Executive Assistant to CTO - AI Startup

BURKE + CO.; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus

Equity

Benefits

Job summary

BURKE + CO. is seeking a polished Executive Assistant to support the CTO of a fast-growing AI startup in San Francisco. You will partner with a senior technical leader to navigate competing priorities, coordinate complex calendars, and manage travel while helping the SF team scale a collaborative, high-performance culture.

The role emphasizes emotional intelligence, sound judgment, and proactive, team-oriented support as the company grows and expands its leadership footprint.

Qualifications

• 5+ years supporting senior executives, preferably in tech/startups.
• Experience backing a leader overseeing large or growing teams.
• Excellent emotional intelligence with sound judgment and discretion.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Able to prioritize independently in a fast-paced setting.

Responsibilities

• Provide high-level executive support to the CTO including calendar management, meeting coordination, and travel planning.
• Balance competing priorities across internal and external commitments in a dynamic environment.
• Exercise strong judgment and manage sensitive matters and stakeholder relations.
• Collaborate with the CTO to streamline workflows and anticipate needs.
• Support members of the CTO's leadership team as needed.
• Coordinate engineering-wide events and team-building initiatives to strengthen culture.
• Partner with administrative teams including NY office to share best practices.

Skills

Emotional intelligence

Calendar management

Prioritization

Communication

Relationship building

Organizational skills

Adaptability

Stakeholder management

Job description

Our client, a high-growth tech startup building a purpose-driven AI platform, is seeking a highly polished & adaptable Executive Assistant to support their CTO. This is an exciting opportunity to partner with a senior technical leader, while also helping to support their growing San Francisco team. The ideal candidate brings exceptional emotional intelligence, sound judgment, and a proactive, team-oriented approach. You'll be trusted to navigate competing priorities, manage complex executive needs, and provide thoughtful support in a fast-paced, evolving environment!

THE NITTY GRITTY:

• Provide high-level executive support to the CTO, including complex calendar management, meeting coordination, and travel planning.
• Proactively manage competing priorities, balancing internal meetings, external commitments, and shifting business needs.
• Exercise strong judgment and emotional intelligence when navigating sensitive matters and stakeholder relationships.
• Partner with the CTO to anticipate needs, streamline workflows, and keep priorities moving forward.
• Provide occasional support to members of the CTO's leadership team as needed.
• Coordinate engineering-wide events, team gatherings, and other initiatives that strengthen team connection and culture.
• Collaborate with administrative partners across the company's New York office, sharing best practices and coordinating support when needed.
• Help foster a welcoming, positive, and collaborative environment as the San Francisco team continues to grow.

THE ESSENTIALS:

• 5+ years of experience supporting senior executives, ideally within the startup space, technology, and/or engineering organizations
• Previous experience supporting a leader responsible for a large or growing organization.
• Exceptional emotional intelligence and the ability to prioritize independently with minimal direction.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and sound judgment.
• Adaptable, flexible mindset and willingness to pitch in beyond traditional EA responsibilities when needed.
• A positive, approachable presence with excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• Comfort operating in a fast-paced environment where priorities and needs can evolve quickly.

THE CHERRY ON TOP:

• Gain a front-row seat to how a company grows, makes decisions, and operates at a senior level
• Join a company during their exciting upwards trajectory!

COMPENSATION: $150k-170k base salary + bonus + equity + benefits (exact compensation will vary based on skills, experience, and expertise)

*Compensation is aligned with experience, level, and role scope. Most offers fall within the mid-range, with the top of the band generally reserved for candidates with extensive, directly relevant backgrounds. Leveling is determined during the interview process