Zest AI has been perfecting AI for consumer lending decisions since 2009. Our mission is to make fair and transparent credit available to everyone and our AI-enabled software creates some of the most inclusive risk models in the industry. Our Model Management System helps lenders make better decisions and better loans — increasing revenue, reducing risk, and automating compliance — while expanding credit access to deserving people with no added risk!

We are seeking a highly capable and inquisitive Special Assistant to provide full-scale support to our CEO. In this role, you will directly assist the CEO in managing his customers, contacts, and day-to-day operations. You will be responsible for anticipating the CEO's needs, thinking a step ahead, and ensuring seamless coordination across various tasks. This position requires exceptional organizational skills, a proactive mindset, and the ability to handle elevated responsibilities. Moreover, this role offers a unique opportunity to learn directly from the CEO and gain insights into a fast-growing AI business. Ideal candidates will have a desire to understand and learn the business, and will be rewarded with a front row seat to its operations and growth.

Responsibilities:

1. Contact Management and Meeting Preparation

• Responsible for managing and maintaining up-to-date information for the CEO's extensive contact lists, such as regulators, customers, business partners, and investors.
• Facilitate communication between the CEO and his contacts. This includes regular check-ins, managing meeting schedules, preparing notes and briefs before meetings, and ensuring all necessary follow-ups are conducted.
• Develop and nurture relationships with key customers and contacts, fostering strong partnerships on behalf of the CEO
• Given the sensitive nature of the contacts and the information involved, the Special Assistant must exercise utmost discretion and maintain strict confidentiality at all times.

2. Strategic Support and Planning

• Anticipate the CEO's needs and proactively provide support to optimize productivity and effectiveness
• Conduct research and gather information on relevant topics, competitors, industry trends, and potential opportunities to keep the CEO well-informed
• Assist in the preparation of presentations, reports, and other materials required for Board meetings and various industry events and speaking engagements, ensuring the CEO is well-prepared.

3. Administrative Support

• Manage the CEO's calendar, prioritize appointments, and ensure his schedule aligns with strategic objectives
• Actively coordinate travel arrangements, itineraries, and logistics for the CEO's business trips and conferences, prioritizing key events and minimizing non-essential trips to ensure efficient use of the CEO's time.
• Maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with discretion

4. Communication and Coordination

• Facilitate effective communication between the CEO and internal teams, ensuring information flows smoothly and deadlines are met
• Prepare and distribute internal communications, announcements, and updates on behalf of the CEO
• Collaborate with other team leaders to streamline processes and enhance efficiency

5. Project Management

• Assist in overseeing critical projects, monitoring progress, and ensuring deadlines are met.
• Coordinate with cross-functional teams to gather necessary resources and information for project completion.
• Provide regular updates and reports to the CEO on project status and potential risks.

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (Business Administration, Management, etc.) or equivalent experience
• Proven experience in a high-level administrative or executive support role
• Exceptional organizational and time management skills with the ability to handle multiple priorities and deadlines
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal
• Demonstrated ability to anticipate needs, think critically, and problem-solve
• Proficient in using productivity tools and software (Microsoft Office, project management tools, etc.)
• Discretion, professionalism, and a high level of confidentiality
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy

Perks and benefits:

All Zestys experience:

• The opportunity to join a mission-focused company
• People – the best part of Zest
• Robust medical, dental and vision insurance plans
• Annual bonus plan participation
• 401(k) with generous match
• Employee Awards and Recognition
• 11 company holidays
• Winter break (office closed between Christmas and New Year's Day)
• Unlimited vacation time
• Employee Resource Groups
• Generous family leave policy (12 week maternity leave / 6 week paternity leave)
• Phone, internet, wellness, and professional development allowances
• Employee gatherings, including Town Hall meetings

Additionally, our Burbank, CA area, hybrid model Zestys enjoy:

• Beautiful, modern, dog-friendly office with lounge areas, video games, and gigantic jigsaw puzzles
• Daily catered lunches from LA’s best restaurants and a fully stocked kitchen
• Complimentary manicures, pedicures, and mindfulness sessions
• Company happy hours, social events, outings, and much more!

About Zest AI:

Creating a diverse and inclusive culture where all are welcomed, valued, and empowered to achieve our full potential is important to who we are and where we’re headed in the future. We know that unique backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives help us think bigger, spark innovation, and succeed together. Zest is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion and encourages professionals from underrepresented groups in technology and financial services to apply.

Our core values are Communication, Collaboration, Bias for Action, Client-centricity, and Heart. Learn more at Zest.ai, follow us on LinkedIn (linkedin.com/company/zest-ai/) or Twitter @Zest_AI, or check out our Insights blog (https://www.zest.ai/cms/insights).