Behind every successful executive is a powerful support team—the people who clear the path so leaders can focus on 20% of the work that creates 80% of the results!
It’s like a Formula 1 pit crew but for business.
You’ve probably heard of two key players in this crew: the Executive Assistant (EA) and the Chief of Staff (CoS).
If you’re trying to figure out which role would best help your organization perform at its highest level, you’re in the right place.
Let’s see what makes each position unique and help you decide which one (or maybe both!) would be the perfect fit for your needs.
TL;DR — Chief of Staff vs. Executive Assistant
Here’s a quick comparison of chief of staff vs. executive assistant roles:
| Chief of Staff | Executive Assistant |
| A strategic senior-level position focused on high-level organizational planning, tracking progress toward quarterly/yearly goals, and ensuring KPIs are met across departments. | A trusted right hand who maximizes an executive’s effectiveness by managing their time, communications, and key responsibilities. |
| Pros | Pros |
| Significantly increases the likelihood of meeting long-term goals Acts as an effective buffer between CEO and C-suite Serves as “hammer” to drive initiatives forward Direct influence on company strategy and execution Clear authority to make strategic decisions | Creates time arbitrage (helps you get 29 hours in a 24-hour day!) Takes care of logistical management across all areas Flexibility to adapt to multiple performance multiplier roles Deep understanding of the executive’s personal work style Can serve as executive’s “Mini-me” in various situations More cost-effective than a Chief of Staff |
| Cons | Cons |
| Significantly higher compensation requirements Usually temporary/fixed-term position Limited involvement in executive’s personal matters May have conflicts with other C-suite members | May need to overcome traditional “secretary” stereotypes Role boundaries can become blurred Success is heavily dependent on the executive’s trust May handle tasks below the skill level |
| Best For | Best For |
| You’ll benefit most from a Chief of Staff if you’re running a large organization that needs dedicated strategic oversight and coordination between multiple departments. | Ideal if you want to maximize your daily productivity and effectiveness with someone who can manage your schedule, communications, and both business and personal tasks. |
Looking for high-level executive support without the cost of a full-time hire?
ProAssisting offers experienced executive assistants who can handle both strategic and day-to-day tasks for 50-80% less than an in-house hire.
Schedule a free consultation to learn how a ProAssistant can help you get more done!
Is a Chief of Staff an Executive Assistant?
No, a Chief of Staff is not exactly the same as an Executive Assistant.
There’s some overlap, but they serve different purposes in most organizations.
When you hear about an EA taking on “chief of staff” duties, it’s usually more about being your primary point of contact and handling immediate, day-to-day logistics.
Your EA might field communications, filter incoming information, and redirect things to the right people.
But they’re not typically responsible for tracking and guiding the company’s strategic progress like a traditional Chief of Staff would.
What is the Chief of Staff?
In the traditional sense, a Chief of Staff is a high-level strategic partner who typically holds an MBA or master’s degree and commits to a two to three-year stint in the role.
They serve as the interface between the CEO and the C-suite, ensuring the organization stays on track with its long-term objectives.
The traditional Chief of Staff:
- Sits in on all senior leadership team meetings
- Deeply understands the organization’s long-term goals
- Monitors key performance indicators (KPIs) that measure success
They work closely with stakeholders responsible for various organizational goals while maintaining regular interaction with the executive assistant.
However, the term “Chief of Staff” can have different interpretations.
In some organizations, particularly when referring to executive assistants functioning in a Chief of Staff capacity, the role focuses more on being a single point of contact for logistical and information flow.
In this context, they:
- Act as a filter for communication between the principal and various stakeholders
- Distribute information from the principal to the appropriate parties
- Manage incoming requests for the principal’s time and attention
- Facilitate smooth information flow across the organization
- Prioritize and adjust deadlines as needed
An executive assistant can eventually grow into a traditional Chief of Staff role after proving themselves and building strong relationships across the C-suite.
Chief of Staff Skills
A successful Chief of Staff combines high-level strategic thinking with exceptional interpersonal abilities.
