Executive Assistant

About the Role:

We're looking for an Executive Assistant who thrives on making things happen. You'll be the right hand to the co-founder and owner of a 17-year-old company, working out of our New York City office. Your job is to simplify his day-to-day life-anticipating needs, catching details before they become problems, and making the impossible possible with a calm, can-do attitude.

This isn't a role for someone who waits to be told what to do. It's for someone who
* owns* their tasks and takes pride in turning "no" into "yes." You'll be supporting a highly engaged and busy executive who expects excellence, resourcefulness, and follow-through.

You'll be working directly with the Owner and Co-Founder of Standard Communities, the fastest-growing affordable housing company in the United States. We are committed to creating high-quality, stable housing for communities across the country-and that same drive for value, quality, and impact applies to how we operate at every level.

At Standard, we believe everyone deserves a safe, clean, and dignified place to live. Our mission is to transform lives by developing and preserving affordable housing with a focus on long-term impact and community well-being. For employees, this is more than a job-it's an opportunity to be part of a purpose-driven team that values integrity, accountability, collaboration, and innovation. You'll be contributing to work that improves lives while helping a founder lead with focus and intention.

What You'll Do:

• Act as the gatekeeper and problem-solver for day-to-day operations and scheduling
• Manage calendar, travel, logistics, and emails-always with attention to what matters most
• Coordinate with vendors, service providers, and other staff, always seeking value in every transaction (value = best price for the right product or best product at a price that makes sense)
• Handle reservations, appointments, and bookings-even the "impossible" ones-by being persistent, persuasive, and resourceful.
• Communicate clearly and completely-don't just send a shipping confirmation; include expected delivery date and tracking insight
• Stay two steps ahead: if you see a potential issue, flag it before it becomes one
• Support both personal and professional needs (think: from meeting prep to last-minute dinner changes to remembering the dry cleaning)
• Interface with the LA-based cofounder's assistant as needed to stay coordinated
• Use common sense and good judgment when making spending decisions-sometimes value means finding a great deal, and sometimes it means knowing when to hold the line on cost
• Identify and use AI tools to streamline tasks, solve problems faster, and improve efficiency-for both yourself and the executive. (Experience using AI in prior roles is a big plus.)

What You're Like:

• You don't take no for an answer if yes is even remotely possible
• You take pride in your ability to make your boss's life easier
• You're detail-obsessed but still see the big picture
• You're proactive, responsive, and take ownership of your work
• You find satisfaction in doing things well-even the small stuff
• You're persuasive, confident, and personable-you know how to ask and keep asking until you get the outcome you need
• You know the city and can figure out how to get what you need, even when the system says you can't
• You understand that "value" includes financial responsibility-sometimes spending more is smart, but you know when to push for a better price or a better option

Requirements:

• At least 3 years of experience supporting a high-level executive in a fast-paced environment
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Proficiency with Google Workspace, calendar tools, and basic task/project tracking tools
• Experience using AI productivity tools to optimize workflows, communication, and research
• NYC-based and able to work in-person daily
• Available during business hours and occasionally outside them (within reason)
• Discretion and good judgment always

Bonus Points:

• Experience in hospitality, concierge services, or high-touch client management
• A personal love of finding great deals or maximizing value
• Ability to work occasional evenings for events or urgent tasks

At this time, Standard Communities is not able to sponsor employment authorization for this position.

Standard Communities is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.