Executive Assistant vs Director of Operations vs Program Manager

Primary Role:

Executive Assistant: Administrative and organizational support for executives

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

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

Reporting Relationship:

Executive Assistant: Reports directly to the executive they support

Director of Operations: Typically reports to the COO or CEO

Program Manager: Reports to a senior manager or director

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

Program Manager: Manages program objectives, resources, and timelines

Decision-Making Authority:

Executive Assistant: Limited to administrative decisions

Director of Operations: Considerable operational decision-making authority

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

Strategic Planning:

Executive Assistant: Limited involvement, support capacity

Director of Operations: Participates in operational strategy and its execution

Program Manager: Participates in strategic planning of program objectives

Team Management:

Executive Assistant: Manages administrative staff

Director of Operations: Oversees operational teams and departments

Program Manager: Manages program teams and coordinates with other departments

Meeting Involvement:

Executive Assistant: Scheduling, preparing materials, taking minutes

Director of Operations: Leads operational meetings and strategy sessions

Program Manager: Leads program-related meetings and updates

Project Management:

Executive Assistant: Manages small projects within their role

Director of Operations: Responsible for operational project oversight

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

Communication:

Executive Assistant: Facilitates internal communication

Director of Operations: Oversees operational communication within the organization

Program Manager: Communicates program goals and updates to stakeholders

Professional Development:

Executive Assistant: Focused on improving administrative and organizational skills

Director of Operations: Focuses on operational management and process improvement

Program Manager: Develops in program management and strategic coordination