Sr Executive Assistant to CEO - Stage Manager

The Hire Standard•Cambridge, MA

About The Position

The Sr Executive Assistant to CEO is a hands-on, strategic support partner who works alongside the CEO throughout the working day. The role ensures the CEO is prepared for meetings, in the right place at the right time, and supported by functioning technology. The assistant captures meeting outcomes and follow-ups, and, as they learn the business, may represent the CEO in selected meetings and make routine decisions on his behalf. This is not a chief of staff role. The position works closely with the executive assistant who manages the CEO’s calendar and the assistant who supports his personal life. A support staff lead coordinates the executive support team, whose members share work, provide coverage, and support learning. The role includes regular business travel with the CEO, sometimes on short notice.

Requirements

Several years of experience supporting a senior executive in a fast-moving setting, ideally a CEO or founder.
Curiosity about all parts of a business, from product development to legal, and ability to turn what is learned into practical recommendations.
Good judgment and ability to make priority decisions the CEO would make and change direction quickly when priorities shift.
Hospitality mindset, including anticipating needs, thinking several steps ahead, and handling difficult moments warmly.
Openness to learning and feedback, willingness to take on unfamiliar work, ask clarifying questions early, and ask for help when needed.
Comfort with regular travel, sometimes on short notice.

Nice To Haves

Background in hospitality, restaurants, events, or theater.

Responsibilities

Prepare the CEO for meetings by creating agendas, gathering materials, and briefing him beforehand.
Attend selected meetings to record notes, decisions, and follow-ups, then ensure action items are completed.
Represent the CEO in meetings he does not need to attend.
Stage-manage the CEO’s office day, keeping him on schedule, preparing meeting rooms and audiovisual equipment, and ensuring smooth transitions between meetings.
Keep the CEO’s laptop, phone, and software up to date and working.
Arrange meals during the workday.
Coordinate with the calendar-owning executive assistant to keep the CEO’s schedule realistic and organized.
Coordinate with the CEO’s personal assistant so personal and business commitments do not conflict.
Plan business trips end to end, including detailed itineraries, accommodations, flights and private aviation, meals, and appointments.
Travel with the CEO as on-the-ground support, sharing trips with a second executive assistant.
Coordinate with other executive assistants when several teammates travel with the CEO.
As knowledge of the business grows, make everyday decisions on the CEO’s behalf and turn business insights into practical recommendations.