Here are the key skills required for this role:
- Strategic Vision: Ability to see the big picture and understand where the company needs to be in 12-36 months.
- Leadership Expertise: Skills to guide and influence senior executives, ensuring everyone stays aligned with company goals. For example, coordinating between the CFO’s financial targets and the COO’s operational plans.
- Business Analytics: A strong ability to track and understand key performance indicators (KPIs)—not just gathering data but knowing what it means and how it impacts the company’s success.
- Communication Excellence: Talent for translating complex strategies into clear action plans that everyone from the board to department heads can understand and follow.
- Relationship Building: Skill in developing strong connections across the organization, from board members to department leaders. This helps when you need to get buy-in for major initiatives.
- Project Oversight: Skilled at handling many big projects at once while keeping everything on track. Like managing a merger while also leading a company-wide digital upgrade.
- Change Management: Experienced in helping companies adapt to big changes smoothly. For instance, guiding teams through restructuring or new policy implementations.
- Executive Presence: The confidence and poise to command respect in boardrooms and represent the CEO effectively in high-stakes situations.
Chief of Staff Responsibilities
Here’s what a Chief of Staff typically handles in their day-to-day role:
- Strategy Management: Helps create and track long-term company plans, making sure everyone stays focused on key goals.
- C-Suite Coordination: Works closely with company leaders to keep projects moving and align different department goals.
- Performance Tracking: Monitors how well the company is doing against its goals using key metrics and creates regular reports.
- Project Oversight: Manages major company initiatives from start to finish, keeping everyone on track and informed.
- Leadership Support: Acts as the CEO’s proxy in meetings and helps make important decisions when needed.
- Team Development: Builds and guides high-performing teams, helping them work better together.
- Communication Management: Makes sure important information flows smoothly between different parts of the company.
- Change Leadership: Helps guide the organization through big changes, like restructuring or new initiatives.
Chief of Staff Salary
The salary for a Chiefs of Staff typically falls between $150,000 to $300,000 annually in the U.S.
It depends on location, organization size, and experience level.
Note: This position often demands additional performance bonuses and equity compensation at senior levels!
What is an Executive Assistant?
An executive assistant (EA) is far more than just someone who answers phones and manages calendars.
Think of an EA as a business partner with superpowers who helps executives achieve what seems impossible—fitting 29 hours of work into a 24-hour day!
Modern EAs are strategic partners who understand their executive’s goals, priorities, and working style inside and out.
They serve as a vital bridge between the executive and the rest of the organization, managing information flow and acting as a trusted advisor.
As one ProAssisting client, Rory Tarhai (former CEO of Elie Tahari and current board member) put it, “I don’t work for you—you work for me. You need to be MY boss and make sure I’m on top of everything.“
The role has evolved dramatically from the traditional secretary position of decades past. Today’s EA is a sophisticated professional who combines technical expertise with high emotional intelligence and a hospitality mindset.
They anticipate needs before they arise, solve complex problems creatively, and enable you to focus on high-value work that moves the business forward.
Executive Assistant Skills
The most successful EAs possess four professional superpowers—a unique combination of hard and soft skills that make them indispensable.
Here’s what sets great EAs apart:
- ESP (Executive Support Perception): They anticipate needs before they arise. Like Pepper Potts in Iron Man, they seem to read their executive’s mind, showing up with exactly what’s needed before it’s even requested.
- Synchronization: They get to know when you work best and plan your day around those peak hours. Need quiet time for deep work in the mornings? Prefer a break after lunch? They make sure your schedule works with your natural rhythm.
- Omniscience: They have an uncanny ability to know what’s happening across the organization. For instance, when a client signs a contract, they automatically know the next steps—scheduling kick-off calls, setting up internal team meetings, and initiating email campaigns.
- Translation: They communicate effectively across all levels, from the mailroom to the boardroom. They can deliver the “velvet no”—declining requests gracefully while maintaining relationships.
