Executive Assistant / Operations Manager for Startup Founder

AI COVER LETTERS WILL BE JUDGED, IF YOU OVER PROMISE I WILL KNOW. Executive Assistant / Operations Manager (Startup + Media) I’m looking for a high-level Executive Assistant / Operations Manager to work directly with me across two fast-moving businesses: 1. A global EdTech startup currently raising funding 2. A rapidly scaling media/newsletter business already operating live This is not a casual VA role. I need someone highly competent, fast, proactive, and extremely reliable. The type of person who gets told something once and executes properly without needing constant follow-up. If you need chasing up regularly, this role is not for you. You’ll be helping run real operations inside businesses that are scaling aggressively. What I need: • Fast response times and strong communication • Someone highly organised and switched on • Comfortable working across many different tasks • Able to think independently and come with solutions/ideas • Modern mindset and strong attention to detail • Very comfortable using AI tools and modern software • Able to work in a high-performance startup environment • Reliable, responsive, and consistently available Availability Requirements: You must be available and awake during Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST/AEDT) operating hours. The schedule is flexible and not every hour is active, but I need someone responsive and reachable throughout the day and evening in Australian time. Tasks, messages, and decisions may come through at different times between approximately 9am–12am AEST/AEDT. This role will not suit someone working opposite hours or someone unavailable during Australian daytime/evening operations. The actual workload fluctuates. Some days are lighter, some are intense. But I need someone consistently available, dependable, and on the ball. Tasks may include: • Executive assistance and operations support • Inbox and communication management • Helping recruit and coordinate talent • Setting up accounts and systems • Invoice creation and admin support • Research tasks • Managing moving parts across multiple projects • Helping improve systems and workflows • Coordinating outreach and partnerships • General startup problem solving Important: I’m used to high standards and fast execution. This is not an old-school corporate assistant role. I value competence, speed, initiative, and people who genuinely know how to operate. You should be: • Tech savvy • Quick learner • Calm under pressure • Resourceful • Comfortable with ambiguity and rapid changes • Able to produce polished, modern work Very important: I operate in a very direct, execution-focused way. There will be clear objectives, and I expect things to get done properly without constant follow-up. I like to say things once and know they’re being handled. I will not micromanage, chase people up repeatedly, or remind someone five times to complete basic tasks. I expect strong communication, clear updates on what was done, and realistic timelines on when outcomes/results will be achieved. This role suits someone naturally proactive, accountable, fast-moving, and highly competent under pressure. There will be a paid test task as part of the hiring process to evaluate execution quality, communication, speed, initiative, attention to detail, and overall competence. When applying, include: • Your background and experience • Examples of work you’ve done • What software/AI tools you’re genuinely skilled with • Your typical response availability • Why you think you’d perform well in this type of environment This role has the potential to become long-term for the right person.