Executive Assistant to the Founder & CEO (Startup / Founder’s Office)

Executive Assistant to the Founder & CEO (Startup / Founder’s Office)

Private EdTech Startup | Early Stage | IPO-Aspirational

Role Overview

This is a highly operational Executive Assistant role embedded directly in the Founder’s Office of a very early-stage EdTech company. You will function as a strategic executor, operational organizer, and administrative partner to the Founder & CEO, helping scale daily operations, manage priorities, and support fundraising, product, and growth initiatives.

In a lean startup environment, this role goes beyond traditional administrative support and requires ownership, adaptability, and strong execution across multiple functions.

Core Responsibilities (Startup-Realistic)Founder & CEO Support (Primary)

• Manage a fast-changing calendar, priorities, and scheduling
• Coordinate meetings with investors, advisors, partners, and early customers
• Prepare briefs, notes, and action items for key meetings
• Protect and optimize the Founder’s time and focus

Operational Execution (High Importance in Early Stage)

• Track company priorities, OKRs, and key initiatives
• Follow up with team leads to ensure execution and accountability
• Organize internal workflows, documents, and reporting systems
• Assist with hiring coordination and onboarding logistics

Fundraising & Investor Support (Critical at Early Stage)

• Help prepare pitch decks, investor updates, and data room materials
• Schedule investor meetings and manage follow-ups
• Maintain organized records of fundraising communications
• Handle sensitive and confidential company information

Cross-Functional Startup Support

• Assist across Product, Operations, and Growth teams as needed
• Support product launches, pilots with schools, and partnerships
• Conduct quick research on competitors, EdTech trends, and market insights
• Help organize company offsites, team meetings, and strategic planning sessions

Administrative & Office Operations

• Manage travel, expenses, and executive logistics
• Maintain internal documentation and knowledge systems
• Support basic operational processes in a lean team environment
• prepare and orgnaizes board meetings

Ideal Candidate Profile (Early-Stage Fit)

• 3-6+ years supporting a founder, executive, or startup leadership team
• Experience in startups, EdTech, SaaS, or venture-backed environments preferred
• Extremely organized and execution-focused
• Comfortable wearing multiple hats in a fast-moving company
• Strong communication, discretion, and problem-solving skills
• High ownership mindset with startup resilience

Compensation Benchmark (Very Early EdTech Startup – U.S.)Base Salary (Realistic Early-Stage Ranges)

• Lean Startup (Bootstrapped / Pre-Seed): $70,000 – $95,000
• Funded Pre-Seed / Seed: $85,000 – $115,000
• Strong Seed / Early Series A (Founder-Heavy Role): $100,000 – $130,000

(Boston and NYC markets typically fall in the $95K–$125K range)

Equity Guidance (Very Early Stage – Most Important Component)

At very early startups, equity is significantly higher due to risk and growth upside.

Typical Equity Range – Executive Assistant to Founder

• Pre-Seed: 0.25% – 0.60%
• Seed Stage: 0.15% – 0.40%
• Early Series A (still <50 employees): 0.08% – 0.20%

Most common structure:

• 4-year vesting
• 1-year cliff
• Stock options (not RSUs at this stage)

Cash vs Equity Tradeoff (Common in Early EdTech)Compensation StyleBase SalaryEquityWhen UsedLean Cash / High Equity$75K–$95K0.30%–0.60%Very early startupsBalanced Package$95K–$115K0.15%–0.30%Funded seed stageHigher Cash / Lower Equity$115K–$130K0.08%–0.15%Early Series ABonus & Benefits (Typical for Early EdTech Startups)

• Performance bonus: 5%–15% (sometimes discretionary)
• Equity refresh after 12–24 months (if strong performance)
• Flexible PTO and startup benefits
• Possible title growth (Chief of Staff path)

Expected Role Evolution (Very Early Startup Reality)

Within 12–24 months, this role often grows into:

• Chief of Staff to CEO
• Head of Founder’s Office
• Strategy & Operations Lead
• Executive Operations Manager

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $90,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off

Work Location: In person