Are you considering a chief of staff to manage your estates? UHNW families with multiple properties can benefit by having an executive whose responsibility it is to work with each estate manager to ensure all properties are operating efficiently.
Here, you will learn the benefits, roles, and responsibilities for the chief of staff placements we provide to high net worth families. While we refer to the position as chief of staff, we also refer to this title as a director of residences, chief of estate, and chief estate manager.
We will predominantly use the title “chief of staff”, but you can interchange the title throughout each of the roles and responsibilities.
What is an Estate Chief of Staff?
The estate chief of staff manages multiple properties and oversees estate managers. The chief of staff is involved in staffing executive level positions within the estate. A chief of staff must have excellent leadership and management skills.
As a managing director, we expect a chief of staff to be personable, have excellent organizational skills, and be able to work under pressure with strict time constraints. Since it is often the estate chief of staff that signs off on large transactions and contracts, they must have sound judgment and be precise in decision making.
The chief of staff primarily communicated with the house manager but may also interact with the executive housekeeper, personal assistant, and executive chef.
The Benefits of Having an Estate Chief of Staff
Time-freedom is perhaps the most underappreciated feature of having a chief of staff. Here’s a look at some of the other benefits of having a chief management director facilitate work for each estate or house manager.
- Provides a single point of contact for the family who can then delegate to estate managers.
- Has a high level of leadership expertise and management skills that can improve operations throughout all estates.
- Frees up the family to have more professional or leisure time while knowing their estates are running smoothly.
- The chief of staff helps to maintain the privacy of principals.
The Role of an Estate Chief of Staff
The role of an estate chief of staff is to make sure everything runs smoothly and they efficiently handle all requests from the principals. In a business setting, much of their role resembles that of a chief operating officer.
In this role, the chief of staff will be in charge of
- Overseeing multiple budgets and accounts (e.g. different households, yachts, private aviation, offices,…).
- Monitor any large construction or renovation projects.
- Be involved in large social events where media may be present.
- Respond to any requests from principals and professional associates.
- Delegate certain requests to the appropriate private staff.
- Maintain the privacy of principals
- Work hand in hand with the family office.
The Responsibilities of a Chief of Staff
Here is a look at some responsibilities a chief of staff may assume.
- Project management
- Management of budgets and finances
- Contract negotiations
- Property management
- Representative of estate
- Human resources
- Director of the household manager and household staff.
Since the responsibilities of managing multiple family estates differ, the chief of staff needs to be flexible and able to accommodate the needs of the family.
Chief of Staff Qualifications
While there are no formal education requirements for the role of an estate chief of staff, most candidates have at least a college degree. There is a major emphasis on experience, and candidates must have experience in estate management.
Estate Chief of Staff – Staffing Agency
To find the perfect estate chief of staff placement service, ultra high net worth families know they can trust our estate staffing and management agency. We have over two decades of industry expertise and a proven track record of success in placing the most qualified candidates in this critical role.
Contact us today to learn more about our estate chief of staff placement services for ultra high net worth families. We would be happy to discuss your specific needs and match you with the ideal candidate.