Every Chief of Staff Needs a Virtual Assistant

If you’re a Chief of Staff, you’re a strategist, connector, confidant, firefighter and soothsayer. You’re keeping your executive team aligned, keeping projects to time, and shouldering the unseen labour to keep the business moving forward. You’re the bridge between leadership and the team.

But let’s be honest, you probably need some help.

The problem you’re facing as a Chief of Staff 

If you were once the PA or EA, and were promoted into this more strategic role, you might not have replaced yourself. You don’t have anyone fulfilling the EA role that you vacated. Suddenly you’re responsible for exec comms, staff wellbeing, board preparation, and strategic projects, but you’re still getting pulled into diary management, scheduling, logistics, and operational admin. Is it a long term solution? No. Have you taken steps to bring someone in? No.

The irony is, of course, you know that the more valuable you are at the strategic level, the harder it is to justify spending time on tasks that you could easily have delegated. And yet, your desk and email are full of requests that you’re not the best person to answer.

Why you need a Virtual Assistant as a Chief of Staff 

That’s where a Virtual Assistant becomes essential. A VA isn’t just an “extra pair of hands.” They are a force multiplier. By taking ownership of diary and inbox management, scheduling, travel logistics, follow-ups, document preparation, or even coordinating staff experiences, they free you to focus on the work only you can do. Instead of being buried in logistics, you stay focused on alignment, influence, and impact.

How a Virtual Assistant supported a Chief of Staff: a real world example

Bev, an award-nominated Assistant and member of the Upsource team, has supported both executives and Chiefs of Staff, saw this dynamic play out first-hand. She explained:

“I supported a Chief of Staff at a media company, and it struck me how much she was juggling. She was a former PA herself, so we almost worked as a team. She focused on staff wellbeing, executive boards, and making sure voices were heard, while I took over things like arranging meetings, buying gifts, and organising experiences (I know, how fun is that?) Clearing those tasks from her plate gave her the space to really focus on what only she could do, looking after the staff and supporting the leadership team.”

Your true value as a Chief of Staff

It’s not in wrangling a calendar or chasing meeting invites. It’s in helping your execs create  impact, protecting staff wellbeing, and making sure the business is running smoothly at a strategic level. If your energy is being drained by the kind of admin that is no longer your function and focus, then your business isn’t getting the best of you.

A Virtual Assistant isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity

Bringing in a Virtual Assistant on a fractional basis means you can build your own support layer. By taking the advice I’m sure you’re always telling your exec team: delegate, you’re creating space to do your job the way you want to. Without the day to day distractions which eat valuable time and energy. You’re protecting the performance of the business you’re working in, as well as your own.

If you’re still carrying the workload of a PA on top of Chief of Staff, it’s time to call in some support. Speak to Caroline, and she can match you with the VA you need to have the impact you want.