I love the term “Chief of Stuff.” It’s perfect when you need an assistant to handle administrative tasks and manage your schedule. —Think of it as a playful version of a chief of staff, executive assistant, or operations coordinator. Also, I use a virtual assistant to help me keep my business running smoothly. But what’s great about this job title is that it has no negative connotations — it’s just fun! And stuff gets done!
What is a Chief of Stuff?
Chief of Stuff is a job title that describes the many roles of virtual or remote assistants for small business clients. The term is a play on the phrase “chief of staff,” which refers to an executive officer in a military organization who acts as a deputy or assistant to the commanding officer. Therefore, ‘chief of staff,’ is a title used in corporations and government offices for senior executive assistants or operations managers. Similar titles include executive assistant, operations coordinator, and virtual operations manager, all of which involve keeping the business running smoothly behind the scenes.
While you don’t need to wear a uniform or carry an official rank with this job title, your role is similar to that of a chief of staff.
As Chief of Stuff for your small business clients, it’s your job to handle all administrative tasks that keep the place running smoothly: answering phones and emails, scheduling meetings, ordering supplies, looking after finances, taking care of human resources (HR) needs like payroll processing and benefits administration…you get it.
You do everything except make products or provide services (that’s what everyone else does).
Where Did the Term Originate?
“chief of stuff” was coined in a blog post called “The Chief of Stuff” in 2010. It’s an excellent resource if you consider using a virtual assistant to handle administrative tasks and other low-level work, such as email and phone calls.
Suppose you want to learn more about becoming the chief of stuff at your office or read some good writing; head over there now!
A Bit of Endearment and Fun!
The term is meant to be fun and highlight that virtual assistants “do everything.” I could have just as quickly said, “Chief of Everything.”
As the Chief of Stuff, you will be responsible for everything related to your business and the people you assist. This may include:
- Managing your calendar and appointments
- Organizing your email inbox or phone calls
- Creating and maintaining an online presence (website, social media accounts)
- Ordering office supplies
But it’s important to note that as a Chief of Stuff, you’re not just a glorified office manager; that is just one part of this job title.
As the job description states, you’ll also manage personal tasks like paying bills or doing laundry. And if you ever feel overwhelmed by how much is on your plate at any given time, don’t worry!
Your remote assistant will be happy to help with anything else they can think of—from picking up groceries after work to taking care of personal errands during their lunch break.
The Game-Changer!
Today, we have remote assistants, and it blows my mind that no one else talks about them with anywhere close to this kind of enthusiasm. This is because the term highlights that virtual assistants are doing everything, at least, everything you’re not staffed for.
They’re handling more than just your paperwork and basic HR tasks. Also, they help manage projects and ensure things run smoothly within your business. They’re also keeping track of important information, such as passwords, private notes about clients’ preferences, etc.
They often act as personal assistants when you need extra support with administrative work or meetings outside of regular business hours (and sometimes during).
In short, if someone were going to be promoted from an entry-level position into management at your company (or any company), they should probably take on some new responsibilities; if those responsibilities involve non-traditional management roles such as those mentioned above…well, then, by all means, call them “Chiefs of Stuff”!
The Catch-All Term…
A virtual assistant (VA) is a catch-all term for an independent contractor who will take care of your to-do list, appointments, paperwork, etc. They can help you with work or personal matters; whichever needs more help is fine.
A remote assistant is an independent contractor who will handle your to-do list, appointments, and paperwork. They can also help you with work or personal tasks; whichever requires more help is fine.
A virtual worker is like a secretary on steroids. They do everything from scheduling meetings to organizing your desk drawers. If you have any questions about social media marketing (like I did when I started), they will answer them so that you don’t need to worry about it anymore!
Hire a VA and Call Them Your Chief of Stuff!
If you’re looking for someone to handle administrative tasks for your business, consider hiring a virtual superstar and calling them the Chief of Stuff! Virtual assistants, or VAs, are a great way to get extra help with your business.
They’re trained in different skills and can usually be hired based on your needs. For example, if you’re looking for someone to handle administrative tasks for your business, consider hiring a remote assistant and calling them the Chief of Stuff!
Chief of Stuff: To Wrap Things Up
I hope this has helped you better understand the title of Chief of Stuff if you want to learn more about what virtual assistants do.
Frequently Asked Questions: Chief of Staff vs. Office Manager
What is the primary difference between a Chief of Staff and an Office Manager?
The primary difference lies in the scope of authority and strategic focus. An Office Manager typically oversees workplace logistics, facilities, and administrative support. In contrast, a Chief of Staff acts as a strategic partner to an executive, focusing on high-level project management, cross-departmental alignment, and executive decision support.
Is “Chief of Staff” simply a more modern title for an Office Manager?
No. While both roles involve organization, a Chief of Staff is an extension of the executive they serve. They often handle confidential strategic planning, internal communications, and “firefighting” complex business issues. In contrast, an Office Manager ensures the physical or digital office environment functions efficiently on a day-to-day basis.
When should a business owner transition from an Office Manager to a Chief of Staff?
A transition is typically necessary when a founder or CEO becomes the “bottleneck” for strategic growth. If an executive spends more time managing internal communication and project follow-ups than on high-level strategy, a Chief of Staff is required to take ownership of those operational workflows.
Does a Chief of Staff manage other employees?
Often, yes. While an Office Manager might manage administrative staff, a Chief of Staff frequently manages the executive’s direct reports or heads of departments to ensure that the CEO’s vision is being executed across the entire organization.
What are the essential skills for a high-performing Chief of Staff?
A successful Chief of Staff requires advanced systems thinking, high emotional intelligence (EQ), and the ability to navigate complex organizational politics. They must be able to translate an executive’s broad vision into actionable Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the rest of the team.
Can a Chief of Staff be a remote or virtual role?
Yes. In the modern BPO and remote staffing landscape, “Virtual Chiefs of Staff” are increasingly common. They utilize digital project management tools and asynchronous communication to maintain executive alignment and manage global remote teams effectively.
How does a Chief of Staff contribute to business scalability?
A Chief of Staff drives scalability by eliminating the “founder bottleneck.” By owning the execution of strategic initiatives and ensuring that SOPs are followed across departments, they allow the business owner to focus entirely on scaling and external growth.
Is a Chief of Staff a permanent role or a temporary position?
While it is often a long-term strategic role, many professionals use the Chief of Staff position as a high-intensity “residency” to prepare for future C-suite roles (such as COO). For the organization, however, the function remains a permanent pillar of efficient executive operations.
