Special Projects Manager

Special Projects Manager Hybrid | San Francisco, CA Direct Hire / Permanent Placement We are seeking a high-agency operator who can work directly with founders and executives on strategic initiatives, venture launches, and cross-functional execution. This individual must be comfortable solving ambiguous problems, moving quickly across multiple industries, and owning complex projects from concept through completion. Key Responsibilities Lead strategic special projects across the parent company and portfolio businesses Support launch and scale initiatives tied to new AI-native ventures, products, and institutions Partner directly with founders and executive leadership on growth priorities, partnerships, and expansion opportunities Build project plans, operating cadences, timelines, and accountability structures to ensure execution excellence Conduct market research, competitive analysis, financial modeling, and strategic assessments across multiple sectors Coordinate cross-functional workstreams involving internal teams, external partners, investors, and operators Drive operational problem-solving in fast-moving environments with limited structure Prepare executive materials, decision memos, presentations, and board-level updates Identify bottlenecks, recommend improvements, and implement scalable systems Leverage modern AI tools to increase productivity, insight generation, and execution speed Required Qualifications (Highly Important) 2–4 years of experience in top-tier consulting, investment banking, private equity, venture studios, or high-growth startup environments Strong preference for candidates from MBB or top strategy consulting firms Proven ability to operate across multiple industries , not just a single vertical Exceptional project management skills with demonstrated ownership of complex initiatives Strong written and verbal communication with executive-level professionalism Analytical problem-solving skills with comfort in ambiguous, changing environments Daily working familiarity with modern AI tools (Claude, ChatGPT, automation tools, research copilots, etc.) Ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously with minimal oversight Stable employment history with clear progression; candidates with jumpy resumes will not be considered Preferred Qualifications (Strongly Valued) Startup experience at any stage from Seed through Series C+ Experience working with venture capital, private equity, venture studios, or founder-led companies Board experience with institutions, nonprofits, academic organizations, or advisory bodies STEM degree or strong technical / quantitative background Experience launching new business units, partnerships, or zero-to-one initiatives Financial modeling and business case development skills Strong operator mindset with willingness to execute tactically when needed Exposure to education, research institutions, or mission-driven organizations Compensation and Benefits Base Salary: $120,000 – $180,000 Additional Compensation: Flexible equity + variable compensation for exceptional candidates Benefits: Unlimited PTO + standard benefits package Work Location: Hybrid – San Francisco, CA Employment Type: Full-Time / Direct Hire Visa Sponsorship: Available #J-18808-Ljbffr