Household leadership
The Role of a Chief of Staff
A trusted coordinating role for principals whose commitments extend beyond the running of a home.
Connect people and priorities
A chief of staff helps translate a principal’s priorities into coordinated action across household teams, assistants, advisors and the family office. The position may include projects, staffing oversight, meeting preparation and decisions that otherwise stall between several parties. Its value is not doing everyone’s work; it is keeping responsibilities clear and ensuring the right information reaches the right person.
Define the boundaries of the role
An estate manager usually focuses on properties and their operations. A chief of staff may coordinate a broader mix of personal and professional commitments, but the distinction varies by household. Neither title automatically grants authority over investments, legal matters or the family office. Define reporting lines, delegated decisions, spending approvals and the relationship with specialist advisors before recruiting.
Choose judgment over a grand title
Look for someone who can prioritize, communicate clearly and handle sensitive information without creating unnecessary layers. Ask for examples of managing competing requests, resolving ambiguity and supporting teams respectfully. Agree practical measures of success, such as clearer reporting or better project follow-through. Some households need an executive assistant or estate manager instead; the role should follow the work.