What a Chief of Staff does
A Chief of Staff (CoS) makes the founder and the leadership team more effective. On any given day that might mean running the quarterly planning process, unblocking a stalled project, prepping a board deck, or standing up a function that doesn't have a leader yet.
The best CoS roles are a launchpad. You see every part of the business, build relationships across the company, and are often first in line for a leadership role once you've proven yourself.
What Chief of Staff jobs pay
From the roles we track, Chief of Staff compensation in India typically runs ₹18–35 LPA at funded startups, with early-stage or associate-level CoS seats lower, and CoS-to-CEO roles at larger companies higher. International CoS roles (some US startups hire from India) can be materially higher.
Salary is often undisclosed in the post. We show what's stated and never pad it.
What founders look for
Three signals show up again and again in CoS hiring: structured thinking (can you take chaos and produce a plan), trust (will the founder hand you sensitive work), and range (are you as comfortable in a spreadsheet as in a hard conversation).
Consulting, founding your own thing, or an operating role at a fast startup are common backgrounds — but the throughline is judgment, not pedigree.
Finding roles before they're listed
Like Founder's Office roles, many Chief of Staff openings start as a LinkedIn post from the founder rather than a formal listing. They fill quickly and quietly.
Lightpost surfaces these feed-only roles alongside formal listings, verified and dated, so you can reach out while the seat is still open.
Frequently asked questions
How is Chief of Staff different from an EA?
An executive assistant manages calendar and logistics. A Chief of Staff owns projects, strategy and cross-functional outcomes. Different job entirely.
What comes after a Chief of Staff role?
Commonly a functional leadership role (heading ops, strategy, or a business line), a GM role, or founding a company. The seat is designed to make you promotable.
Do I need startup experience?
It helps but isn't required. Many founders hire ex-consultants or strong generalists into CoS roles and expect a fast ramp.