Admin & Support
A Chief of Staff acts as a close partner to a CEO or senior executive, managing priorities, cross-functional initiatives and leadership communication. The role matters because it turns executive decisions into coordinated execution across teams.
Ways to hire
4options
contract, contract-to-hire, full-time and executive search
The role
Companies hire one when a founder or CEO’s calendar and initiatives outgrow personal bandwidth, typically during rapid growth, a transformation, or after a funding or leadership change.
Typical responsibilities
Core skills
Tools and systems
Related titles
Typical background
Typically seven or more years in consulting, strategy, operations or finance; an MBA is common but not required.
At a glance
The essentials for planning the hire: level, background, how you can hire and what the role typically pays.
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Share a few details and a administrative and support recruiter will be in touch. There is no obligation and no cost to talk.
What happens next
Request talent
Takes about two minutes. A specialist recruiter will call you back within one business day.
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Send your resume once and a administrative and support recruiter will match you to Chief of Staff roles that fit your experience, pay expectations and the way you want to work. We only put you forward for roles you have said yes to, and it is always free.
FAQ
Straight answers to the questions employers and candidates ask about this role.
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A Chief of Staff acts as a close partner to a CEO or senior executive, managing priorities, cross-functional initiatives and leadership communication. The role matters because it turns executive decisions into coordinated execution across teams. Typical responsibilities include: run the executive operating rhythm, including leadership meetings and agendas; drive cross-functional initiatives and track progress against company priorities; prepare briefing materials, board updates and executive communications.
Look for strategic planning, executive communication, project management, business analysis, stakeholder management and confidentiality. Experience with Excel, PowerPoint, Asana, Notion and Slack is common in this role.
Yes, for interim leadership. Many employers bring in an interim Chief of Staff to steady a team during a search, a transition or a major project, then hire permanently through an executive search. A specialist recruiter can scope either route with you.
An executive assistant manages an executive’s calendar, travel and communications. A Chief of Staff owns strategic projects, prepares leadership decisions and drives execution across departments. If the work needs business judgment and influence with senior peers, hire a Chief of Staff; if it is logistical support, hire an executive assistant.
Internal candidates bring context and credibility, while outside hires bring fresh perspective and no ties to existing factions. Because the role depends heavily on trust with one executive, the best choice is often whoever that executive believes can challenge them candidly and keep sensitive matters confidential.
Related roles
Every role in the practice is recruited by the same specialist team.
