Executive Assistant to the CEO
New York, NY | In-Office
Full-Time | $110,000–$130,000 base + benefits + equity
We are partnering on a confidential search for a fast-growing, mission-driven startup seeking an experienced Executive Assistant to support its CEO. This is a high-trust, high-impact role positioned at the center of the organization, designed for someone who thrives as both a strategic thought partner and an execution-focused operator.
In this role, you will work closely with the CEO to manage priorities, streamline decision-making, and ensure the business moves forward with clarity and momentum. You’ll be responsible for optimizing the CEO’s time, managing complex logistics, and owning day-to-day operational details so leadership can focus on vision, growth, and impact. You will also take responsibility for overseeing the NYC office environment and contributing meaningfully to company culture.
This opportunity is best suited for someone who brings sound judgment, discretion, and a calm presence to fast-moving environments — someone who anticipates needs, solves problems independently, and takes pride in being a trusted extension of executive leadership.
Core Responsibilities
- Manage and optimize the CEO’s calendar with a strategic lens, ensuring time is allocated to the highest priorities and meetings are well-prepared and purposeful
- Act as a trusted gatekeeper and thought partner, using judgment to determine what requires the CEO’s attention versus what can be handled independently
- Coordinate domestic and international travel, manage correspondence and inbox flow, prepare briefing materials, and handle last-minute changes with precision
- Own day-to-day NYC office operations, including vendor coordination, supplies, team lunches, and maintaining a welcoming, functional workspace
- Support internal culture and connection by helping plan team gatherings, off-sites, and moments of celebration that reinforce shared values
Experience & Capabilities
- 5+ years supporting a CEO or senior executive in a high-growth, high-expectation environment (startup, scale-up, founder-led company, or professional services)
- Strong ability to manage competing priorities with composure, balancing strategic awareness with hands-on execution
- Highly organized with a sharp eye for detail; able to track multiple workstreams without things slipping
- Naturally proactive and anticipatory, identifying issues before they escalate and removing friction without being asked
- High emotional intelligence and sound judgment; trusted with sensitive information and complex interpersonal dynamics
- Clear, confident communicator in both written and verbal contexts
- Based in NYC and comfortable working in the office 5 days per week
This is not a fit if…
- You prefer predictability over ownership or are uncomfortable with change and ambiguity
- You need extensive direction before taking action or making decisions
- You prefer working independently rather than in close partnership with leadership
- You find fast pace and high accountability draining rather than energizing
This is for you if…
You enjoy being close to the work. You find satisfaction in making complex systems run smoothly. You move quickly but thoughtfully, bring warmth to high standards, and care deeply about contributing to a mission bigger than yourself. You take pride in enabling others to do their best work — and you’re excited to grow alongside a company building something meaningful.
