Hire a Chief of Staff

Finding a qualified Chief of Staff is no easy feat. Whether your business requires improved communication and oversight,, or you are replacing this essential role, we can help you connect with the most qualified candidates on the market.

Trusted by leading brands and startups

Set Active logo
Good American logo
Tory Burch logo
PIMCO logo
Fortress logo
Universal Music Group logo
Bain & Co. logo
Mattel logo
Tory Burch logo
JRK Property Holdings
Set Active logo
Good American logo
PIMCO logo
Bain & Co. logo
Mattel logo
JRK Property Holdings
Universal Music Group logo
Fortress logo

What Does a Chief of Staff Do?

A Chief of Staff is an executive-level position that holds several different responsibilities, often acting as a point of contact and organizational liaison for a CEO and other more senior C-suite and management personnel. This means Chief of Staff candidates will display strong management and leadership skills and excellent operational and communication skills.

Get in touch

Modern, open-air room with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking a calm ocean.   Wooden lounge chairs facing the water, with tall grasses near the edge.
Woman in a suit, standing behind a reception desk, on the phone,  looking at a computer screen pleasantly.

Chief of Staff Qualifications

A qualified Chief of Staff will likely have a bachelor's degree or master's degree. At least five years of managerial experience is preferred, and related roles and relevant work experience in business operations, executive assistance, or corporate strategy would be ideal. Optimal candidates display a variety of personality traits and leadership skills to manage multiple projects and teams, while acting as the “right hand” for their principal or executive simultaneously. Organizational and planning skills are a must since the Chief of Staff role will often plan and direct administrative, financial, or operational activities for the company's executive team senior leaders. A strong applicant for this position will display effortless communication skills and an ability to quickly analyze and solve problems along with an ability to anticipate the needs of executives and the top management leadership team.

Hire Talent

Duties of a Chief of Staff

  • Act as the communication liaison between the CEO and other executives in the organization
  • Manage day-to-day projects and special initiatives or projects
  • Plan, coordinate, and attend meetings, keeping executives on task
  • Setting KPIs and identifying key areas of opportunity within vital business functions
  • Ensure action items are properly executed, collaborating with other department heads when needed

Browse Jobs

Modern, open-air room with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking a calm ocean.   Wooden lounge chairs facing the water, with tall grasses near the edge.
Woman in a suit, standing behind a reception desk, on the phone,  looking at a computer screen pleasantly.

Interview Questions to Ask

Asking the right interview questions when hiring a Chief of Staff is critical. When interviewing, we recommend engaging in thoughtful conversations and purposeful relationship building. Here are some starter questions to consider when hiring a chief of staff:

  • What qualities do you feel are the most valuable as a Chief of Staff?
  • What excites you about working as the Chief of Staff at our company?
  • How do you ensure that the strategic vision of the executive team aligns with the operational activities of the organization?
  • How do you influence and lead cross-functional teams without direct authority over them?
  • Give an example of a time when you had to adapt to significant changes within an organization. How did you manage the transition?

Learn More

Land your dream job as

a Chief of Staff

Getting your foot in the door with an amazing company can be a challenge. Our recruiting experts are ready to help you land your next dream role.

View Open Roles

Hire

a Chief of Staff

With over 40 years of recruiting experience, we can help you fill any open role, plus, offer insight into current market rates and team structuring.

Find Talent

FAQ

Should I hire a Chief of Staff?

Hiring a Chief of Staff can be a strategic move for companies looking to streamline workflows, enhance communication, and support the CEO in executing business needs. A Chief of Staff serves as a right-hand person to the CEO, handling a range of responsibilities from project management to liaising between team members, and even onboarding new hires, ultimately increasing organizational efficiency and effectiveness.

What size company needs a Chief of Staff?

A Chief of Staff is particularly beneficial for mid-sized to large companies experiencing rapid growth or undergoing significant organizational changes. Companies at this scale often face complexities that startups may not, and therefore require a dedicated leader to facilitate communication, streamline processes, and align strategic initiatives across departments and senior leadership.

How do you get a Chief of Staff role?

To secure a Chief of Staff role, candidates typically need a combination of relevant experience, strong leadership skills, and strategic thinking skillsets. This often involves progressing through roles in project management, executive support, or operations, while demonstrating a knack for problem-solving and building relationships across an organization. Networking, showcasing adaptability, and pursuing additional education or certifications can also enhance one's candidacy for such a position.

How many years of experience is needed for a Chief of Staff role?

The years of experience required for a Chief of Staff role can vary depending on the company, industry, and specific job requirements. Typically, candidates for this position have around 5-10 years of professional experience, including roles in project management, operations, or executive support. However, some companies may prefer candidates with more extensive experience, especially for larger or more complex organizations.

Market Trend Report & Salary Guide

Discover the salary benchmarks and hiring insights you’ll need to build your team, across every industry and discipline.

Get The Report

Career Group Companies Market Trend Report and Salary Guide 2023

Dedicated teams for every discipline

Career Group Companies is home to five highly specialized divisions, giving our clients access to the most exclusive and far-reaching network. Our family of brands allows us to tailor our approach for each search with teams focused exclusively on sourcing within their respective industries and fields.

Get in touch

Corporate & Private Services

Career Group specializes in placements within corporate and private services and has dedicated teams focused in the sectors of administrative, finance and accounting, private services and household staff, hospitality, human resources, and legal services.

Fashion, Beauty & Luxury

Fourth Floor is the leading fashion recruiting firm in the country. We place the best and brightest talent in roles at top apparel, beauty, e-commerce, and luxury brands and retailers nationwide–in every department.

Creative, Marketing & Technology

The name Syndicatebleu is synonymous with passion, innovation, and expertise. As one of the leading creative, marketing, tech, IT, and sales recruiting firms in the country, we place highly skilled professionals at top companies across a diverse range of industries.

Executive Search

Career Group Search specializes in building executive teams. We place the highest caliber of talent in Director, VP, and C-level roles, with clients ranging from Fortune 100 companies to boutique startup firms.

Event Staffing

Career Group Events sets a higher standard for event staffing. We offer the most customizable approach to both large and small-scale event staffing. From corporate conferences to major sporting events, we handle the staff – so you can handle the show.