What is the difference between a Chief of Staff and an executive assistant?

In some cases, the titles are even interchangeable. However, when both an EA and COS exist in an organization, the roles are quite unique, yet interdependent, and offer two distinct career paths. The most common way to define the two roles is this: Executive Assistants are tactical and Chiefs of Staff are strategic.

Is Chief of Staff a glorified assistant?

However, a true Chief of Staff is doing a lot more than “glorified assistance,” they are acting as a highly critical right-hand workhorse for your company's leadership and entire organization.

What is higher than an executive assistant?

Upper-Level Administrative Positions

You may become a senior executive assistant, director of administration, chief of staff, or operations director within your company. In these roles, you'll typically work more with executives and CEOs and have the chance to work hands-on with business endeavors.

What is Chief of Staff equivalent to?

Job titles that are especially common for a Chief Of Staff to move into include Director Of Government Relations, Head Of Operations, Policy Advisor, Operational Specialist, Director Of Government Affairs, Administrative Officer, Political Director and Director Of Operations.

What is the highest level of executive assistant?

The Chief Executive Assistant operates at a strategic level, often dealing with the most confidential aspects of executive management. They handle critical decision-making support, high-level administrative tasks, and act as a liaison between the executive and key stakeholders.

Difference between an Executive Assistant and a Chief of Staff - Top Ten Differences

What are executive assistants called now?

“We're seeing the word 'assistant' phased out altogether in some companies.” Some of the preferred, new titles raise eyebrows, such as strategic business partner, administrative partner, administrative lead or coordinator, business project manager and management associate.

What is the hierarchy of executive assistant?

There may only be one executive assistant in smaller companies to support the executive team. In larger organizations, there may be a hierarchical structure of administrative professionals. A person could move from administrative assistant to executive assistant to senior C-level executive assistant.

What is a better title than chief of staff?

Your CoS background provides the broader scope necessary for a more general management track that leads its way to a COO position, and potentially beyond. In my current role, I have seen people take Vice President (VP) or Chief Operating Officer (COO) titles, depending on level of experience.

Can an EA become a chief of staff?

Transitioning from an executive assistant to a chief of staff. An executive assistant can serve as a transitional role if you want to eventually become chief of staff. Transitioning from an executive assistant to a chief of staff involves developing strong leadership, project management and strategic thinking skills.

Is chief of staff a C level position?

All three positions, Executive Assistant, Chief of Staff, and COO, are valuable team members in the c-suite. And each position has the CEO's back in a different way.

Is Chief of Staff a good role?

A chief of staff can be instrumental to a CEO's success while also advancing their own career. Here are eight pieces of advice from those who have mastered the role. Since its modern-day origins in the White House, the role of the chief of staff (COS) has proliferated across the business world.

What is the next level after executive assistant?

With experience and proven success, executive assistants can progress to more senior roles or even executive-level positions, such as office manager of human resources or accountant and office manager.

What does a chief of staff do on a daily?

Pinpointing and addressing core issues within business processes. Presenting the chief executive and other senior leaders with detailed company operations analysis. Evaluating risk factors when making critical business decisions. Completing special projects and initiatives with skillful oversight and support.

Is Chief of Staff a high position?

The chief of staff (CoS) is an executive position that supports other, more senior, executives in their roles. They typically report directly to the top executive in an organization to assist in overseeing a company's internal operations.

Is Chief of Staff a leadership position?

The highest-level CoS should be a full-fledged member of the senior leadership team, albeit without the rank or compensation of a C-suite officer. Regardless of specific responsibilities, a CoS can help a leader achieve sharp gains in productivity and impact.

Is Chief of Staff just a secretary?

In summary, the chief of staff usually has a broader and more influential role that includes policy direction and office management, while the role of a private secretary is more focused on the personal and logistical support of an official.

Why I quit being an executive assistant?

You will be working with a ton of people and personalities, very few of which are humble. As you can imagine, working with an executive will put you into contact with other executives and high-profile people. There are plenty of times I could feel these people had a lower level of respect for me.

What is the career path of a chief of staff?

Chiefs of Staff can move on to virtually any role—from COO, to VP of Communications, to Director of Finance, to CEO. Some even start their own companies.

Am I qualified to be a chief of staff?

To become a chief of staff, you need excellent interpersonal skills and several years of executive-level experience in corporate settings. The chief of staff position is relatively new in the private sector, and the qualifications for the job vary from company to company.

Is chief of staff a stressful job?

The operations bucket would also include handling the escalated issues that land on the leadership table. This can be stressful for some. As Chief of Staff you should expect to experience days when your schedule turns upside down. If that freaks you out - it might not be the right job for you.

Is Chief of Staff like a secretary?

The COS does not usually handle administrative tasks like day-to-day calendar management. Unlike other executives who have their own departmental agendas, the COS usually has a company-wide perspective and often manages projects for a variety of teams.

What is lower than executive assistant?

An administrative assistant, or admin assistant, is responsible for performing a wide range of administrative tasks in their place of work, while an executive assistant may perform more complex and advanced administrative duties, typically for top executives and other higher ups in an organization.

Is executive assistant a high position?

Executive assistants are middle management, which means they are a point of contact between executives and other business branches. For this reason, they may have strong communication skills. They may answer to one executive or multiple, depending on the size of the company.

Are Executive Assistants respected?

Some executives understand that they rely upon their assistants for virtually everything, and consequently have a great deal of respect for EAs. Unfortunately, lower level EAs may struggle to get respect and acknowledgment if the executives they support do not view them as strategic partners.