Job description
About Pearl Talent:
Pearl works with the top 1% of candidates from around the world and connects them with the best startups in the US and EU. Our clients have raised over $5B in aggregate and are backed by companies like OpenAI, a16z, and Founders Fund. They’re looking for the sharpest, hungriest candidates who they can consistently promote and work with over many years. Candidates we’ve hired have been flown out to the US and EU to work with their clients, and even promoted to roles that match folks onshore in the US.
Hear why we exist, what we believe in, and who we’re building for: WATCH HERE
Why Work with Us?
We’re not just another recruiting firm—we focus on placing candidates with exceptional US and EU founders who prioritize the long-term success of their team members. We also provide retention bonuses at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months, as well as community-driven benefits like an annual retreat.
Role Overview:
As a Strategic Executive Assistant at Pearl Talent for our client, you’ll serve as the high-context, execution-focused right hand to the CEO of a fast-growing, VC-backed cybersecurity startup. You’ll manage both personal and company logistics, execute strategic research projects, coordinate with vendors, and operate as a sharp, proactive extension of the founder in all operational and administrative workflows.
Your Impact:
Your work will clear operational bottlenecks, free the CEO’s bandwidth for strategic priorities, and improve efficiency across internal and external workflows. Within 90 days, you’ll be operating as a trusted partner who anticipates needs, executes with precision, and ensures both the company and the CEO run faster and smoother every day.
Core Responsibilities:
1. Executive Support (40%)
- Manage CEO’s calendar, inbox, and direct communications (Superhuman + Google Calendar)
- Draft, proofread, and send context-aware internal and external communications
- Anticipate needs and prepare relevant materials ahead of meetings and events
2. Operations & Logistics (35%)
- Coordinate vendor communications, sourcing, and negotiations
- Manage company and personal operational tasks (travel booking, vendor scheduling, procurement)
- Maintain operational systems in Linear and Notion
3. Strategic Research & Reporting (15%)
- Conduct deep vendor, product, and market research
- Summarize findings with clear recommendations and reasoning
- Maintain financial tracking spreadsheets for personal and company budgets
4. Special Projects & Personal Support (10%)
- Support CEO’s personal life logistics with discretion and efficiency
- Coordinate investor dinners, internal offsites, and special events
- Suggest workflow and tool optimizations to improve efficiency
Must-Have:
- 3–5+ years supporting a founder or executive in a VC-backed tech startup (Series A–C ideal)
- Native or near-native English fluency; polished writing and confident phone presence
- Highly proactive, assertive communicator who can push back respectfully when needed
- Advanced digital fluency and ability to manage multiple tools quickly and cleanly
- Proven experience in both company and personal operational support
- Discretion and reliability in handling sensitive information
Nice-to-Have:
Experience supporting a technical CEO or Head of Ops
Advanced spreadsheet skills (formulas, budgeting, tracking)
Background in research and sourcing (product/vendor comparisons, cost optimization)
Familiarity with Bay Area norms and vendor landscape
Previous experience in a 5–15 person startup environment
Competitive Salary
Remote Work: Fully remote—work from anywhere with PST overlap
Generous PTO: 15 days annually (Pearl standard)
Health Coverage: HMO after 3 months (for full-time employees)
Direct Mentorship: Work closely with a high-performing founder in a VC-backed startup
Learning & Development: Ongoing access to resources for professional growth
Global Networking: Connect with top-tier professionals across the US and EU
Work-Life Balance: Flexible and respectful culture
Our Recruitment Process:
- Application
- Screening
- Initial Interview
- Skills Assessment
- Final Interview
- Job Offer
- Onboarding
Ready to Join Us?
If you’re an operational powerhouse with impeccable judgment and a passion for making founders more effective, we’d love to hear from you. Apply now to join Pearl Talent and help drive the success of one of the most exciting cybersecurity startups in the US.
