Executive Assistant vs Director of Operations vs Communications Director

Primary Role:

Executive Assistant: Administrative and organizational support for executives

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

Communications Director: Oversees internal and external communication strategies

Reporting Relationship:

Executive Assistant: Reports directly to the executive they support

Director of Operations: Typically reports to the COO or CEO

Communications Director: Reports to CEO or executive leadership

Scope of Responsibilities:

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

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

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

Decision-Making Authority:

Executive Assistant: Limited to administrative decisions

Director of Operations: Considerable operational decision-making authority

Communications Director: Significant in communication-related decisions

Strategic Planning:

Executive Assistant: Limited involvement, support capacity

Director of Operations: Participates in operational strategy and its execution

Communications Director: Involved in planning and executing communication strategies

Team Management:

Executive Assistant: Manages administrative staff

Director of Operations: Oversees operational teams and departments

Communications Director: Leads the communications team

Meeting Involvement:

Executive Assistant: Scheduling, preparing materials, taking minutes

Director of Operations: Leads operational meetings and strategy sessions

Communications Director: Leads communication strategy meetings

Project Management:

Executive Assistant: Manages small projects within their role

Director of Operations: Responsible for operational project oversight

Communications Director: Manages communication-related projects

Communication:

Executive Assistant: Facilitates internal communication

Director of Operations: Oversees operational communication within the organization

Communications Director: Oversees all communication activities and strategies

Professional Development:

Executive Assistant: Focused on improving administrative and organizational skills

Director of Operations: Focuses on operational management and process improvement

Communications Director: Grows in communication strategy and leadership