The Difference Between an EA, Senior EA, and Chief of Staff

The titles Executive Assistant, Senior Executive Assistant, and Chief of Staff are often used interchangeably, but each represents a very different level of responsibility and impact. Understanding those differences can help executives hire the right support and help professionals chart their career growth with clarity.

An Executive Assistant is focused on execution. They manage calendars, coordinate travel, handle communication, and ensure the daily flow runs smoothly. A Senior Executive Assistant takes that foundation further, operating with more independence and strategic thinking. They anticipate needs, manage projects, and often oversee other administrative functions.

A Chief of Staff operates at an entirely different altitude. They move from doing to directing, managing cross-functional priorities, aligning leadership teams, and serving as the executive’s strategic partner. They often oversee the EA team themselves, translating vision into execution across the organization.

As you move from EA to Senior EA to Chief of Staff, the day-to-day tasks become less tactical and more strategic, and the amount of oversight needed decreases significantly. An Executive Assistant asks for direction, a Senior EA collaborates on it, and a Chief of Staff defines it. Each role is vital, but the growth lies in moving from managing tasks to managing impact.