What is a chief of staff?
A chief of staff helps the top boss (like a CEO) and the whole company work better. They’re not just doing simple tasks like a secretary; they have a big job that includes making plans and making sure different parts of the company are working well together. Their main job is to keep the boss focused on big things like the company’s future and big decisions, by taking care of the day-to-day stuff.
Duties and responsibilities
- Setting goals: They help figure out the big plans for the company and often give advice at big meetings.
- Giving advice: They help the boss by giving advice about things like who to hire and how the company should work.
- Handling communications: They make sure messages and projects across the company are on track and might even take the boss’s place in some meetings.
Work environment
Chiefs of staff work in an office really close to the boss. They need to keep secrets well because they deal with private information. They have to work well with all kinds of people and sometimes solve tough problems. They might work in different industries like tech, healthcare, or finance.
Typical work hours
Chiefs of staff usually work more than the normal 9-to-5 hours because their job is so important. They might also need to be ready to work during weekends or evenings if something urgent comes up. Their hours can change a lot depending on what the company needs at the time.
How to become a chief of staff
Becoming a chief of staff means you need to learn a lot, gain lots of experience, and know how to handle big responsibilities. Here’s a step-by-step guide to get there:
Step 1: Earn a bachelor’s degree
Start by getting a bachelor’s degree. It doesn’t have to be in a specific subject, but studying things like business or political science can help. Focus on getting good at leading, analyzing things, solving problems, and talking well.
Step 2: Work your way up
Start working in basic jobs and slowly move up by taking on more responsibilities. This helps you learn how businesses work, get better at communicating, and make important connections.
Step 3: Consider a master’s degree (optional)
Getting a master’s degree, like an MBA, can really boost your skills and make your resume stand out. It’s not required everywhere but can be a big plus.
Step 4: Gain leadership experience
You need to show you can handle big projects or lead a team. Try to get roles where you can manage people, make decisions, and see how your choices affect the company.
Step 5: Keep learning
Stay sharp by keeping up with new trends and skills in your industry. Attend workshops, read up on the latest news, or take extra courses.
Step 6: Apply for the job
Once you’ve got the right experience and skills, start applying for chief of staff jobs. Make sure your resume highlights your leadership roles and your ability to solve problems and manage big projects. Nail your job interviews by showing you’re ready to support and lead at a high level.
How much do chiefs of staff make?
A chief of staff’s compensation can be influenced by their location, company size, industry, and experience. Generally, jobs in metropolitan areas tend to command higher salaries due to the higher living costs. Compensation in bigger companies tends to be higher due to the complexity of tasks and responsibilities associated with managing larger teams.
The type of industry in which the company operates also plays an important role, with certain sectors, such as tech and finance, typically offering higher salaries. Aside from these, experience and level of education often matter, with individuals who possess profound industry knowledge and education often earning more.
Highest paying industries
- Securities and Other Financial Activities: $181,960
- Computer Systems Design: $180,800
- Software Publishers: $179,580
- Management of Companies and Enterprises: $178,590
- Scientific Research and Developmental Service: $177,550
Highest paying states
- New York: $220,380
- Virginia: $199,810
- Nevada: $198,980
- Connecticut: $196,200
- California: $194,300
The average national salary for a Chief of Staff is:
$122,400
Types of chiefs of staff
Chiefs of staff work in all sorts of places, each type having its own special tasks and goals. Here’s a breakdown of what these jobs can look like in different settings:
Corporate chief of staff
In big businesses, these chiefs help the CEO make plans and get teams working together smoothly. They ensure that what the CEO wants done gets done well and quickly. They’re like the CEO’s right hand in making sure the company’s big plans work out.
Governmental chief of staff
These chiefs work in government, helping leaders like mayors or senators. They manage the office, come up with policies, and sometimes speak for the official they work for. They need to understand how government works and how to handle politics.
Nonprofit chief of staff
In charities and similar groups, these chiefs help make sure the organization does what it promises. They work on things like planning, managing staff, raising money, and reaching out to the community.
