Executive Assistant to the CEO - Arzeda

Executive Assistant to the CEO

Seattle, WA · Full Time · Experienced

Arzeda is solving some of today's hardest and most meaningful problems, from food and nutrition to sustainable materials and homecare, by designing proteins that have the limitless potential to change everyone's daily life. Our team has developed a proven technology platform that merges computational protein design, machine learning, and synthetic biology tools to produce proteins, enzymes, and bio-based processes more efficiently than Mother Nature. A deep tech, mission-driven company, we are passionate about our mission to design novel proteins and products that enhance our lives and protect our planet. At Arzeda, we value a strong desire to learn, innovate, and be continuously challenged.

We are seeking a seasoned, highly discreet Executive Assistant to the CEO to serve as a trusted partner and extension of the Office of the CEO. You'll anticipate needs before they arise, protect the CEO's time for the highest-leverage priorities, and bring structure and rhythm to how the CEO works with the executive team, the Board of Directors, investors, and commercial partners around the world. This is a role for an experienced professional who exercises independent judgment, owns outcomes rather than tasks, and thrives when the pace is high and priorities shift quickly.

This is an onsite role based at Arzeda in Seattle, Washington. Nestled among the historic and artistic neighborhoods of Ballard, Fremont, and Queen Anne, you'll find the right balance of activities and relaxation. Whether you're indulging your inner foodie at one of many unique restaurants, drinking a craft beverage after a day at the beach, or enjoying a picturesque walk through the Sunday Market, you'll be proud to call Seattle your home.

Responsibilities

• Own the CEO's calendar end to end, managing complex, frequently changing priorities across multiple time zones; protect time for strategic work and make sound trade-off decisions on competing requests.
• Organize and schedule Board of Directors meeting including quarterly Board meetings and select 1-1 meetings. Ensure pre-reads are distributed on schedule.
• Manage Board, committees, and investor meeting logistics, in person and virtual, and track resulting action items through to completion in close coordination with CFO.
• Plan, schedule and manage Executive Leadership Team's (ELT) operating rhythm, including weekly staff meetings, offsites, agendas, decision logs, and follow-through on commitments.
• Act as a proactive gatekeeper: triage the CEO's inbox and incoming requests, route issues to the right owner, and escalate what needs the CEO's attention with context and a recommended path.
• Prepare the CEO for every meeting with concise briefing materials, background, and objectives; draft and edit correspondence and presentations on the CEO's behalf.
• Plan and manage complex domestic and international travel for CEO and ELT members, including itineraries, visas, contingency plans, and real-time changes.
• Handle highly confidential matters - Board, financing, partnership, and personnel - with complete discretion.
• Serve as a liaison between the CEO and Arzedians, Board members, investors, partners, and other external stakeholders, representing the Office of the CEO with professionalism and warmth.
• Lead special projects and continuously improve how the Office of the CEO operates, including adopting digital and AI tools that create leverage.
• Process expenses and manage related vendors and administrative needs for the Office of the CEO.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience as an Executive Assistant, including a minimum of 5 years directly supporting a CEO.
• Demonstrated experience supporting a Board of Directors, including meeting preparation, materials, and logistics; experience supporting investor-facing activities or a financing process strongly preferred.
• Track record of exercising independent judgment, anticipating needs, and operating with minimal direction.
• Impeccable discretion and integrity with highly confidential information.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with a polished, composed presence at every level of the organization and with external stakeholders.
• Advanced proficiency with Google Workspace and/or Microsoft 365, video conferencing, and travel and expense tools; comfort adopting new tools, including AI.
• Highly organized and adaptable to changing plans as needed to meet goals; thrives in a fast-moving, cross-functional, deadline-driven environment.
• Ability to work onsite, Monday - Friday, with availability and responsiveness outside standard business hours, including evenings and weekends, to support time-sensitive CEO, Board, and international matters.
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience.

Nice-to-haves (not required)

• Experience in a venture-backed biotech, life sciences, or deep tech company.
• Familiarity with Board portal tools and equity management platforms.
• Experience coordinating with partners and stakeholders across Europe and Asia.
• Event and offsite planning experience.

Why this role

• A true partner to the CEO. You'll be the CEO's closest operating partner, with real ownership over how the Office of the CEO runs.
• A front-row seat. Direct exposure to the Board, investors, and global commercial partners at a company with products already in commercialization.
• Join at a pivotal moment. Arzeda is scaling, and the structure and rhythm you build will directly shape how leadership operates as we grow.
• Mission that matters. Help a team designing proteins that don't exist in nature bring them to customers at commercial scale.

Arzeda compensation and benefits include

• Base Salary: $120,000-$150,000 (may vary based on level of experience and qualifications)
• Comprehensive compensation package, to include equity and participation in bonus program
• Paid time off; company-observed holidays including a company-paid closure between Dec 25 and Jan 1; and paid medical/family leave
• Excellent medical, dental, and vision insurance including Health Savings Account options
• 401(k) retirement savings plan
• Commuter benefits

Arzeda is an equal opportunity employer promoting diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical conditions, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender (including gender identity and gender expression), sex (which includes pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding), genetic information, taking or requesting statutorily protected leave, or any other basis protected by law.

Legal authorization to work in the United States is required. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. Please note: we are unable to sponsor employment visas for this role, and relocation assistance is not being offered at this time.

Arzeda is an equal opportunity employer promoting diversity and inclusion in the workspace. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical conditions, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender (including gender identity and gender expression), sex (which includes pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding), genetic information, taking or requesting statutorily protected leave, or any other basis protected by law.

Legal authorization to work in the United States is required. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.