Executive Assistant to the CEO

Arzeda • Seattle, WA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

Arzeda is seeking a seasoned, highly discreet Executive Assistant to the CEO to serve as a trusted partner and extension of the Office of the CEO. The role anticipates the CEO’s needs, protects time for high-leverage priorities, and brings structure to the CEO’s work with the executive team, Board of Directors, investors, and commercial partners around the world. The successful candidate exercises independent judgment, owns outcomes, and thrives in a fast-paced environment where priorities shift quickly.

This is an onsite role based in Seattle, Washington. The position supports the CEO and, as needed, executive leadership team members. It includes complex calendar management, Board and investor meeting coordination, executive operating-rhythm planning, confidential communications, international travel, special projects, and administrative and expense management. The role requires availability and responsiveness outside standard business hours, including evenings and weekends, for time-sensitive CEO, Board, and international matters.

Arzeda is a mission-driven deep tech company that designs proteins and products intended to improve lives and protect the planet. The company describes this role as an opportunity to become the CEO’s closest operating partner, gain direct exposure to the Board, investors, and global commercial partners, and help shape leadership operations as the company scales.

The base salary range is $120,000–$150,000, which may vary based on experience and qualifications. The compensation package also includes equity and participation in a bonus program. Arzeda is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States; employment visa sponsorship and relocation assistance are not offered.

Requirements

• 10+ years of experience as an Executive Assistant, including at least 5 years directly supporting a CEO.
• Demonstrated experience supporting a Board of Directors, including meeting preparation, materials, and logistics.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment, anticipate needs, and operate with minimal direction.
• Impeccable discretion and integrity in handling highly confidential information.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills and a polished, composed presence with internal and external stakeholders.
• Advanced proficiency with Google Workspace and/or Microsoft 365, video conferencing, and travel and expense tools; comfort adopting new tools, including AI.
• Strong organization and adaptability, and the ability to thrive in a fast-moving, cross-functional, deadline-driven environment.
• Ability to work onsite Monday through Friday and be available and responsive outside standard business hours, including evenings and weekends.
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.
• Legal authorization to work in the United States; visa sponsorship is not available.

Nice To Haves

• Experience supporting investor-facing activities or a financing process.
• Experience in a venture-backed biotech, life sciences, or deep tech company.
• Familiarity with Board portal tools and equity management platforms.
• Experience coordinating with partners and stakeholders across Europe and Asia.
• Event and offsite planning experience.

Responsibilities

• Own the CEO’s calendar end to end, managing changing priorities across time zones, protecting strategic work time, and making sound trade-off decisions.
• Organize and schedule Board of Directors meetings, including quarterly meetings and select one-on-one meetings, and ensure pre-reads are distributed on schedule.
• Manage Board, committee, and investor meeting logistics, both in person and virtual, and track action items through completion in coordination with the CFO.
• Plan and manage the Executive Leadership Team’s operating rhythm, including weekly staff meetings, offsites, agendas, decision logs, and follow-through on commitments.
• Triage the CEO’s inbox and incoming requests, route issues to appropriate owners, and escalate matters requiring the CEO’s attention with context and a recommended path.
• Prepare concise meeting briefings, background materials, and objectives for the CEO; draft and edit correspondence and presentations on the CEO’s behalf.
• Plan and manage complex domestic and international travel for the CEO and ELT members, including itineraries, visas, contingency plans, and real-time changes.
• Handle confidential Board, financing, partnership, and personnel matters with discretion.
• Liaise between the CEO and employees, Board members, investors, partners, and other external stakeholders, representing the Office of the CEO professionally and warmly.
• Lead special projects and improve the operations of the Office of the CEO, including adopting digital and AI tools.
• Process expenses and manage related vendors and administrative needs for the Office of the CEO.

Benefits

• Equity and participation in a bonus program.
• Paid time off.
• Company-observed holidays, including a company-paid closure between December 25 and January 1.
• Paid medical and family leave.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance, including Health Savings Account options.
• 401(k) retirement savings plan.
• Commuter benefits.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior