Chief of Staff
Help build an AI safety and security company, working across operations, people, marketing, and whatever needs doing next.
Location: Tübingen / Hybrid
Employment: Full-time
The role
You will work directly with the founders and team across operations, people, and marketing. We’re looking for a resourceful generalist who can move between planning and execution: improving how the company runs, helping grow the team, communicating our work, and taking on new priorities as they arise. You should be comfortable jumping into unfamiliar areas, making practical decisions, and getting things done.
What you’ll work on
Own company operations across finance, contracts, internal processes, and external advisers
Work with the team to understand what they need, resolve operational blockers, and improve how we work together
Help shape hiring priorities, coordinate recruitment, and build effective onboarding and people processes
Work with researchers and founders to communicate our work through the website, announcements, social media, and events
Support fundraising, investor communication, partnerships, and financial planning
Lead new company projects, including international expansion and customer or compliance requirements
Use software and AI tools to improve workflows and reduce recurring administrative work
What we’re looking for
Experience in a startup, business operations, a Chief of Staff or Founder’s Associate role, or another position spanning several business functions
A record of taking ownership, learning quickly, and delivering work independently
Good judgment about priorities and when to act, ask for input, or bring in a specialist
Strong writing and interpersonal skills, with the ability to communicate clearly with colleagues, candidates, investors, and partners
Confidence with numbers, digital tools, and operational detail
Interest in AI safety and security and the ability to understand and communicate the work of a technical team
Strong written and spoken German and English
Useful experience
Building a startup or working closely with founders
People operations, hiring, or organizational development
Marketing, communications, events, or community building
Fundraising, venture capital, investor relations, or partnerships
International expansion, finance, or legal and compliance coordination
Working at a technology company or building tools and automations
We expect strengths in several areas and a willingness to learn the rest. A technical background is welcome but not required.
What we offer
Competitive compensation with equity
Flexible hours and a hybrid setup in Tübingen
Vacation, learning, and conference budget
Direct collaboration with the founders and team, with ownership of substantial company projects
Room to grow into broader leadership responsibilities
Work with us
Submit your CV, a short note, and examples of work that show what you could contribute using the application form.
As published by ashby · 13 questions · 7 written answers
Basics
Full name, Email, Upload your CV
Short answers (4)
- LinkedIn Profile URL optional
- Where are you currently based, and could you work regularly with our team in Tübingen?
- How would you describe your working proficiency in German and English?
- When could you start, or what is your notice period? optional
Pick from a list (2)
- Are you currently authorized to work in Germany?
- Will you now or in the future need visa or work permit sponsorship from exponential to work in Germany?
Written answers (7)
- Share links to work that represents you, or briefly describe it if it isn’t public.
- Why do you want to join exponential as Chief of Staff, and what interests you about working with an AI safety and security team? (Max 150 words)
- What experience has prepared you to own operations at an early-stage AI company? Tell us about your most relevant role, the company’s stage and size, and what you personally owned.
- Which areas of this role do you have the most experience in? Briefly describe your responsibilities and contributions.
- How do you use AI in your daily work? optional
- How did you hear about this position? optional
- Anything else you’d like us to know, or any questions for us? optional