Adaption→
Special Projects Lead at Adaption in San Francisco, CA
Job Description
About Us
Most AI is frozen in place - it doesn't adapt to the world. We think that's backwards. Our mandate is to build efficient intelligence that evolves in real-time. Our vision is AI systems that are flexible, personalized, and accessible to everyone. We believe efficiency is what makes this possible - it's how we expand access and ensure innovation benefits the many, not the few. We believe in talent density: bringing together the best and most driven individuals to push the boundaries of continual adaptation. We're looking for builders and creative thinkers ready to shape the next era of intelligence.
The Role
As a Special Projects Lead, you are the swiss army knife of Adaption. You thrive at the zero-to-one stage, where ambiguity is the starting condition and a working system is the deliverable. You QB strategic initiatives, bring creative energy to unconventional problems, and have a bias for action that turns vision into momentum. You'll partner directly with the founders to shape how this company operates, scales, and builds toward vision.
Responsibilities
Lead special projects end-to-end: own high-priority, often undefined initiatives from first principles to finished product. These are the projects that don't fit neatly into anyone else's job description - and that's exactly why they're yours.
Scale team operations globally: build the systems, rituals, and infrastructure that hold a distributed team together. Own internal tools, communication frameworks, and knowledge management as we grow from founding team to scaled organization.
Drive strategic initiatives: partner with leadership to translate strategy into action. You connect the dots across functions, maintain momentum, and make sure nothing important falls through the cracks.
Unlock day-to-day execution: own business operations including vendor management, legal coordination, compliance, and administrative infrastructure. Anticipate needs before they become blockers.
Find creative leverage: spot the unconventional fix, the 10x shortcut, the reframe that makes a hard problem simple. Whether it's a new workflow, a better vendor arrangement, or a fresh take on how the team communicates - you bring imagination to the operational layer.
Qualifications
3–7 years in operations, strategy, or special projects roles - ideally at a high-growth startup or tech company
Track record of building from scratch and driving complex, cross-functional initiatives to completion
Creative thinker who brings fresh ideas to operational and strategic problems
Strong instincts for prioritization and an ability to context-switch without losing the thread
Exceptional communicator who builds trust across all levels of an organization
Impeccable attention to detail - you know which details create leverage and spend your time accordingly
Bonus: experience with AI/ML companies or familiarity with technical product development
Above all, we're looking for great teammates who make work feel lighter and aren't afraid to go out on a limb with bold ideas. You don't need to be perfect, but you do need to be adaptable. We encourage you to apply, even if you don't check every box.
Benefits
Flexible work: In-person collaboration in the Bay Area, a distributed global-first team, and quarterly offsites.
Adaption Passport: Annual travel stipend to explore a country you've never visited. We're building intelligence that evolves alongside you, so we encourage you to keep expanding your horizons.
Lunch Stipend: Weekly meal allowance for take-out or grocery delivery.
Well-Being: Comprehensive medical benefits and generous paid time off.