The winning formula is the 51/49 rule—51% soft skills (communication, emotional intelligence, discretion) and 49% hard skills (technical abilities, organization, project management).
Executive Assistant Responsibilities
In “The 29-Hour Work Day” by Ethan and Stephanie Bull (ProAssisting co-founders), they outline five key performance multipliers that transform a good EA into an exceptional one:
- Business Partner: They become your trusted right hand, ready to step in when you need them. Sharing ideas, attending meetings on your behalf, or helping push projects forward, anything you need, they’ve got your back.
- Chief of Staff: They serve as the primary point of contact, managing information flow and coordinating with key stakeholders. This includes overseeing other support staff and directing personal staff at executive’s homes.
- Project Manager: From planning leadership retreats to managing office relocations, EAs handle complex projects end-to-end. For instance, an EA may need to manage a two-year construction of their executive’s coastal estate, coordinating with architects, contractors, and designers.
- Assistant/Scheduler: As the ultimate gatekeeper and schedule wrangler, they manage your time with precision. More than just scheduling meetings, they shape your day to keep you focused on what matters most.
- Personal Assistant: Understanding that work and personal life often blend, EAs help with everything from scheduling medical appointments to coordinating family vacations. The goal is to give their executive back time and reduce stress levels.
The key to success in all these areas is trust and clear communication between the executive and EA.
Executive Assistant Salary
Executive assistant compensation varies significantly depending on role type and location.
Here’s what we typically see in the market (more details in ProAssisting’s “State of the Assistant” report):
In-Office Executive Assistants (Top Level):
- Salary range: $70,000—$150,000+ in medium to large metropolitan areas
- Additional benefits typically include:
- Cell phone expenses
- Meal allowances
- Equipment
- Annual bonuses range from 5-30%+ depending on the industry
- Full benefits package (health insurance, retirement plans, etc.)
Remote Executive Assistants:
- Cost 50-80% less than in-house executive assistants
- No additional costs for taxes, equipment, benefits, or bonuses
- Offers high-level support without paying for downtime
- Typically work with 3 executives to 1 assistant ratio
In terms of ROI, when you calculate the hourly value of an executive’s time (annual net profit divided by 2,080 working hours), having a skilled EA who can save even a few hours per week justifies the salary investment!
Executive Assistant vs. Chief of Staff
Here’s how these roles compare across different criteria:
| Criteria | Executive Assistant | Chief of Staff |
| Scope of Responsibilities | Manages immediate priorities and ensures smooth day-to-day operations across business and personal spheres | Oversees long-term strategic initiatives and maintains alignment across C-suite objectives |
| Level of Authority | Makes operational decisions within established parameters; expert at execution and implementation | Has input on strategic decisions and authority to guide organizational direction |
| Focus | Daily operations, calendar management, immediate tasks | Long-term planning, strategic initiatives, organizational effectiveness |
| Career Path | Can grow into Chief of Staff roles, move into specialized operational positions, or advance to senior EA positions | Often leads to executive positions, COO roles, or strategic leadership |
If you’re trying to figure out which type of support would work best for you, we’d be happy to walk you through some questions that can help clarify your needs.
Schedule a free consultation to explore your options!
Similarities and Differences
Let’s talk about the unexpected common ground between these two powerhouse roles.
Similarities Between Chief of Staff and Executive Assistant
Here’s where their core competencies intersect:
- Both roles support executive leadership
- Must understand organizational dynamics
- Require high levels of discretion and confidentiality
- Act as trusted advisors in their respective capacities
- Require strong relationship management abilities
- Need excellent communication skills
- Serve as key points of contact
Key Differences Between Chief of Staff and Executive Assistant
The biggest difference lies in their strategic involvement.
While a great EA might give input on decisions, a Chief of Staff is typically expected to be a strategic partner who helps shape and execute company initiatives.
For example, if an EA is helping arrange and prepare for an important board meeting, the Chief of Staff is likely to be in that meeting and actively participate in strategic discussions.
