The Essential Guide to Subject Matter Expert Roles & Responsibilities

Whether it is an organization, business, or consultancy, every client needs a specific Subject Matter Expert (SME) to enhance efficiency. These experts might not know everything but possess specialized knowledge in a particular field. Here, we will discuss Subject Matter Expert roles & responsibilities and how they are skilled in their subject of choice and have unique skills and experiences in transmitting information concisely, which makes them essential for every business sector.

Subject Matter Experts (SMEs): Roles, Responsibilities, and More

SMEs are reliable knowledge sources and have proficiency in evaluating the needs of an organization and determining solutions for their problems. A subject matter expert should have an excellent track record in pioneering the progress of technical solutions and also helps in resolving complex organizational challenges.

Who is a Subject Matter Expert (SME)?

An SME is a person who profoundly understands a particular technology, material, process, department, or equipment. SMEs assist clients in strengthening their unique expertise while resolving specific issues.

SMEs exist in all disciplines and departments. They specialize in software development, information technology, education, marketing, customer support, and other domains. Growing and becoming an expert in this field is not as easy as it seems. It takes a lot of time, effort, research, and study. Thus, one must be passionate enough to learn continuously.

Also Read: What is a Subject Matter Expert?

Skills and Qualifications of an Effective SME?

To be an effective SME, one must possess technical and personal skills. These skills and qualifications may include:

• Communication Skills: Clear and concise communication is crucial for SMEs to convey complex information effectively. They should be able to explain technical concepts to technical and non-technical stakeholders using easily understandable language. Good listening skills are also crucial to understand the needs and concerns of others.
• Analytical Thinking: SMEs need strong analytical skills to analyze complex problems, identify patterns, and propose effective solutions. They should be able to think critically and assess situations from multiple perspectives. This analytical thinking allows SMEs to provide valuable insights and make informed decisions.
• Collaboration and Teamwork: SMEs often work as part of a team, collaborating with colleagues from different departments or disciplines. Effective SMEs should have strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work well with others. They should be able to contribute their expertise while also valuing and respecting the contributions of their teammates.
• Proven track record: Subject Matter Experts often have a track record of success. They have demonstrated their abilities and expertise through tangible achievements, such as publications, research projects, patents, or successful implementations of their ideas. This track record proves their credibility and expertise, making them highly regarded in their respective industries.

SMEs with deep domain knowledge, relevant experience, proven track record, effective communication skills, continuous learning mindset, and problem-solving abilities make them invaluable resources in their respective fields. Organizations and individuals can benefit greatly from engaging with SMEs to gain expert insights, solve complex problems, and enhance their overall performance.

Subject Matter Expert Role in Various Industries

As already discussed, Subject Matter Experts exist in every industry, but their topic of specialization differs. These experts coordinate and plan to follow some strategic procedures to improve their work processes. They actively participate in learning programs and training sessions and share best practices of their expertise and specialization.

According to research by Zippia, over 38,252 Subject Matter Experts are currently employed in the United States.

These SMEs hold valuable knowledge and experience that can be used to benefit the organization. They are also well-positioned to mentor new employees and help them gain the necessary skills and knowledge. That is why it is necessary to recognize and value their expertise.

Below we have discussed the role of Subject Matter Experts in different disciplines.

• Clients hire Subject Matter Experts when their subject knowledge is insufficient to resolve the issue they are trying to solve.
• Engineers and architects engage with SMEs when encountering new technology or design approaches.
• Companies often call upon SMEs to develop training modules specific to their organization's needs. Sometimes they also function as instructors for training newcomers in the industry.
• Pharmaceutical companies often engage with SMEs for contributions to medical journals or documents related to any specific disease or topic. Sometimes, in medical conferences, these SMEs are frequent speakers and discuss various causes of concern.
• In legal cases, subject matter experts often present themselves as witnesses. They testify in court cases, particularly in liability lawsuits.
• Sometimes in legal cases, chemical SMEs test and identify whether a chemical in a commercial environment is essential.
• Industries that deal with social media marketing hire subject matter experts to train the members of a marketing team. They instruct learners to build social media campaigns.
• In a marketing firm, subject matter experts on data management help clients understand data extraction techniques and marketing models.
• Companies that deal in innovation often hire external subject matter experts because they have to resolve many business or technical challenges related to any new advancements or technologies.

