Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) (San Francisco)

About NovusMinds

NovusMinds is a growth-stage technology company at the forefront of intelligent solutions. We operate at the intersection of innovation and impact, building products that reshape how businesses leverage technology. Our culture thrives on entrepreneurial energy, bold thinking, and a bias toward action. We are scaling rapidly and looking for leaders who can build the operational backbone that sustains our momentum.
Role Overview

As Chief Administrative Officer, you will serve as the operational nerve center of NovusMinds. You will design, implement, and optimize the systems, processes, and policies that enable the company to scale efficiently while preserving the agility that defines our culture. This is a high-impact executive role that partners directly with the CEO and leadership team to translate strategic vision into organizational excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Define and execute the company’s operational strategy, aligning administrative functions with business growth objectives.

• Oversee day-to-day operations including HR, legal, compliance, facilities, IT infrastructure, and corporate governance.

• Build and scale internal processes and systems to support a rapidly growing team — from onboarding to procurement to vendor management.

• Lead organizational design efforts, ensuring the right structures, roles, and reporting lines are in place as we scale.

• Partner with the CFO on budgeting, resource allocation, and cost optimization across administrative functions.

• Drive cross-functional initiatives that improve communication, collaboration, and accountability across the organization.

• Establish and maintain risk management frameworks, ensuring regulatory compliance and data governance standards.

• Serve as a trusted advisor to the CEO on organizational health, culture, and strategic priorities.

• Negotiate and manage key vendor relationships, contracts, and partnerships that support business infrastructure.

• Champion a culture of operational excellence while maintaining the startup speed and flexibility that NovusMinds is known for.

Qualifications

• 12+ years of progressive leadership experience in operations, administration, or general management — preferably in a technology or high-growth environment.

• Proven track record of scaling operations at a growth-stage company (Series B+ or equivalent).

• Deep expertise in organizational design, process optimization, and cross-functional program management.

• Strong business acumen with the ability to balance strategic thinking and hands-on execution.

• Experience managing HR, legal, compliance, and IT functions at scale.

• Exceptional communication and stakeholder management skills — comfortable presenting to boards, investors, and executive teams.

• MBA or equivalent advanced degree preferred but not required.

What We Value

• Entrepreneurial mindset — you build from scratch and thrive in ambiguity.

• Systems thinker — you see the connections between people, processes, and technology.

• Bias toward action — you move fast, iterate, and learn.

• People-first leadership — you create environments where teams do their best work.

Why NovusMinds?

• Shape the operational foundation of a company poised for significant growth.

• Direct impact on company strategy as a core member of the executive team.

• Equity participation — build wealth as the company scales.

• Flexible, remote-first culture that values outcomes over hours.

• Work alongside a passionate, mission-driven team solving meaningful problems.

NovusMinds is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all team members.