Senior Executive Assistant & Chief of Staff

Senior Executive Assistant & Chief of Staff

Ovid Therapeutics Inc. is a New York-based biopharmaceutical company dedicated to developing small molecule medicines for brain conditions with significant unmet need. The Company is advancing a pipeline of novel, targeted small molecule candidates that modulate the intrinsic and extrinsic factors involved in neuronal hyperexcitability causative of multiple neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders.

Ovid operates in a hybrid-work model. Candidates must be willing to work in the NYC office in coordination with their manager’s expectations and the needs of the department and business. Salary is $140,000–$170,000, depending on experience and qualifications.

Executive Administration Responsibilities

• Managing complex calendars, meetings, priorities, and ensuring follow‑up on key commitments with attention to efficient time use across meetings, travel, and personal commitments.
• Coordinating complex domestic and international travel logistics, including accommodations, itineraries, and expense management.
• Overseeing facilities operations in partnership with the Office Coordinator—ensuring the office is safe, functional, stocked, and welcoming.
• Managing office contracts, building relationships with service providers, and resolving facilities‑related issues.
• Supporting company‑wide meetings and events by coordinating logistics, agendas, and materials for internal and external audiences.
• Providing high‑level administrative support to other executive team members as needed, especially during peak periods or key initiatives.
• Facilitating communication flow between the CEO, leadership team, and external partners.
• Upholding confidentiality, professionalism, and handling sensitive information with the utmost discretion.
• Guiding and mentoring administrative staff to promote consistency, efficiency, and a positive team culture.

Chief of Staff Strategic Responsibilities

• Acting as a trusted strategic partner to the CEO, President, and COO on strategic initiatives and problem‑solving.
• Coordinating leadership team agendas, meetings, and off‑sites; ensuring alignment on priorities, follow‑ups, and actions.
• Preparing and organizing high‑level materials, agendas, and correspondence to keep leadership well‑informed and ahead of schedule.
• Serving as a key liaison with internal teams, board members, and external partners to enable smooth communication and collaboration.
• Supporting board meeting preparation, including materials, logistics, and follow‑up actions.
• Drafting internal and external communications, presentations, and reports on behalf of the CEO, COO, or Executive Team.

Qualifications – Minimum Requirements

• 10+ years of experience supporting senior executives, with a proven track record of managing at the C‑suite level.
• Mastery of complex scheduling, domestic and international travel, logistics, including expense reporting and travel management tools.
• Exceptional organizational skills and the ability to juggle competing priorities with calm and focus.
• Demonstrated communication skills, including listening, presentation preparation, conveying information, and follow‑up.
• Proven experience working with absolute discretion and professionalism when handling confidential or sensitive information.
• Expert level proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and the confidence to learn new tools quickly.
• Proven ability to thrive in a hybrid work model, balancing collaboration in‑office with independent productivity remotely.
• Solutions‑oriented mindset that includes anticipating needs and an "all hands on deck" attitude.

Preferred Qualifications

• Relevant experience in project management, board support, and/or cross‑functional leadership.
• Experience in biotech, pharma, or life sciences—or familiarity with highly regulated industries is highly preferred.
• Direct support experience with Boards of Directors and preparation of board materials.
• Facilities management oversight and vendor management skills.
• A degree in business administration, communications, or a related field.
• Experience in mentoring or guiding administrative staff.
• Comfort working in a high‑growth, mission‑driven organization where priorities can shift quickly and flexibility is key.