Executive Assistant

Proton seeks a Junior Executive Assistant in Zürich to support the CEO with scheduling, logistics, and ad hoc tasks. This role offers equity, comprehensive benefits, and a clear path for growth within a privacy-focused tech company.

As Proton’s inaugural Executive Assistant, this position provides direct support to the Chief Executive Officer. The primary objective is to manage the CEO’s calendar, travel, and daily operations efficiently, allowing him to concentrate on strategic priorities. Starting at a minimum of 50% capacity, the role is structured to expand responsibilities as trust and familiarity with the executive team develop. It is tailored for early-career professionals or individuals seeking a flexible environment where they can help build processes from the ground up.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the CEO’s calendar by scheduling, rescheduling, and protecting blocks of focused work time to ensure optimal productivity.
• Maintain a deep understanding of the CEO’s availability, including travel dates and non-meeting days, to prevent scheduling conflicts and coordinate effectively on his behalf.
• Act as the primary point of contact for internal and external stakeholders, arranging meetings and communicating the CEO’s preferences with professionalism.
• Organize logistics and follow-ups for executive team meetings, management reviews, and board sessions.
• Manage end-to-end travel arrangements, including flights, accommodation, ground transport, and itinerary adjustments.
• Assist with personal errands and miscellaneous tasks, demonstrating a willingness to handle any duty required to support the executive.
• Drive ad hoc projects forward with minimal supervision, ensuring reliable follow-through on all assigned initiatives.

Requirements

• Demonstrate unwavering reliability by completing tasks without the need for reminders.
• Maintain strict confidentiality regarding sensitive information encountered in the course of work.
• Exhibit a rapid learning curve, asking insightful questions and avoiding repeated errors.
• Remain calm and organized during high-pressure situations or when plans change unexpectedly.
• Communicate clearly and effectively in English, both in writing and verbally.
• Possess a naturally helpful mindset, focusing on identifying and completing necessary tasks.

Nice to have

• Proficiency in additional languages, particularly German or French, is highly valued.

What the company offers

• Stock Options: All employees have the opportunity to become owners of the company through equity grants.
• Technology: Provision of high-quality hardware and software tools to facilitate effective work.
• Learning & Development: Investment in professional growth to enhance team capabilities.
• Employee Benefits: Comprehensive health coverage, retirement plans, generous leave policies, and wellness support to promote overall well-being.
• In-Person Collaboration: A work environment that encourages teamwork and innovation through physical presence in the office.
• Food: Daily provision of lunch and snacks at the office to support employee convenience and focus.
• Transport: Coverage of commuting costs via public transport passes, bike allowances, or parking fees.
• Flexible Working: Autonomy over working hours, prioritizing outcomes and team alignment over strict clock-in times.

About the company

Founded in 2014 by CERN scientists, Proton operates on the principle that privacy is a fundamental human right. The company is profitable and independent, free from venture capital influence, and maintains a selective hiring process that admits only the top 1% of applicants. With a global team of over 500 members from diverse, elite backgrounds, Proton fosters a culture that values speed, minimal hierarchy, and tangible impact over appearances.

• Privacy is treated as a fundamental human right.
• The company is profitable and independent, without VC control.
• Hiring is highly selective, admitting only the top 1% of candidates.
• The team is global, with members from over 50 countries and elite academic backgrounds.
• The organization moves quickly with light hierarchy, prioritizing impact over optics.