Read Also: Comprehensive Guide: What are the Uses of Technical Writing

Responsibilities of Subject Matter Experts

One must be competent in business management systems and possess knowledge of project management and business operations. Also, they must have relevant working experience in this field and have an advanced ability to implement technical solutions for various cross-functional projects.

The key responsibilities of a Subject Matter Expert in the Ed-tech sector are listed in the section hereunder.

1. Help improve business performance by identifying problematic areas and providing relevant technical solutions.
2. Evaluate the business processes and operations by implementing their subject expertise.
3. Offer necessary guidance and required tech knowledge to IT developers during the entire software development life cycle. Determine the essentialities and requirements of software development and recommend some technical solutions.
4. Offer consulting services in managing business operations, contribute to specialized knowledge, and provide mentorship.
5. Help identify whether the technical solutions the mentors provide meet the company's requirements.
6. Monitor the testing, development, and implementation of technical solutions.
7. Verify technical information, including the training manuals, user guides, and system requirements.
8. Publicize various important information and document processes to all stakeholders and board members.
9. Ensure that the information has been represented accurately and per the subject's expertise before delivering the solutions to end-users. Now that we have discussed Subject Matter Experts' various roles and responsibilities let us explore how you can become one.

SME: A Great Career Path?

One of the most prominent features of pursuing a career as a Subject Matter Expert is that you can turn your passion into a noble profession. The catch is that you must identify your niche and ensure people are willing to pay for your services. Ask yourself, are you filling a market gap or solving client-specific problems?

This analysis will help you determine if you have what it takes to succeed in the current market. Once you've identified your niche and understand the demand for your services, you can create a business plan and market your services.

For instance, a programmer with years of experience in coding can quickly become an SME in that particular field without going through an extended learning process. With their vast knowledge and expertise, they can quickly identify errors and easily tackle intricate problems. I will make them invaluable assets for any organization, as they can contribute significantly to its success.

So, once you have discovered your niche, establish yourself as a successful Subject Matter Expert and build power. Now, how can you do that?

• Do the Homework well.
• Understand the customer's expectations and needs.
• Find an appropriate platform for publishing your work.
• Gain knowledge and skills that you can utilize in your projects.
• Stay active on social platforms and get yourself updated.

Following the measures mentioned above, you can stay ahead of the competition and keep informed about the latest industry trends.

Tips for You to Become a Successful Subject Matter Expert

Subject Matter Experts possess the capability of determining business opportunities and helping to achieve profitability goals. Till now, we have seen their roles and responsibilities in various industries. Tips to follow:

1. Manage multiple CSS desired by various organizations.
2. Perform integration of FI with SD for availing additional functionalities in FSCM.
3. Retain Linux systems that serve as mail servers, firewalls, DNS, and DHCP servers.
4. Maintain an emerging technology program, life-cycle charts, and configuration database management.
5. Serve as SME in ERP implementation.
6. Use Java base technologies for developing server-side API of the service management platform.
7. Coordinate with business analysts to ensure compliance with all functional requirements and architecture standards.
8. Determine the impact and outcome of DoD clinical and non-clinical programs through evaluation based on evidence for executing a rapid evaluation protocol.
9. Develop online assessment tests to measure training needs and support management's decision-making.
10. Coordinate with content editors, technical writers, and alt-text writers to analyze the results and provide feedback to stakeholders. Regularly update assessment tests based on feedback.

These examples provide a brief overview of the roles and responsibilities of Subject Matter Experts in the corporate field.

What is the Difference Between Editing and Proofreading for SMEs?

Many times, beginners get confused between the editing and proofreading process. Understand this simply as editing involves changing the text's content, flow, and structure while proofreading involves checking for grammar, spelling, punctuation, and other errors. Both procedures are necessary for building a final polished piece of writing.

Read Also: 5 Key Differences Between Content Editors and Content Writers

To Conclude

Subject Matter Expert's roles & responsibilities differ from those working in the learning and development industry—their skills, expertise, dedication, and commitment help ensure e-learning success. The core skills that these Subject Matter Experts have in common with others are excellent communication skills, solid teamwork, time management skills, and problem-solving strategies.

Thus, successful Online Subject Matter Experts do not limit their skills. They are always on a quest for more knowledge. Hence, they maintain their roles and responsibilities of promoting the business and expanding its client base.