Executive Leadership Roles Experience Explosive Growth
The corporate landscape is witnessing a dramatic shift in how top executives structure their leadership teams. According to job posting site Indeed, listings for chief of staff positions have surged 85% since early 2020, far outpacing demand for traditional executive assistants and secretaries. This senior role—often functioning as a second-in-command to the CEO—now commands compensation packages ranging from $150,000 to $200,000 annually, depending on experience and organizational complexity.
From Scheduler to Strategic Partner
Richard Gelfond, CEO of Imax, provides a compelling case study. Sixteen years ago, he hired his first chief of staff primarily to manage his calendar and take meeting notes. As Imax expanded from 55 theaters in 2010 to nearly 2,000 globally today, the role evolved dramatically. “They’re really invaluable in helping me think through what I want to say and what I want to accomplish and then how to execute it,” Gelfond told The New York Times in a recent interview.
Clara Ma, founder of networking platform Ask a Chief of Staff, draws a sharp distinction: an executive assistant “figures out what time something goes on the calendar, but a chief of staff figures out whether it should go on the calendar at all.” This strategic gatekeeping function explains the significant pay gap—ZipRecruiter reports the median executive assistant salary in New York City is just $70,517.
The Orchestrator of Complex Organizations
Catherine Berardi, former chief of staff to Mellody Hobson (co-CEO of Ariel Investments) and now head of Prime Executive Office, describes the role as an “orchestrator” who coordinates cross-divisional initiatives. “When you think of these big issues that organizations have today—AI, cybersecurity, customer success, growth—it’s hard to be like, ‘this is just your thing,'” Berardi explained. “CEOs need somebody to make sure that that’s coordinated and successful and not a nightmare.”
Risks of Undefined Roles
Despite soaring demand, some organizations are hiring chiefs of staff before clearly defining responsibilities. Berardi warns of a “follow-the-leader” mentality where companies create the position simply because peers have done so. Meanwhile, Gelfond’s current chief of staff, Natalie Mayer, actively identifies AI applications for the organization—demonstrating how the role continues evolving alongside technological disruption.
FAQ
What distinguishes a chief of staff from an executive assistant?
A chief of staff operates as a strategic partner and second-in-command, focusing on prioritization, cross-functional coordination, and execution of organizational priorities. Executive assistants primarily manage scheduling, correspondence, and administrative logistics.
Why has demand for chiefs of staff increased 85% since 2020?
Increasing organizational complexity, rapid technological change (especially AI), and the need for coordinated responses to cross-functional challenges like cybersecurity and digital transformation have made the role essential for modern CEOs.
What compensation can a chief of staff expect?
According to industry surveys, base salaries typically range from $150,000 to $200,000, with total compensation potentially higher at larger enterprises. This contrasts sharply with executive assistant median pay of approximately $70,500 in major markets like New York City.
