Chief of Staff to the CEO

San Diego, CA
Full Time
Experienced

Chief of Staff to the CEO

Location: San Diego, CA 

Firestorm as a company grew out of the simple question: how does a US ally country with a respectively low defense budget deter an aggressor state entity with a vastly larger war chest? We’re building the very answer to that question, something we call “democratized deterrence.” Firestorm is a VC-backed, defense-meets-Silicon Valley technology company developing mission-adaptable aerial vehicles to put the power back into the hands of the operator. We aim to upend the current defense procurement cost paradigm by bringing world-class capabilities to bear at meaningfully lower costs. 

The Chief of Staff to the CEO will play a critical role in supporting the CEO by managing day-to-day operations, driving key strategic initiatives, and ensuring the smooth functioning of executive activities. This role requires a high level of confidentiality, professionalism, and the ability to work in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment. The ideal candidate will have a strong business acumen, excellent organizational skills, and the ability to handle complex tasks with ease.  A candidate with an MBA or equivalent experience is highly preferred. 
 

What You Will Do: 

  1. Executive Support: 
    (A big portion of this position is to provide executive assistance to the CEO at Firestorm, a Military Defense Startup). 

  • Provide high-level administrative support to the CEO, including managing schedules, meetings, and travel arrangements. 

  • Act as the primary point of contact for internal and external stakeholders on all matters pertaining to the CEO. 

  • Prepare and edit correspondence, reports, presentations, and other documents as needed. 

  • Handle confidential information with discretion and maintain the highest level of confidentiality. 

  1. Strategic Planning: 

  • Assist the CEO in developing and executing business strategies, including market analysis, competitive research, and business planning. 

  • Participate in strategic meetings and provide input on business decisions. 

  • Prepare briefing materials, reports, and presentations for board meetings, investor presentations, and other key events. 

  1. Project Management: 

  • Lead and manage special projects as assigned by the CEO, ensuring timely completion and alignment with company goals. 

  • Coordinate cross-functional teams to drive project success and resolve any issues that arise. 

  • Monitor progress on key initiatives and provide regular updates to the CEO. 

  1. Communication & Liaison: 

  • Serve as a liaison between the CEO and other executives, employees, and external partners. 

  • Facilitate communication and collaboration across departments to ensure alignment with the CEO's vision and objectives. 

  • Draft and review communications on behalf of the CEO, including emails, memos, and public statements. 

  1. Operational Efficiency: 

  • Identify opportunities to streamline processes and improve operational efficiency within the executive office. 

  • Manage and prioritize multiple tasks and projects, ensuring deadlines are met. 

  • Anticipate the needs of the CEO and proactively address potential issues. 

  1. Other Duties as Assigned 

Required Qualifications 

  • Experience: Minimum of 5 years of experience as an Executive Assistant, with at least 2 years supporting C-level executives. Experience in the military defense or technology sector is highly desirable. 

  • Skills: 

  • Exceptional organizational and time management skills. 

  • Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities. 

  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills. 

  • High level of proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and other business software. 

  • Ability to manage multiple priorities and work under pressure. 

  • Strong attention to detail and ability to maintain confidentiality. 

  • US Citizen, able to obtain and maintain a security clearance 

Preferred Qualifications 

  • Proactive and self-motivated with a strong sense of initiative. 

  • Highly polished professional demeanor...prior military experience is highly preferred. 

  • Adaptable and able to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment. 

  • Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build relationships with stakeholders at all levels. 

  • MBA from a reputable institution is preferred or equivalent experience. 
     

Benefits: 

  • Competitive salary and equity 

  • Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance. 

  • Retirement savings plan. 

  • Opportunities for professional growth and development. 

  • Work in a mission-driven environment with cutting-edge technology. 

How to Apply: Interested candidates should fill out the Firestorm application.  Please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your qualifications and interest in the role. 

Firestorm is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions. 

Salary Range: $110k - $130k 

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