Role Breakdown: Chief of Staff
The Chief of Staff (CoS) role is an increasingly popular position found across organizations large and small, such as startups, corporations, non-profits, and government agencies.
This article breaks down:
- What does a Chief of Staff do?
- What is the difference between a Chief of Staff v.s. Executive Assistant?
- When should I consider hiring a Chief of Staff?
- What traits should I look for in a Chief of Staff candidate?
What does a Chief of Staff do?
The role of a Chief of Staff can vary depending on the organization, but some common responsibilities include:
- Acting as a liaison: The CoS serves as a liaison between the executive and other departments within the organization. They communicate the executive's vision and directives to other leaders and ensure that the organization is working in alignment towards common goals.
- Strategic planning: The CoS is involved in strategic planning and decision-making, often providing insights and recommendations to the executive based on their knowledge of the organization and industry trends.
- Project management: The CoS may be responsible for overseeing key projects and initiatives, ensuring that they are completed on time and within budget.
- Communication and stakeholder management: The CoS is often responsible for managing internal and external communication, such as with stakeholders, shareholders, and the media. They may also be responsible for managing the executive's schedule and communications.
- Operations management: The CoS may be responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of the organization, ensuring that resources are allocated effectively and that the organization is running smoothly.
What is the difference between a Chief of Staff v.s. Executive Assistant?
A Chief of Staff and an Executive Assistant are both roles that provide support to high-level executives, but they have different responsibilities and levels of authority.
A Chief of Staff typically has a strategic role and serves as the right-hand person to the executive, working closely with them to help set and execute the organization's goals and priorities. The Chief of Staff is often responsible for managing the executive's schedule and communications, coordinating with other leaders within the organization, and providing advice and guidance to the executive on key issues.
An Executive Assistant, on the other hand, is usually focused on providing administrative support to the executive, such as managing their calendar, scheduling appointments, answering phone calls and emails, and making travel arrangements. While an Executive Assistant may provide some input on certain tasks or projects, they generally do not have the same level of decision-making authority as a Chief of Staff.
Overall, the key difference between the two roles is that the Chief of Staff is focused on strategy and management, while the Executive Assistant is focused on administrative support.
When should an organization consider hiring a Chief of Staff?
Here are some situations where hiring a CoS may be beneficial:
- Rapid growth: If the organization is experiencing rapid growth or expanding into new markets, a CoS can help manage the transition by providing strategic guidance and ensuring that resources are being allocated effectively.
- Organizational change: If the organization is undergoing significant change, such as a merger or acquisition, a CoS can help manage the transition by ensuring that communication is clear and that key initiatives are being executed effectively.
- Complex operations: If the organization has complex operations that require coordination across multiple departments, a CoS can help ensure that everyone is working towards the same goals and that resources are being used effectively.
- Executive support: If the executive is overburdened with day-to-day operations, a CoS can help manage their schedule, communicate with stakeholders, and provide strategic support to free up the executive's time.
- Strategic planning: If the organization needs to develop a long-term strategic plan, a CoS can help facilitate the process and ensure that the plan is executed effectively.
What traits should a hiring manager look for in a good Chief of Staff candidate?
A good chief of staff is someone who is highly organized, strategic, communicative, and able to manage a wide range of tasks and responsibilities effectively.
- Strategic Thinking: A chief of staff needs to have excellent strategic thinking skills, as they are responsible for coordinating and executing the organization's strategic vision. They should be able to think critically and make well-informed decisions that align with the organization's objectives.
- Communication Skills: A good chief of staff should be an excellent communicator, both verbally and in writing. They need to be able to convey complex information and ideas in a clear and concise manner to various stakeholders, including executives, staff, and external partners.
- Leadership Skills: A chief of staff should possess strong leadership skills and have the ability to inspire and motivate others. They should be able to lead by example and set a positive tone for the organization.
- Organizational Skills: A chief of staff should be highly organized and able to manage multiple tasks simultaneously. They need to be able to prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and ensure that the organization operates efficiently and effectively.
- Flexibility: A chief of staff needs to be flexible and adaptable, as they may be required to handle unexpected challenges or changes in the organization's direction. They should be able to pivot quickly and make adjustments to their plans as necessary.
- Problem-solving Skills: A good chief of staff should have strong problem-solving skills and be able to identify and resolve issues that arise within the organization. They should be able to think creatively and develop innovative solutions to complex problems.
- Political Savvy: A chief of staff should be politically savvy and have a good understanding of the political dynamics within the organization. They should be able to navigate complex relationships and build coalitions to advance the organization's goals.
If you are interested in learning more about Chief of Staff roles (or hiring for a Chief of Staff), please reach out to us at info@omnasearch.com.
Omna is a boutique search firm that specializes in helping PE- and VC-backed companies hire top business talent.