Educational chief of staff
These chiefs help run schools or universities. They work with different parts of the school to make sure students get a good education and that the school’s rules and plans are followed.
Military chief of staff
In the military, they are high-ranking officers who help lead other officers and plan missions. They make sure orders are clear and that different parts of the military work together well.
Startup chief of staff
In a new, growing company, these chiefs help the boss with everything from big plans to day-to-day problems. They need to be able to handle lots of different jobs because things in startups can change fast.
Top skills for chiefs of staff
Chiefs of staff need a mix of skills to be really good at their jobs. Here’s what makes them successful:
Exceptional communication
Chiefs of staff must talk clearly and make sure everyone understands what the boss wants. They have to be good at both giving out information and listening to what others have to say.
Versatile project management skills
Since their tasks can change quickly, these chiefs need to be great at managing projects. They should be able to organize well, set smart deadlines, and make sure those deadlines are met.
Robust business acumen
Understanding the business deeply is crucial. Chiefs of staff should know the market, predict what could happen next, and see chances or risks before they’re obvious to everyone. This helps them guide the company in the right direction.
Discretion and confidentiality
These professionals often know sensitive info, so they must be very trustworthy and keep secrets well. This is key because they’re close to the top leaders like the CEO.
Influential leadership capabilities
Leading isn’t just about being in charge—it’s about inspiring and moving people to action. They lead projects and teams, pushing everyone toward the company’s big goals. Their skill in motivating people is a big part of what can make a company succeed.
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Chief of staff career path
Being a chief of staff can lead to some impressive jobs later on, like running whole parts of a company or even becoming the boss. Here’s a look at where they can go next:
Chief operating officer (COO)
After mastering the ins and outs of how a company works, many chiefs become COOs. As a COO, they make sure everything in the company runs smoothly and efficiently. Their background as a chief of staff makes them really good at this.
Chief executive officer (CEO)
Chiefs who are great leaders and know a lot about managing a company often become CEOs. Being a CEO means they’re the top boss, making all the big decisions. Working close to another top boss as a chief of staff gives them the experience they need for this big role.
Specialized C-suite roles
Sometimes, they move into specialized areas depending on what they enjoyed and excelled at during their time. For example:
- Chief financial officer (CFO): If they dealt a lot with money matters, they might become CFOs, managing the company’s finances.
- Chief marketing officer (CMO): If they were heavily involved in marketing, becoming a CMO could be the perfect next step, where they’d lead marketing strategies and campaigns.
Similar job titles
Chief of staff position trends and outlook
Here’s a closer look at the trends and what’s expected for the future:
- Growing importance in tech and startups: They switch roles smoothly—sometimes they’re advising the CEO, other times they’re managing projects or consulting within the company. Their ability to handle different tasks well is a big reason they’re becoming more important.
- Impact of remote work: With more people working remotely, there’s a bigger need for chiefs of staff; they help keep everyone working together, even when they’re not in the same place. Their skills in organizing and communicating are more important than ever.
- Shift toward strategic roles: While these chiefs have always kept companies running smoothly, they’re now becoming key players in shaping company strategy. They work closely with the CEO to guide the company’s direction, especially as businesses push further into digital areas.
- Tech and digital skills: As companies use more digital tools and strategies, chiefs need to be tech-savvy. They’re expected to lead in digital innovation and help integrate new technologies into the business.
Employment projections for chiefs of staf
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics expects the demand for high-level managers, including chiefs of staff, to grow by 6% through 2031. This growth rate is in line with the average for all jobs, suggesting steady demand for these leadership roles.
Chief of staff career tips
Understand your purpose
Know the ins and outs of your company’s operations, missions, and values. Regularly talk to department heads, join big decision-making meetings, and work closely with the executive team to get a full picture of what’s going on.
Act as a strategic advisor
Your job is more than just managing things day-to-day. Help plan the big picture with the CEO and other top execs. Offer new ideas on how to make the company better and contribute to its growth. Your fresh perspectives are valuable in shaping the future of the company.
