Entry Level Assistant Titles
Entry-level assistant positions require the least amount of experience. They are fairly generalized in their responsibilities.
Receptionist
A receptionist or secretary is the first point of contact for visitors and clients entering an office. They usually sit at the front desk or lobby entrance to greet and direct guests as they arrive. Other receptionist tasks include answering the phones, directing calls, and signing for deliveries. A receptionist doesn’t perform as many business-related tasks as an administrative assistant.
Administrative Assistant
An administrative assistant performs clerical and administrative duties to ensure day-to-day workplace operations run smoothly. An AA may answer calls and greet guests, much like a secretary. But AAs also organize schedules, maintain the office filing system, plan company events, and provide business-related project support.
Office Assistant
An office assistant performs most of the same duties as an administrative assistant. But while an administrative assistant works within one department or with a group of executives, an office assistant supports the entire office. Responsibilities may also include monitoring office inventory and ordering supplies.
Other entry-level assistant titles include:
- Support assistant
- Staff assistant
- Office administrator
- Administrative support specialist
- Administrative clerk
Mid-Level Assistant Titles
After successfully gaining the necessary skills and administrative experience, you can move up into a mid-level assistant position. These positions come with different titles.
Executive Assistant
An executive assistant provides dedicated higher-level support to an executive or the executive team. They conduct many of the same duties as an administrative assistant, such as answering calls, organizing meetings, and managing schedules. But EAs also help with more crucial business-related tasks like managing projects and client relationships.
Personal Assistant
A personal assistant may help with business-related tasks similar to an executive assistant. Unlike an EA, a PA also performs personal tasks. These tasks may include managing an executive’s private calendar, handling family matters, and running personal errands.
Department Coordinator
A department coordinator ensures the smooth day-to-day operations of an entire department. They maintain the department calendar, manage the filing system, assist in budget preparation, and perform many other administrative duties. They may also supervise other administrative staff within the department.
Other mid-level assistant titles include:
- Executive administrative assistant
- Administrative services officer
- Administrative specialist
- Executive technician
Experienced Assistant Titles
These high-level assistant titles are for roles that require significant experience. They’re a company’s most skilled and highly paid administrative staff. More experienced assistants work alongside higher-ranking employees within the organization. They may also supervise other administrative and support staff. And, of course, they have unique titles.
Senior/C-Level Executive Assistant
A senior/C-level executive assistant provides dedicated support to a company’s CEO or other members of the C-Suite. They report directly to the CEO and have many high-priority responsibilities, from organizing the CEO’s calendar to managing company-wide projects.
Office Manager
An office manager is in charge of the everyday functioning of the entire office. They oversee all administrative activities and may supervise a team of administrative or support staff. Responsibilities include implementing the office filing system, managing inventory, and organizing meetings and company events.
Virtual Assistant
A virtual assistant provides remote administrative assistance. VA can be a contract or full-time position, depending on the needs of the person hiring.
Specialized virtual assistants have a skillset tailored to a particular niche. They offer remote support in digital marketing, graphic design, travel organization, language translation, or bookkeeping. Specialized VAs are experts in their fields. They can help fill gaps in a business’ strategy rather than only performing administrative tasks.
Other experienced assistant titles include:
- Administrative business partner
- Senior support specialist
- Senior administrative assistant
- Lead administrative assistant
- Lead executive assistant
- Chief executive assistant
