Role Overview for Chief of Staff to the CEO with a Venture-Backed Startup – Austin, TX
JRG Partners is exclusively representing a hyper-growth, venture-backed technology startup poised to redefine its industry. Based in the vibrant tech hub of Austin, TX, our client is on a mission to solve complex problems with innovative solutions, backed by top-tier investors and led by a visionary CEO. As they enter a critical phase of scaling, they are seeking an exceptional Chief of Staff to the CEO to serve as a strategic partner, operational driver, and key member of the executive leadership team.
This is not an executive assistant role. The Chief of Staff (CoS) will operate as the right-hand and trusted advisor to the CEO, working in lockstep to drive strategic initiatives, ensure operational excellence, and amplify the CEO’s effectiveness across the organization. You will be a true force multiplier for the CEO, with unparalleled access and visibility into all facets of the business, from product strategy and fundraising to team culture and board management. You will be the connective tissue that links strategy to execution, ensuring the entire organization is aligned and moving cohesively towards its ambitious goals.
The ideal candidate is a master of both strategy and detail, capable of thinking at 30,000 feet one moment and diving deep into a complex operational issue the next. You are a natural problem-solver, comfortable with ambiguity, and possess the emotional intelligence to build trust and influence outcomes across all levels of the organization. This role offers a unique vantage point from which to learn about building a high-growth company, providing a direct path to senior leadership roles within the organization or the broader startup ecosystem. If you are a high-horsepower individual with a passion for building great companies and a desire to make a monumental impact, we encourage you to apply.
Key Responsibilities of Chief of Staff to the CEO with a Venture-Backed Startup – Austin, TX
As the Chief of Staff, you will own a diverse and dynamic set of responsibilities that evolve with the company’s needs. Your primary objective is to maximize the CEO’s impact and ensure the company executes on its strategic priorities with precision and speed.
Strategic Planning & Execution
Partner with the CEO and leadership team to set, manage, and execute on the company’s strategic priorities. You will own the operational cadence of the business, including orchestrating OKR (Objectives and Key Results) processes, leading quarterly and annual planning cycles, and tracking progress against key business metrics.
CEO Effectiveness & Prioritization
Act as a gatekeeper and strategic manager of the CEO’s time and focus. You will prepare detailed briefings for key meetings, ensure pre-reading materials are circulated and consumed, and manage follow-ups to ensure accountability and progress. You will serve as a critical sounding board for the CEO on key decisions.
Leadership Team Operations
Drive the agenda and facilitate the company’s executive leadership team meetings. You are responsible for ensuring these meetings are productive, focused on the most critical topics, and result in clear decisions and action items. You will also manage the preparation and execution of Board of Directors meetings, including deck creation and logistics.
Cross-Functional Project Leadership
Spearhead high-priority, cross-functional special projects that do not have a natural owner within the organization. These could range from launching a new market, evaluating a potential acquisition, overhauling a key business process, or developing a new pricing strategy. You will be expected to manage these complex projects from conception to completion.
Strategic Communications
Develop and manage the CEO’s internal and external communications strategy. This includes drafting company-wide announcements, preparing talking points for public appearances, creating content for all-hands meetings, and crafting investor updates and shareholder letters.
Data Analysis & Insights
Dive deep into business data to uncover critical insights, identify emerging trends, and provide data-driven recommendations to the leadership team. You will be responsible for building dashboards and presentations that tell a clear, compelling story about business performance.
Stakeholder Management
Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including employees, investors, partners, and customers. You will often act as a proxy for the CEO in certain meetings, representing their perspective and gathering crucial information.
Problem Solving & “Firefighting”
Proactively identify and tackle the most pressing and ambiguous challenges facing the business. You will be the go-to person for complex issues that require a blend of analytical rigor, strategic thinking, and operational savvy to resolve.
Requirements for the Chief of Staff to the CEO with a Venture-Backed Startup – Austin, TX
We are looking for a candidate with a proven track record of excellence in demanding, fast-paced environments. The right individual will possess a unique blend of analytical prowess, strategic acumen, and interpersonal skills.
Professional Experience
A minimum of 7-10 years of professional experience, ideally with a background in top-tier management consulting, investment banking, private equity, venture capital, or a senior role in corporate strategy or business operations within a high-growth technology company. Prior experience as a Chief of Staff is highly desirable.
Educational Background
An MBA or other advanced degree from a top-tier institution is strongly preferred.
Analytical & Quantitative Skills
Exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills with a proven ability to structure complex problems, perform sophisticated analysis, and deliver actionable recommendations. Expert proficiency in financial modeling and data analysis is required; familiarity with SQL or data visualization tools is a significant plus.
Strategic Mindset
The ability to think strategically and holistically about the business, understanding how various functions and initiatives interconnect to drive overall company success. You must be able to anticipate second- and third-order effects of decisions.
Communication Mastery
World-class written and verbal communication skills. You must be able to synthesize complex information into clear, concise narratives for various audiences, from engineers to board members.
High Emotional Intelligence (EQ)
Superior interpersonal skills with the ability to build trust, influence, and collaborate effectively with individuals at all levels of the organization. You must be able to lead through influence rather than direct authority.
Discretion and Integrity
You will be privy to highly confidential information and must demonstrate impeccable judgment and the highest level of integrity and discretion.
Ownership Mentality & Bias for Action
A proactive, resourceful, and self-motivated individual who thrives in ambiguity. You have a low ego, a deep sense of ownership, and are willing to roll up your sleeves to get the job done, no matter how big or small the task.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client believes that building a world-class company starts with attracting and retaining world-class talent. They offer a highly competitive and comprehensive compensation and benefits package designed to support your personal and professional growth.
Competitive Compensation
A compelling package including a competitive base salary, performance-based bonus, and a significant equity stake in a rapidly growing company.
Comprehensive Health Coverage
Premium medical, dental, and vision insurance plans for you and your dependents, with a majority of premiums covered by the company.
Flexible Time Off
An unlimited paid time off (PTO) policy, complemented by company-wide holidays, to ensure you have the flexibility and time to rest and recharge.
Retirement Planning
Access to a 401(k) plan to help you save for your future.
Professional Development
A generous annual stipend for conferences, courses, books, and other professional development opportunities to support your career growth.
Wellness & Lifestyle Stipends
Monthly stipends to support your physical and mental well-being, which can be used for gym memberships, fitness classes, meditation apps, and more.
Parental Leave
Generous paid parental leave for all new parents.
Inspiring Work Environment
A modern, collaborative office space in the heart of Austin, TX, with a flexible, hybrid work model.
Team Culture
A vibrant, inclusive, and mission-driven culture with regular team-building events, offsites, and social gatherings.
How to Apply
This is a unique opportunity to join a category-defining company at a pivotal moment in its growth journey. If you are ready to take on a challenging and highly rewarding role as a key partner to a dynamic CEO, we want to hear from you.
JRG Partners is managing this search exclusively. To apply, please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing why you are the ideal candidate for this Chief of Staff position. Your application will be handled with the utmost confidentiality. Our team will review all submissions and contact qualified candidates directly for the next steps. For more information on our expertise in placing top executive talent, please visit the homepage for JRG Partners’ executive technology recruiting team. We look forward to learning more about you.
