Chief of Staff in Small Business vs Chief of Staff at HoldCo vs Program Manager

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

Program Manager: Oversees specific programs, ensuring they align with organizational goals

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

Program Manager: Reports to a senior manager or director

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

Program Manager: Manages program objectives, resources, and timelines

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

Program Manager: Decision-making within the scope of program management

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

Program Manager: Participates in strategic planning of program objectives

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

Program Manager: Manages program teams and coordinates with other departments

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

Program Manager: Leads program-related meetings and updates

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

Program Manager: Responsible for end-to-end program management

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

Program Manager: Communicates program goals and updates to stakeholders

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

Program Manager: Develops in program management and strategic coordination