Executive assistants are invaluable assets to any organisation, and recognising their potential for career advancement is crucial. However' the career trajectory for Executive Assistants often remains ambiguous and frustrating for many.
By establishing clear career paths and providing the necessary support and development opportunities, organisations can ensure that their Executive Assistants continue to grow and contribute to organisational success.
This short guide aims to help organisations establish clear career paths for their Executive Assistants, recognising their evolving skill sets and ensuring their growth and retention. Organisations should consider developing structured career paths leading to roles such as:
Executive Support Manager
Role Overview: This role represents a natural progression for seasoned Executive Assistants, involving the supervision of a team of executive assistants. The Executive Support Manager ensures that all administrative functions are carried out efficiently and supports high-level executives by coordinating the efforts of the Executive Assistant team.
Key Responsibilities:
Oversee and manage a team of executive assistants.
Develop and implement best practices for executive support.
Coordinate complex schedules and high-priority projects.
Provide strategic administrative support to C-suite executives.
Skills Required: Leadership, project management, strategic planning, excellent communication, and organisational skills.
Operations Manager
Role Overview: This position involves overseeing the day-to-day operations of the company, ensuring that all departments work harmoniously towards the organisation's objectives. It's ideal for Executive Assistants with a keen understanding of business operations. On of my past Executive Assistants moved seamlessly into this role.
Key Responsibilities:
Manage operational processes and procedures.
Coordinate interdepartmental activities to improve efficiency.
Develop and implement operational strategies.
Monitor performance metrics and report to senior management.
Skills Required: Operational management, analytical skills, strategic planning, and leadership.
Executive Project Manager
Role Overview: Focused on high-level projects, the Executive Project Manager ensures that critical initiatives are completed on time, within scope, and within budget. This role is suited for Executive Assistants with strong project management experience.
Key Responsibilities:
Lead and manage high-impact projects from inception to completion.
Coordinate cross-functional teams.
Develop project plans, timelines, and budgets.
Report progress to senior executives and stakeholders.
Skills Required: Project management, leadership, budgeting, and risk management.
Director of Administrative Services
Role Overview: This senior position involves overseeing all administrative functions within an organisation, ensuring that the support infrastructure is robust and efficient.
Key Responsibilities:
Develop and implement administrative policies and procedures.
Manage administrative staff and resources.
Ensure compliance with organisational standards and regulations.
Optimise administrative processes to support business objectives.
Skills Required: Administrative management, policy development, organisational skills, and leadership.
Steps for Organisations to Create a Career Path for Executive Assistants
Professional Development Opportunities:
Implement training programmes and workshops on leadership, project management, and strategic planning to enhance the skills of Executive Assistants.
Mentorship and Coaching:
Pair Executive Assistants with senior executives or experienced professionals who can provide guidance, support, and insight into higher-level roles.
Performance Evaluations:
Conduct regular assessments to identify strengths, areas for improvement, and readiness for advancement.
Clear Job Descriptions: Develop well-defined roles and responsibilities for each position to set clear expectations and career goals for Executive Assistants.
Benefits of Establishing a Career Path for Executive Assistants,
Retention and Motivation: Providing a clear career path motivates Executive Assistants to stay with the organisation, reducing turnover and retaining valuable talent.
Increased Productivity: Executive Assistants who see a future within the organisation are likely to be more engaged and productive.
Organisational Growth: By advancing Executive Assistants to higher roles, organisations can benefit from their institutional knowledge and experience, contributing to overall growth and efficiency.
Wy have you not included the Chief of Staff role?
Many articles have been written about how the role of Chief of Staff is the ultimate goal for an Executive Assistant however this is not one that I believe in. In my blog “The Unlikely Ascent from Executive Assistant to Chief of Staff” I outlined why I believe that those promoting Chief of Staff as a distinct career path for Executive Assistant are wrong and that it does a disservice to both Executive Assistants and Chiefs of Staff.
I firmly believe that the true position of Chief of Staff is typically more focused on acting as a strategic advisor to the CEO or top executives and involves high-level decision-making and organisational alignment, which may require a different set of skills and experiences than those typically developed in an Executive Assistant role. The vast majority of Chiefs of Staff do not come from the administrative function within organisations
In conclusion, by creating roles such as Executive Support Manager, Operations Manager, Executive Project Manager, and Director of Administrative Services, and others en-route to these positions, organisations can create a multitude of avenues for Executive Assistants to advance their careers and achieve professional fulfilment.
About the Author: Richard Arnott, BA, FInatAM, FIToL, is a Director of BMTG (UK) Ltd, and the author and lead presenter of the groundbreaking, globally recognised Advanced Certificate for the Executive Assistant: ACEA® program. Richard also sits on the editorial board of Lucy Brazier OBE’s Executive Support Magazine.
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