Executive Positions and Responsibilities
An executive is a type of manager in the business world. They sit at the highest level of leadership of an organization. A Chief Executive Officer (CEO) oversees all of the organization’s executives. An executive is typically a high-level manager responsible for the overall operation of a company or division.
A director is a manager of managers. Directors have more time and space to work on high-level tasks. Their work is more specialized and involves managing people. Executive or C-suite employees run companies at the highest possible level. The CFO oversees all the financial dealings of a company and reports to the CEO as well as the chairman of the board. An executive director is the senior operating officer or manager of a nonprofit. The executive director is responsible for strategic planning, working with the board of directors, and operating within a budget.
Hierarchy and Promotion Paths
Which post is higher executive or assistant manager?
Executives implement strategic plans at the highest level. They control essential operations and develop plans laid out by management.
Executive assistants specifically assist top executives and may supervise other assistants.
The top executive has titles like owner, founder, or president. The CEO has authority over all employees. Other executives report to the CEO. The chief financial officer oversees finances and reports to the CEO and board chairman.
After three years, executives may become assistant managers through a selection process. Assistant managers start at a higher level than executives end up reaching.
Directors’ skills differ from managers’.
The board of directors oversees the CEO’s management decisions. However, the board can fire the CEO.
The highest executive assistant is chief of staff, allowing more responsibilities at higher executive functions.
Executive Advancement
Who is higher than senior executive?
The highest C-suite executive is the CEO. The chief operating officer is second-in-command after the CEO. Senior vice presidents and executive vice presidents may oversee specific functions. A senior VP reports to the CEO or president. The board of directors oversees the CEO but can fire them.
Assistants support executives by handling office duties. The chief of staff allows executive assistants more high-level responsibilities.