Executive Assistant vs Project Manager vs Program Manager

Primary Role:

Executive Assistant: Administrative and organizational support for executives

Project Manager: Leads and manages specific projects

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

Reporting Relationship:

Executive Assistant: Reports directly to the executive they support

Project Manager: Reports to a project sponsor or senior manager

Program Manager: Reports to a senior manager or director

Scope of Responsibilities:

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

Project Manager: Oversees project lifecycle from initiation to closure

Program Manager: Manages program objectives, resources, and timelines

Decision-Making Authority:

Executive Assistant: Limited to administrative decisions

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

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

Strategic Planning:

Executive Assistant: Limited involvement, support capacity

Project Manager: Involved in planning project strategy and objectives

Program Manager: Participates in strategic planning of program objectives

Team Management:

Executive Assistant: Manages administrative staff

Project Manager: Manages project teams

Program Manager: Manages program teams and coordinates with other departments

Meeting Involvement:

Executive Assistant: Scheduling, preparing materials, taking minutes

Project Manager: Leads project meetings, coordinates team communication

Program Manager: Leads program-related meetings and updates

Project Management:

Executive Assistant: Manages small projects within their role

Project Manager: Responsible for complete project management

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

Communication:

Executive Assistant: Facilitates internal communication

Project Manager: Communicates project updates and liaises with stakeholders

Program Manager: Communicates program goals and updates to stakeholders

Professional Development:

Executive Assistant: Focused on improving administrative and organizational skills

Project Manager: Focuses on project management skills and methodologies

Program Manager: Develops in program management and strategic coordination