Executive Assistant vs Project Manager vs Communications Director

Primary Role:

Executive Assistant: Administrative and organizational support for executives

Project Manager: Leads and manages specific projects

Communications Director: Oversees internal and external communication strategies

Reporting Relationship:

Executive Assistant: Reports directly to the executive they support

Project Manager: Reports to a project sponsor or senior manager

Communications Director: Reports to CEO or executive leadership

Scope of Responsibilities:

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

Project Manager: Oversees project lifecycle from initiation to closure

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

Decision-Making Authority:

Executive Assistant: Limited to administrative decisions

Project Manager: Decision-making within the scope of the project

Communications Director: Significant in communication-related decisions

Strategic Planning:

Executive Assistant: Limited involvement, support capacity

Project Manager: Involved in planning project strategy and objectives

Communications Director: Involved in planning and executing communication strategies

Team Management:

Executive Assistant: Manages administrative staff

Project Manager: Manages project teams

Communications Director: Leads the communications team

Meeting Involvement:

Executive Assistant: Scheduling, preparing materials, taking minutes

Project Manager: Leads project meetings, coordinates team communication

Communications Director: Leads communication strategy meetings

Project Management:

Executive Assistant: Manages small projects within their role

Project Manager: Responsible for complete project management

Communications Director: Manages communication-related projects

Communication:

Executive Assistant: Facilitates internal communication

Project Manager: Communicates project updates and liaises with stakeholders

Communications Director: Oversees all communication activities and strategies

Professional Development:

Executive Assistant: Focused on improving administrative and organizational skills

Project Manager: Focuses on project management skills and methodologies

Communications Director: Grows in communication strategy and leadership