Associate
The entry level across an organization. Typical of employees hired into their first job without much career experience.
Intermediate
An employee who has been promoted once or a new hire with some professional experience.
Senior
The top grade for non-professional roles that don’t require much education or extensive experience.
Advisor & Manager
Most modern firms have two professional tracks whereby you don’t need to become a manager to continue to rise in an organization.
Senior Advisor & Senior Manager
Senior management and professional equivalents aren’t yet considered middle management. Promotion to these levels may simply indicate seniority and years of service.
Director
Directors are considered middle management and are expected to take on broad responsibility and accountability to justify their role.
Managing Director
In practice, the authority and pay of middle managers depends on the importance of their role as opposed to their job grade.
Executive Director
The highest type of middle manager. Again, if you’re not managing something important, directors may outrank and outearn you.
Vice President
Job titles that are reserved for executive organizational roles such as leading a department.
Senior Vice President
Roles with significant responsibility that may be candidates for Chief Officer roles.
Chief Officers & CEO
The named leaders of an organization who are visible to investors and the Board of Directors.
