A stealth UP.Labs startup venture has just closed a round of funding to revolutionize the $4T automotive retail market with developer tools that simplify integrations across the ecosystem. As the “Plaid for Automotive Retail,” they’re establishing the industry standard for communication between stores, suppliers and application providers by offering a unified data model and developer-friendly SDK. The CEO, who you will be reporting to, is an HBS graduate and serial entrepreneur with multiple exits. The founding team you will be working with sold their last company in the automotive retail space for nine figures.
Are you intellectually curious, resourceful, energetic, and entrepreneurial?
The (Founding) Chief of Staff, the startup’s first business hire, will work directly with the CEO to drive all facets of company operations, strategy, and product development.
This is a unique opportunity to spend up to two years in a hands-on operational role at a well capitalized early-stage startup, learning the fundamentals of starting and scaling a business alongside seasoned entrepreneurs. This is a high-impact, high-visibility role that positions you perfectly to pursue an MBA or launch your own business afterward.
The ideal candidate is a motivated, adaptable swiss-army-knife with high intellectual horsepower, exceptional communication and analytical skills, and a passion for startups, entrepreneurship, and company building.
Partner with the CEO: Drive company operations and execute high-priority strategic initiatives in close collaboration with leadership.
Own Special Projects: Lead impactful cross-functional initiatives across finance, operations, marketing, and product development. Which could be anything and everything.
Conduct Financial and Strategic Analysis: Generate data-driven insights to support critical business decisions and company growth.
Track Metrics & Reporting: Develop and maintain dashboards to monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and assess progress toward company goals, prepare investor and board updates, and communicate performance to key stakeholders.
Analyze Market Trends: Research industry dynamics, customer needs, and competitors to identify new opportunities and refine company strategy.
Support Fundraising Efforts: Assist in preparing pitch materials, and financial models to secure future funding.
More Details: Ask Google or ChatGPT what a seed stage startup Chief of Staff does (this role is for people who like figuring out new things).
Experience: 1-3 years in an analytically demanding role (e.g. Investment Banking, Management Consulting, Startup Operations)
Education: Bachelors degree required, engineering or business focus a plus.
Strong analytical skills: Comfort with numbers, financial analysis, and tools like Excel to drive insights and decision-making. You should be able to read and create financial statements.
Highly organized: Able to manage multiple tasks, prioritize effectively, and keep projects on track.
Inquisitive mindset: A natural curiosity to explore new ideas, solve problems, and learn about the business and industry.
Quick learner: Adaptable and eager to pick up new skills and knowledge rapidly in a fast-paced environment.
Excellent communicator: Clear, concise, and persuasive in both written and verbal communication.
Creative thinker and builder: Passionate about creating systems, processes, and strategies that move the business forward.
Humble team player: Low ego, open to feedback, and focused on the success of the team and company.
Career Launchpad: Joining a proven founding team, as a first 10 hire, at a funded seed startup + building a network of experienced entrepreneurs.
Salary: $100,000 + Equity
Benefits: Health, Dental, Vision, Untracked PTO
Santa Monica, CA headquarters or fully remote (with occasional HQ travel).
To apply, submit the following (in PDF format):
Resume: No longer than one page please.
Cover Letter: No longer than one page, and clearly written for this opportunity (not cut and paste) that includes why you want this role, and the word macaroni, so we know you read this and are a detail oriented person.
Challenge Project (see below): Applications without a Challenge Project in PDF format will not be considered.
Imagine you are founding a B2B SaaS startup. Your task is to create a compelling pitch deck targeted towards potential investors (seed stage venture capitalists). Your submission will not be judged on how good the idea is (as an investment opportunity), but rather how well you communicate the idea and what content you choose to include for this stated audience. Make us want to invest in you.
Submission Guidelines
Keep your slides clear, concise, and visually appealing.
Use data, visuals, and frameworks to support your claims and demonstrate your analytical and creative skills.
Submit your response as a PDF along with your resume and cover letter.