Special Assistant

Incandescent•New York, NY

2d•$85,000 - $95,000

About The Position

Incandescent is an advisory firm focused on helping enterprises create, build, and run businesses. They operate across four platforms: Corporates & Fortune 500s (including Private Equity), Systems Change Organizations (philanthropies, non-profits, mission-driven enterprises), and Ventures (late seed stage through Series B). In January 2026, Incandescent acquired Minds at Work, a firm specializing in Adult Development, Immunity to Change, and Deliberately Developmental Organizations. This Special Assistant role is crucial for supporting the firm's co-founder, Bob Kegan, in his daily work and driving the operational aspects of Minds at Work's Public Programs. The role demands a proactive, entrepreneurial mindset, a strong learning orientation, and the ability to manage complex tasks in a fast-paced environment. It requires exceptional organizational skills, sound judgment, anticipation, responsiveness, and a talent for creating reliable systems. The role offers the opportunity to shape and grow over time, with a dedicated development manager to support professional growth.

Requirements

Disciplined, self-driven, and intentional with a consistent ability to follow through.
Enjoyment in creating order, planning ahead, and making recurring work reliable.
Strong developmental orientation with commitment to self-examination and open feedback.
Willingness to invest in growth to become an exceptional performer.
Intellectual curiosity and an eager, creative adopter of AI.
Desire to understand how organizations perform best and excitement about AI's potential.
Empathetic and able to team well with others, building trust and warmth.
Capacity to imagine the world from others' perspectives.
Ability to add value as part of a larger team, building bridges and relationships across the firm.
Humility and grit, willing to take on both "lower level" and "higher level" tasks.
Comfort in a fast-moving, entrepreneurial environment.
Ability to learn quickly and take on new types of work.
Excitement to put fingerprints on the role and use it as a springboard for career growth.

Nice To Haves

Experience supporting senior leaders or executives.
Experience in program management or operations, particularly in educational or workshop settings.
Familiarity with Adult Development, Immunity to Change, or Deliberately Developmental Organizations concepts.
Experience with AI tools and workflows for productivity and operational efficiency.

Responsibilities

Manage the co-founder’s calendar with precision, ensuring they stay ahead of priorities.
Prepare necessary materials, briefings, and background information for the co-founder’s meetings, travel, and recurring commitments.
Communicate regularly with colleagues, external partners, and clients with discretion and care.
Build and maintain systems to keep the co-founder’s working life organized and easy to navigate.
Oversee the operational work for Minds at Work’s Public Programs, including participant communications, registration coordination, faculty preparation, management of the run of show, and live support during sessions.
Create and improve trackers, documentation, routines, and AI-enabled workflows to make recurring work dependable and straightforward.
Identify opportunities to simplify work, reduce reliance on individuals, and enhance processes through thoughtful use of AI.
Contribute to internal priorities, client engagements, and special projects, including research and AI-related work.
Partner with a development manager to identify growth edges and chart professional development.