Improving the Profile of Project Management

I would suggest having a few options on how to promote the PM role, as not everyone will connect with each way you try and describe it.

Branches of org charts are often described in terms of the functions performed by the people within that group. Often that's a technical specialty. Some functions however must be performed across all technical specialties to a lesser degree. These roles may support distributed technical needs; (every group needs a little expertise in a specialty but not every function can justify their own expert so there are one or more core SMEs to support all teams). The roles may also support overall integration by focusing on the bigger picture rather than primarily one technical specialty.

PMs perform both distributed functions and cross-functional integration. Everyone has to do a bit of EVM, but PMs set up the framework, guide the teams, collect, compile, and interpret the data. Every function has their own KPIs, but PMs ensure the project takes a balanced perspective so we don't sacrifice the performance of all other teams for just a few.

There are many roles like this across industries that have various names. PMs are one such role that bring in their own technical expertise, and take a holistic approach to solutions where most other roles are focused on their piece of the whole.

One of the functions of the project manager is to isolate the project from operations - allow operational managers to manage operations AND ensure that the project is not overly influenced by operations. This is commonly referred to as "stakeholder management". The project manager is solely responsible and accountable for the effective delivery of the project. Yes, he/she is the fall guy should one be needed.