Chief of Staff to the CEO
Datum’s mission is to help 1k clouds thrive in the AI era by unlocking internet superpowers for every builder. We’re working in the open to bring the foundational capabilities that all the big guys use (private networking, peering, direct interconnection, etc) into the hands of builders and modern “alt clouds” — no network team required.
One of Datum’s core values is to be connectors: of applications, services, networks, and people. As such, this role (just like all roles at Datum) will work directly with users, customers, partners, and the broader community.
Another key value is to be open by default, from how we license our code (AGPLv3) to how we communicate, engage with, and document our work. We believe this engenders trust from our customers and community, but also because open is the best way to build. It's more secure, more operable, and even more enjoyable.
Still interested? Read on!
About This Role
This isn't your typical Chief of Staff position. We're looking for someone exceptional: a rare combination of strategic thinker, relationship builder, and deal driver who is ready to lead by example at the intersection of digital infrastructure, AI, and cloud.
As Chief of Staff, you'll be a force multiplier for our co-founder, CEO Zac Smith, while serving as a connection point across our growing organization (especially with our other co-founder, Jacob Smith). This role needs someone who can toggle fluidly between strategic conversations and tactical execution, including business development, community activation, internal/external communication, and product.
The Split:
75% — Direct partnership with Zac, amplifying his impact with strategic partners, investors, founders, customers and key ecosystem players
25% — Integrating learnings across the team and surfacing critical issues and opportunities from throughout the company
What You'll Do
As a strategic partner to the CEO:
Operate as a trusted extension of the CEO in conversations and relationships
Catch/grab/pull on the next steps from Zac’s founder led approach to growth
Sit at the middle of big decisions, helping to wrestle through tradeoffs
Write things down and share them actively to gain clarity and hone insights
As an integrator in the organization:
Translate ideas and decisions into action across teams, bringing folks along
Surface important patterns, issues, and opportunities from across the organization
Drive cross-functional initiatives that require executive-level coordination
Help maintain organizational cohesion and velocity as we scale, including on GitHub
As a next level relationship builder and “dot connector”:
Play an active role across internal and external communications
Build and maintain a network of relationships that create value for Datum
Connect dots between people, ideas, and opportunities
Develop your own voice through authentic thought leadership & transparency
Who You Are
Non-Negotiables:
Based in NYC with the ability to attend evening events and travel as needed
High EQ: You read rooms, understand people, and navigate complexity with grace
Hunger: You're driven by impact and energized by building something meaningful
Humility: You check your ego, give credit freely, and focus on collective success
Core Strengths:
Natural communicator who connects authentically with diverse audiences
Relationship builder who creates and maintains genuine, valuable connections
Genuinely passionate about digital infrastructure and the future of the industry
Able to toggle between 30,000-foot vision and ground-level execution
Comfortable with ambiguity and capable of creating structure where none exists
Background:
Experience in startups, infra, VC, consulting, or similar fast-paced environments
Track record of curiosity and learning (you often say: tell me more!)
Experience building communities, working in the open, giving back to others
What Success Looks Like
For Datum:
Accelerated velocity on strategic initiatives
Stronger traction with key opportunities and partnerships
More effective use of founder time and attention
Increased cohesion and effectiveness across the organization
For You:
Meaningful career advancement and expanded scope
Development of relationships with leading investors, founders, and industry players
A crash course in digital infrastructure, silicon, and open source
Platform to demonstrate strategic and operational leadership
We believe in openness, clarity, and collaboration. To learn more about how Datum aims to operate, please review our public handbook.