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Writer's pictureZaharo Tsekouras

Startup Chief of Staff vs Executive Assistant vs Administrative Assistant

Primary Role:

Startup Chief of Staff: Strategic partner and advisor, aligning and executing organizational goals

Executive Assistant: Administrative and organizational support for executives

Administrative Assistant: Provides administrative support and manages office operations

Reporting Relationship:

Startup Chief of Staff: Reports to CEO, with a broader reporting structure

Executive Assistant: Reports directly to the executive they support

Administrative Assistant: Reports to a manager or department head

Scope of Responsibilities:

Startup Chief of Staff: Broad, including strategic planning, team management, and cross-functional initiatives

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

Administrative Assistant: Manages administrative tasks, office systems, and procedures

Decision-Making Authority:

Startup Chief of Staff: Significant, delegated authority for executive decisions

Executive Assistant: Limited to administrative decisions

Administrative Assistant: Limited to administrative decisions and office management

Strategic Planning:

Startup Chief of Staff: Active in development and execution of strategic plans

Executive Assistant: Limited involvement, support capacity

Administrative Assistant: Limited involvement, mainly operational planning

Team Management:

Startup Chief of Staff: Manages cross-functional teams and projects

Executive Assistant: Manages administrative staff

Administrative Assistant: May manage or oversee other administrative staff

Meeting Involvement:

Startup Chief of Staff: Actively participating, presenting, and driving decisions

Executive Assistant: Scheduling, preparing materials, taking minutes

Administrative Assistant: Organizing and facilitating meetings, managing logistics

Project Management:

Startup Chief of Staff: Oversees large, complex projects impacting the organization

Executive Assistant: Manages small projects within their role

Administrative Assistant: May handle small-scale projects or events

Communication:

Startup Chief of Staff: Represents the executive internally and externally

Executive Assistant: Facilitates internal communication

Administrative Assistant: Handles correspondence and communication management

Professional Development:

Startup Chief of Staff: Broadens strategic leadership and management skills

Executive Assistant: Focused on improving administrative and organizational skills

Administrative Assistant: Develops organizational and administrative skills

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