Chief of Staff in Small Business vs Chief of Staff at HoldCo vs Communications Director

Primary Role:

Chief of Staff in Small Business: Similar to Startup Chief of Staff, but in a smaller business context

Chief of Staff at HoldCo: Strategic and operational advisor, focusing on portfolio management

Communications Director: Oversees internal and external communication strategies

Reporting Relationship:

Chief of Staff in Small Business: Reports to the business owner or CEO

Chief of Staff at HoldCo: Reports to HoldCo executive, possibly CEO or board

Communications Director: Reports to CEO or executive leadership

Scope of Responsibilities:

Chief of Staff in Small Business: Broad, tailored to the needs of a small business

Chief of Staff at HoldCo: Overseeing operations and strategy across the portfolio of companies

Communications Director: Manages all aspects of communication, including media relations and corporate messaging

Decision-Making Authority:

Chief of Staff in Small Business: Significant, especially in strategic and operational decisions

Chief of Staff at HoldCo: Considerable, influencing decisions across the portfolio

Communications Director: Significant in communication-related decisions

Strategic Planning:

Chief of Staff in Small Business: Active in shaping and executing business strategy

Chief of Staff at HoldCo: Involved in strategic planning for the holding company and its entities

Communications Director: Involved in planning and executing communication strategies

Team Management:

Chief of Staff in Small Business: Manages or coordinates with small business teams

Chief of Staff at HoldCo: Coordinates across various management teams within the portfolio

Communications Director: Leads the communications team

Meeting Involvement:

Chief of Staff in Small Business: Active in business meetings, contributing to decisions

Chief of Staff at HoldCo: Involved in high-level meetings, providing insights and alignment

Communications Director: Leads communication strategy meetings

Project Management:

Chief of Staff in Small Business: Leads key business projects and initiatives

Chief of Staff at HoldCo: Oversees projects that affect multiple companies within the portfolio

Communications Director: Manages communication-related projects

Communication:

Chief of Staff in Small Business: Acts as a key communicator for the small business

Chief of Staff at HoldCo: Facilitates communication across the portfolio and with external stakeholders

Communications Director: Oversees all communication activities and strategies

Professional Development:

Chief of Staff in Small Business: Develops skills in managing a small business environment

Chief of Staff at HoldCo: Develops expertise in portfolio management and strategic oversight

Communications Director: Grows in communication strategy and leadership