Build a solid professional network
Create and maintain good relationships with people inside and outside your company. A strong network can lead to personal growth and also bring benefits to your organization. Consider joining:
- Chief of Staff Network
- Chief of Staff Association (COSA)
- Association of Chiefs of Staff in Education (ACSE)
Engage in continuous learning
Stay current with the latest trends, leadership strategies, and management techniques. Enhance your skills and keep your edge by:
- Attending webinars and seminars
- Taking courses on leadership, strategy, and management
- Reading recent industry publications
- Seeking advice and mentorship from experienced executives
Pursue relevant certifications
While not always necessary, certifications can boost your resume. Look into certifications like the Certified Manager (CM), Project Management Professional (PMP), or Executive Leadership Development programs to gain credibility and enhance your career prospects.
Practice strong diplomacy
Handling sensitive information and complex issues is part of the job. Be fair, transparent, empathetic, and tactful. Your ability to navigate tough situations and maintain harmony is crucial to your success.
Where the chief of staff jobs are
Top employers
- Amazon
- Microsoft
- Netflix
Top states
- California
- Washington
- New York
- Texas
- Massachusetts
Top job sites
- zengig
- Indeed
- Monster
- SimplyHired
FAQs
What are the key duties of a chief of staff?
The chief of staff serves as the right hand to the CEO or executive team, coordinating and overseeing a company’s operational projects. They ensure alignment between various departments, lead strategic initiatives, and sometimes supervise other staff members. This role often includes managing communications and decision processes.
What skills are most beneficial for a chief of staff?
Exceptional organizational skills are vital, as the chief of staff coordinates multiple projects at once. They need strong leadership and team-building abilities to lead teams and initiatives effectively. Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, are crucial for presenting ideas and updates to teams and stakeholders. Strategic thinking and problem-solving capabilities are also paramount in this role.
What qualifications do chiefs of staff need?
Most chiefs of staff have a bachelor’s degree, often in business administration or a related field. Many have also earned an MBA or other advanced degree. Prior management or operational experience, typically of 5-10 years, is generally expected. Knowledge of the specific industry and company can be advantageous as well.
How much demand is there for chiefs of staff?
The demand varies by industry, company size, and market. The role is becoming more popular, particularly in tech and startups, thanks to its broad utility and potential to enhance a CEO’s effectiveness. However, it remains less commonly seen than other executive roles.
What steps can one take to build a career as a chief of staff?
Starting in a related position, such as project management or operations, can provide the necessary experience and exposure. Earning an advanced degree in business administration or a related field strengthens one’s knowledge and credibility. Developing leadership and teamwork skills through practical experience is also key.
What personality traits make someone successful in the chief of staff role?
Those who succeed are highly organized individuals with intense attention to detail. They are strategic thinkers, capable of seeing the big picture and anticipating future needs or obstacles. They must be diplomatic, approachable, and adept at building relationships. Above all, they are flexible, adaptable, and capable of juggling multiple tasks simultaneously.
Will I need to travel frequently as a chief of staff?
The amount of travel required largely depends on the specific company and industry. In organizations with offices or clients spread across different locations, some travel may be necessary. However, in many cases, this is primarily an office-based position.
What is the work-life balance for a chief of staff?
As with many senior roles, they often work long hours and are expected to be available for emergencies or critical situations. The role can be highly demanding, with a need to manage and oversee multiple projects and tasks at the same time. As such, maintaining work-life balance can be challenging and may require careful planning and prioritization.
What are some challenges that a chief of staff may face?
A significant challenge for many is ensuring smooth communication and alignment across different departments and stakeholders. The role may entail managing complex projects with competing interests and timelines. Another potential challenge is the array of tasks and responsibilities that can lead to work overload. Finally, the role is inherently tied to the performance of the entire team, meaning outcomes outside the chief of staff’s direct control can impact their success.
Is the chief of staff role a stepping stone to other executive positions?
Yes, many see the chief of staff position as a stepping stone to other executive roles, such as CEO or COO. The vast exposure to different aspects of a business and the strategic decision-making experience can be invaluable for those aiming for a higher executive role.