Their scope of responsibility also differs significantly:
- An EA’s focus tends to be on directly supporting your effectiveness by freeing up your time by doing your less important tasks.
- A Chief of Staff, on the other hand, takes on bigger-picture responsibilities. Think running company-wide projects, leading teams, or driving major company initiatives.
Here’s a practical example:
Let’s say there’s an important company-wide change coming up.
Your Executive Assistant will ensure you have time to handle all the important meetings and presentations.
Your Chief of Staff, however, would be more hands-on with the bigger picture—planning how to make the change happen, getting different teams to work together, and making sure everything goes according to plan.
The day-to-day work looks different, too:
- An EA might spend their morning coordinating travel arrangements, managing emails, and preparing meeting materials.
- A Chief of Staff might be running leadership team meetings, developing strategic plans, or solving complex organizational challenges.
These aren’t rigid boundaries, though. For example, our ProAssistants often represent their principal in board meetings when needed.
Roles can flex and evolve based on the organization’s needs and the individual’s capabilities.
When to Hire a Chief of Staff vs. an Executive Assistant
There’s a significant difference between an executive assistant performing chief of staff functions and hiring a dedicated chief of staff.
We strongly believe that companies should not hire a chief of staff until they have the right foundation in place.
Specifically, a CEO must first learn how to partner with your executive assistant and build a strong, established relationship.
Why?
Because hiring a chief of staff before having a high-performing executive assistant in place creates organizational inefficiency.
The role of a traditional chief of staff is most effective when built upon the operational excellence that a skilled executive assistant provides.
Simply put, there is no justifiable reason to hire a chief of staff unless you already have an executive assistant who is not just meeting but exceeding expectations in their role.
The sequence matters: first, hire and develop a strong executive-assistant relationship, then consider adding a chief of staff if strategic needs require it.
Benefits of Having the Right Role in Place
When you bring in the right person for the job, here’s what you’ll actually see happen:
- Your organization runs more smoothly
- You finally get control of your time back
- Messages and information flow better between teams
- Your big ideas actually turn into real results
- Your teams work together like a well-oiled machine
- You get more done in less time
- You might even make it home for dinner more often (aka better work-life balance)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some common questions about these roles:
Is Chief of Staff a High-Level Position?
Yes, Chief of Staff is typically a senior leadership position, often equivalent to VP level in many organizations.
The role usually reports directly to the CEO or other C-suite executives and carries significant strategic responsibility.
Can an Executive Assistant Transition to a Chief of Staff Role?
Yes, but it requires additional education, experience, and skill development in strategic planning and leadership.
EAs need to build expertise in organizational strategy, project management, and high-level stakeholder management to make this transition.
What Are the Salary Differences Between a Chief of Staff and an Executive Assistant?
Chief of Staff salaries typically range from $150,000-$300,000+ annually, while in-house Executive Assistant salaries range from $70,000-$150,000+ in major metropolitan areas.
If you want a more cost-effective solution, a ProAssistant can handle up to 95% of what an in-house executive assistant does at a fraction of the typical salary costs.
You’ll get an experienced executive assistant with 5+ years of experience working in global brands. Also, with our flexible monthly plans, you only pay for the support you need.
Learn more about our pricing options to see how you can get elite executive support while significantly reducing costs!
The Bottom Line
Both Chief of Staff and Executive Assistant roles offer value for different organizational needs.
However, there’s an innovative solution that combines the best of both worlds while being more cost-effective: working with a ProAssistant!
ProAssisting offers a unique model where you can get top-tier executive support (within U.S. working hours and beyond) at minimal cost.
Our ProAssistants bring extensive experience from globally recognized brands and can serve in multiple capacities—from chief of staff duties to personal assistance.
Starting at $3,000 per month, you can partner with a dedicated ProAssistant who will help you maximize your productivity without the overhead costs of a full-time hire.
Plus, you’ll never have to worry about benefits, equipment expenses, or long-term commitments.
Book your free consultation today to learn more about how ProAssisting can help you do your best work, not your busy work!
