Coordinator or Program Assistant. Build experience through nonprofit or community-based events, and highlight your planning, budgeting, and stakeholder coordination skills.
Program Operations Specialist
Salary Range: $55K–$85K
What it is:
This hybrid role lives between project management and operations. Program Operations Specialists keep learning programs, services, or client-facing initiatives running smoothly.
Why you're a fit:
You’ve coordinated across departments, tracked outcomes, and created systems that support learning. You’re great at balancing structure with flexibility.
How to land it:
Look for roles in edtech, youth-serving orgs, or higher ed. Titles to search include Program Ops Specialist, Education Program Coordinator, or Implementation Specialist.
Enjoyed this list but not sure where you fit in all of this? Take the FREE ElevatED Educator Career Quiz to discover which roles are right for you.
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