What does a Chief of Staff do?

Whatever the size business, a Chief of Staff will wear many hats. They will need to be quick-thinking and able to multi-task. It is a managerial role that will often include business management, executive-level advising and interdepartmental collaboration.

Chiefs of Staff will serve as a liaison between staff and senior leaders. This could be regarding employee well-being, project updates, proposals or planning. They will oversee and implement strategic initiatives and report back to the CEO or senior members of staff. Such initiatives might include improvements to the organisation’s structure, finding skills gaps or improving company procedures and technology.

In larger corporations, the Chief of Staff can be considered the right-hand person to the CEO. They can be hugely influential. They provide the communication framework for employees, executives and customers or clients. CEOs might lean on their Chief of Staff to troubleshoot and handle the daily needs of the company. Generally speaking they will  be the glue that holds the rest of the team together, ensuring good communication between departments.

There may be an element of HR involved in the Chief of Staff’s role. In larger companies, they will assist the human resources department with new hires. Part of this could include organising documentation and contracts, as well as job specs. While in smaller offices they might have more hiring responsibilities. On top of that, they might be the go-to for employee concerns.

The Chief of Staff will help other members of the support team to perform their jobs to the best of their ability. This could also involve training and coaching. Above all, the goal will be to develop strong relationships throughout the workplace. Therefore resulting in increased efficiency in the company.

Time management and organisation skills are key. There will be an element of administrative tasks. These might include managing calendars, planning and sending internal and external communications, maintaining hard copy and electronic files. On top of that, there’s planning and coordinating annual corporate meetings and other events and meetings.

Chiefs of Staff might run special projects. Such tasks can involve communicating with board members or sitting in on meetings, taking and actioning notes, logistical planning, heading up presentations. Confidentiality and trust is vital between the Chief of Staff and other employees. They will need to be a good manager and people person. Moreover, they will be able to anticipate problems before they arise. They need to be passionate about their role, have strong business acumen and act as a reliable partner to their employer. A wide range of experience will be expected in different areas of the business from investment, finance, philanthropy and legal matters.

Chief of Staff can expect to earn between £70,000 and £150,000+ depending on experience and industry. 

• Business Assistant 

• Executive Assistant