Executive Business Partner to CEO

This is not a traditional Executive Assistant role.
Our client, an established real estate development and construction company headquartered in San Jose, is seeking a highly capable Executive Business Partner to work directly alongside the CEO across executive operations, organizational coordination, and strategic initiatives.
This role is designed for someone who can operate as a true extension of leadership: balancing high-level executive support with operational follow-through, sound business judgment, and long-term organizational impact. You will serve as the CEO's right hand and a trusted second set of eyes on the business.
The ideal candidate thrives in high-accountability environments, anticipates needs before they arise, and is looking for a long-term home. This role offers a clear path into broader Chief of Staff and operational leadership responsibilities.
This position is 100% on-site in San Jose, CA. Candidates must be based in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Key ResponsibilitiesExecutive Support & Partnership
Manage a high-volume executive inbox, including email triage and follow-up coordination
Maintain and prioritize a dynamic executive calendar and scheduling requests
Prepare meeting agendas, briefing materials, executive summaries, presentations, and follow-up action items
Protect executive time by prioritizing business-critical activities
Draft and manage executive communications and correspondence with sound judgment
Handle confidential business, financial, and personnel matters with professionalism and discretion
Serve as a liaison between the CEO and internal teams, partners, and external stakeholders
Coordinate domestic and international travel arrangements and logistics
Operations & Business Coordination
Review contracts, agreements, and key business documents ahead of the CEO, flagging issues, gaps, and deadlines
Track company initiatives and help drive accountability across departments
Support cross-functional communication between operations, development, construction, accounting, and leadership teams
Assist with executive reporting, dashboards, and operational summaries
Coordinate leadership meetings, planning sessions, and operating rhythms (EOS or similar framework experience a plus)
Coordinate special projects and business initiatives as directed by the CEO, from planning through delivery
Strategic & Chief of Staff Development
Identify and implement opportunities to modernize the executive office through AI-enabled tools, better systems, and data-driven reporting
Assist with operational planning and executive-level coordination
Help monitor organizational priorities and project execution
Support leadership with prioritization, communication, and decision-making processes
Gradually assume increased operational and strategic responsibilities over time
Requirements
10+ years of executive support experience, including 5+ years as a Senior Executive Assistant, Executive Business Partner, or Chief of Staff to a CEO, President, or Founder
Experience in real estate, construction, development, or property management strongly preferred; family office, private equity, or investment firm experience also valued
Stable work history with meaningful tenure; this company is seeking a long-term partner
Comfort reviewing contracts and business documents with strong attention to detail
Exceptional organizational, prioritization, and problem-solving skills
Strong written and verbal communication skills; polished and trusted at the executive level
High level of professionalism, discretion, and emotional intelligence
Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office and/or Google Workspace; interest in AI and productivity tools a strong plus
Must reside in the San Francisco Bay Area and be able to work on-site full-time in San Jose
Benefits
Competitive base salary
Performance-based bonus opportunities
Health, dental, and vision benefits
PTO and paid holidays
Direct partnership with the CEO and executive leadership
Long-term career growth into Chief of Staff and operational leadership responsibilities

Work arrangement
No