Executive Assistant vs Chief of Staff at HoldCo vs Director of Operations

Primary Role:

Executive Assistant: Administrative and organizational support for executives

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

Director of Operations: Oversees day-to-day operational activities within an organization

Reporting Relationship:

Executive Assistant: Reports directly to the executive they support

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

Director of Operations: Typically reports to the COO or CEO

Scope of Responsibilities:

Executive Assistant: Focused on day-to-day tasks and administrative duties

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

Director of Operations: Broad operational scope, including managing resources, processes, and budgets

Decision-Making Authority:

Executive Assistant: Limited to administrative decisions

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

Director of Operations: Considerable operational decision-making authority

Strategic Planning:

Executive Assistant: Limited involvement, support capacity

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

Director of Operations: Participates in operational strategy and its execution

Team Management:

Executive Assistant: Manages administrative staff

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

Director of Operations: Oversees operational teams and departments

Meeting Involvement:

Executive Assistant: Scheduling, preparing materials, taking minutes

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

Director of Operations: Leads operational meetings and strategy sessions

Project Management:

Executive Assistant: Manages small projects within their role

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

Director of Operations: Responsible for operational project oversight

Communication:

Executive Assistant: Facilitates internal communication

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

Director of Operations: Oversees operational communication within the organization

Professional Development:

Executive Assistant: Focused on improving administrative and organizational skills

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

Director of Operations: Focuses on operational management and process improvement