Senior Executive Assistant & Chief of Staff

Welcome! 

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.

It is with curiosity, courage, and tenacity that, together, we work for meaningful change in the lives of patients and their families. With this sense of purpose and urgency we challenge the conventional and embrace the wisdom and thought that comes from diverse backgrounds and perspectives. Importantly, we understand the commitment we make to our patients, our broad community and to each other is based on the humanity that we share. 

Your Role On Our Team

The Senior Executive Administrator & Chief of Staff serves as a key partner to the CEO and COO, ensuring smooth execution of strategic priorities while managing all administrative and operational needs. This hybrid role combines high-level project management, strategic support, and confidential executive administration. While the primary stakeholders are the CEO and COO, the role also provides support to the broader executive leadership team as needed.

As the Senior Executive Assistant & Chief of Staff to our Chief Operating Officer & President, you’ll be at the very center of Ovid’s day-to-day rhythm. This is not a back-office support role, it’s a trusted partnership where your organizational excellence, discretion, and proactive problem-solving will help keep our leadership moving forward with focus and impact.

You will act as the CEO’s &  President’s right hand—anticipating needs, ensuring priorities stay on track, and helping to streamline operations across the company. From managing complex schedules and preparing high-level materials, to coordinating cross-functional projects and serving as a key liaison with both internal teams and external partners, your role will be integral to Ovid’s ability to execute on its mission.

In addition, you will oversee facilities management in collaboration with our Office Coordinator—ensuring our workplace is safe, fully functional, and welcoming for both employees and visitors. Your leadership here will help create a professional environment that reflects Ovid’s values and supports our team’s productivity.

This position is hybrid, with a balance of in-office collaboration and remote flexibility. You’ll work closely with the President & COO, while also partnering with colleagues across all levels of the organization, including our scientific, operational, and administrative teams. Your ability to manage details without losing sight of the bigger picture will make you a vital part of our success story.

On any given day, you'll spend time....

Senior Executive Administrator Core Responsibilities

• Managing complex calendars, meetings, priorities, and ensuring follow-up on key commitments with attention to priorities, ensuring efficient use of time across meetings, travel, and personal commitments. Coordinate 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 both internal and external audiences.
• Provide high-level administrative support to other executive team members as needed, especially during peak periods or key initiatives.
• Facilitate communication flow between the CEO, leadership team, and external partners.
• Upholding confidentiality, professionalism, and handling sensitive information and communications with the utmost confidentiality and discretion.
• Guiding and mentoring administrative staff to promote consistency, efficiency, and a positive team culture.

• 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 of 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.

• 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.

Ovid operates in a hybrid-work model.  Candidates applying must be willing and able to be in the NYC office in coordination with their manager's expectations, as well as department and business needs. 

The base salary range for this position is $140,000 - $170,000. The actual salary offered within the range is dependent on a variety of factors including, but not limited to, relevant experience, qualifications, skills, level offered, and performance expectations.