Special Projects Lead

Pufink helps support [Spencer Burleigh’s](Upgrade to see actual info) portfolio of entrepreneurial ventures, including a diversified e-commerce business, a consulting firm that supports startups with financial and strategic help, a platform that helps startups manufacture custom parts, and various side projects in software and AI tools. Our next projects involve creating more content and blogs to improve our product’s distribution and building AI tools to make selecting and consuming more books easier. We have a small, high-performing, and globally distributed team.

We’re looking for a driven, detail-oriented operator to join our team and help turn ideas into execution. If you’re energized by the chance to manage diverse projects, work directly with an experienced founder, and are excited about the opportunity to build things from the ground up, this might be for you.

**About This Role**

We’re hiring a highly competent and entrepreneurial Operations Associate based in anywhere in the world to work directly with Spencer across Pufink’s business and technical initiatives. This remote-first role blends the structure of an Executive Assistant position with the scope and autonomy of a Project Manager or Chief of Staff. You’ll help prioritize, plan, and execute across consulting engagements, internal startup operations, and side software projects.

This role is ideal for someone independent, highly agentic, technically literate, and excited to grow alongside multiple fast-moving projects. You won’t just manage calendars and inboxes (though you might rarely) — you’ll drive projects from 0 to 1, hire contractors, scope out new ideas, and help push big things across the finish line.

**You’d Be a Great Fit if You…**

- Thrive on owning ambiguous problems and turning them into clear, actionable roadmaps.
- Love making order out of chaos and helping others stay organized and effective.
- Are technically curious and comfortable learning new tools (especially AI-powered and automation tools).
- Have excellent English writing and verbal communication skills.
- Have a strong bias toward action and initiative—you’re not afraid to ask questions, offer suggestions, or raise red flags.
- Are energized by fast-paced, entrepreneurial environments and diverse projects.

**What You’ll Do**

- Support Spencer directly on a range of operational, strategic, and administrative tasks across multiple businesses. More about Spencer at [Upgrade to see actual info/about](Upgrade to see actual info)
- Take vague or loosely defined project ideas and break them into actionable scopes and timelines.
- Build project plans, manage deadlines, and coordinate execution—personally or with help from others.
- Find and hire freelancers or contractors when additional skills are needed.
- Implement and maintain lightweight systems to track progress, report updates, and manage priorities.
- Learn and implement AI tools, no-code platforms, or lightweight scripting to solve workflow problems.
- Occasionally help with scheduling, document creation, or communications when needed.

**What You’ll Need**

- 2+ years of experience in an operations, executive assistant, or project management role—preferably in a fast-paced startup or small business.
- Strong written and spoken English.
- Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills.
- Project management experience—either formally or informally.
- Self-motivated, proactive, and good at managing up.
- Comfort with tech tools: Google Workspace, Notion, and task managers (e.g. Asana, Trello, or Linear).

**Nice to Have**

- Familiarity and interest in AI tools (e.g. ChatGPT, other LLMs).
- Light coding or scripting experience (e.g. Python, Zapier, etc).
- Experience hiring or managing contractors or vendors.
- Experience professionally writing in English.
- Exposure to startup environments, especially early-stage or bootstrapped companies.
- Interest in manufacturing, hard tech, economic development, literature, sociology, and how modern culture is evolving.

**Work Environment**

- Fully remote position.
- Flexible schedule, with at least 2 hours daily overlap with US Pacific Time business hours Spencer works (09:00 - 21:00).
- Some preference for a time zone that works well with the US (e.g. Latin America), but global candidates will be considered (we already have teams in India and the Philippines).
- Opportunities for growth, ownership, and learning across multiple businesses
- Occasional travel for teaUpgrade to see actual infoetups may be offered but is not required

How to Apply

If this role sounds exciting to you, we’d love to hear from you! Please apply by sending the following to Upgrade to see actual info

1. Your resume or LinkedIn profile

2. A short note (no more than 6 sentences) sharing:

- Why you’re interested in this specific role
- One or two experiences that show you’d be great at it

3. (Optional but appreciated) Links to anything else that helps us get to know you—personal website, portfolio, writing sample, GitHub, etc.

We value clear communication, self-direction, and thoughtful problem-solving and we’re excited to work with someone who brings those traits to the table.