Strategic Projects Lead (Palo Alto)

About the CompanyWe're partnering with an early-stage AI startup building next-generation consumer experiences through AI-native products embedded directly into everyday workflows. The company is creating intelligent systems that integrate naturally into communication channels and help users manage information, tasks, and productivity more seamlessly.With strong backing from top investors and operators, the company remains intentionally lean, creating a unique opportunity to join at an inflection point and help shape both the product and company itself.What's ExcitingJoin an elite team (~11 people) where you'll work directly with founders and have outsized ownership from day one.High-talent-density team backed by operators and builders behind companies like Stripe, Vercel, Cognition, Coinbase, and PayPal.Opportunity to build foundational systems from scratch while driving immediate and visible impact.The OpportunityYou'll join as the Strategic Projects Lead to become the first dedicated operations hire, working directly with founders to create leverage across the company. You'll own high-impact initiatives, design systems from scratch, and bring structure to a business scaling rapidly.This role is designed for people who enjoy ambiguity, move with urgency, and naturally step into problems before being asked.What You'll OwnOperational StrategyLead company-wide initiatives from idea through executionBuild systems that create long-term operational leverageAudit workflows and redesign processes for scaleFounder PartnershipWork directly alongside leadership on high-priority initiativesConsolidate fragmented workflows into scalable systemsCreate structure around rapidly evolving business needsCross-Functional ExecutionPartner across engineering, design, product, and growth teamsIdentify opportunities proactively and launch projects independentlyDrive alignment and execution across teamsIdeal Background1–3 years of experience in investment banking or management consultingExperience in highly demanding, high-performance environmentsStrong ownership and bias toward actionExceptional execution skills and comfort with ambiguityNatural tendency to create structure where none existsAbility to operate independently without heavy process or oversightCompensation & LogisticsCompensation: $150K + Competitive EquityLocation: Palo Alto, CAWork Model: 5 days/week onsiteVisa Sponsorship: AvailableBenefits & PerksFull relocation support for candidates moving to the Bay AreaHousing provided, including housekeeping and laundry servicesDaily meals fully coveredEquinox membership included