Executive Assistant vs Chief of Staff at HoldCo vs Program Manager

Primary Role:

Executive Assistant: Administrative and organizational support for executives

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:

Executive Assistant: Reports directly to the executive they support

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:

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

Program Manager: Manages program objectives, resources, and timelines

Decision-Making Authority:

Executive Assistant: Limited to administrative decisions

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

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

Strategic Planning:

Executive Assistant: Limited involvement, support capacity

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:

Executive Assistant: Manages administrative staff

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:

Executive Assistant: Scheduling, preparing materials, taking minutes

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

Program Manager: Leads program-related meetings and updates

Project Management:

Executive Assistant: Manages small projects within their role

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

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

Communication:

Executive Assistant: Facilitates internal communication

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:

Executive Assistant: Focused on improving administrative and organizational skills

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

Program Manager: Develops in program management and strategic coordination