Chief Operating Officer (COO) vs Corporate Chief of Staff vs Senior Advisor

Primary Role:

Chief Operating Officer (COO): Manages day-to-day operations of the company

Corporate Chief of Staff: Strategic partner within a corporate environment, focusing on alignment and execution of goals

Senior Advisor: Provides high-level advice and expertise in specific areas

Reporting Relationship:

Chief Operating Officer (COO): Typically reports to CEO or President

Corporate Chief of Staff: Reports to a senior corporate executive, often the CEO

Senior Advisor: Reports to senior leadership, often the CEO or board members

Scope of Responsibilities:

Chief Operating Officer (COO): Oversees all operational activities (finance, HR, etc.)

Corporate Chief of Staff: Similar to Startup Chief of Staff, but tailored to the corporate context

Senior Advisor: Focused on providing expertise and guidance on specific strategic matters

Decision-Making Authority:

Chief Operating Officer (COO): Significant authority over operations

Corporate Chief of Staff: Significant in corporate strategy and internal alignment

Senior Advisor: Influential in shaping decisions based on expertise and insights

Strategic Planning:

Chief Operating Officer (COO): Involved in the strategic planning process and responsible for implementing the strategy at an operational level

Corporate Chief of Staff: Involved in developing and implementing corporate strategy

Senior Advisor: Advises on long-term strategy and planning

Team Management:

Chief Operating Officer (COO): Manages multiple teams or departments across the organization

Corporate Chief of Staff: Manages or coordinates with corporate teams and departments

Senior Advisor: Works independently or with a small advisory team

Meeting Involvement:

Chief Operating Officer (COO): Often leads meetings related to operations and strategy implementation

Corporate Chief of Staff: Active in corporate meetings, often representing or preparing the executive

Senior Advisor: Attends strategic meetings to provide advice and insights

Project Management:

Chief Operating Officer (COO): Oversees large-scale projects that affect multiple areas of the company

Corporate Chief of Staff: Leads corporate projects, especially strategic initiatives

Senior Advisor: May lead or advise on specific strategic projects

Communication:

Chief Operating Officer (COO): Responsible for communicating decisions and strategies to the teams they manage and the broader organization

Corporate Chief of Staff: Facilitates corporate communication, both internally and externally

Senior Advisor: Provides expert communication on specialized topics

Professional Development:

Chief Operating Officer (COO): Focuses on the professional development of the teams they manage

Corporate Chief of Staff: Enhances corporate management and strategic skills

Senior Advisor: Deepens expertise in specific fields and strategic advising