The RoleSpecial Projects Lead is the operational quarterback of the strike team. You don't just execute projects - you scope and sequence the entire strike queue. You decide what gets prioritized, staff the right people to the right problems, and drive cross-functional initiatives from zero to done. When something doesn't fit neatly into any department, it lands on your desk.
This role reports directly to the Founder and operates with high autonomy.
What You'll Do- Scope, sequence, and prioritize the strike team's project queue based on business impact
- Run full cross-functional projects autonomously - from problem definition to shipped solution to handoff
- Staff strike team members to projects based on skill match and urgency
- Context-switch across operations, guest experience, finance, content, and tech without ramp-up
- Build lightweight project frameworks that create accountability without bureaucracy
- Identify and escalate blockers before they become crises
- Own post-mortems and ensure learnings get codified into SOPs or doctrine
- Mentor Special Projects Drivers and Associates on prioritization, stakeholder management, and execution tempo
What You'll Own (Outcomes & KPIs)Founder-approved outcomes:
- Project completion rate - % of strike projects shipped on time and to spec
- Queue velocity - average time from project intake to shipped v1
- Cross-functional impact - number of departments served per quarter
- Handoff quality - % of completed projects running independently 60 days post-handoff
Who You Are (Builder Traits)- AI fluency - you use AI tools to accelerate your own work and expect your team to do the same.
- Ownership reflex - you don't wait for permission. You see the gap, you fill it.
- Speed of execution - you move fast and create clarity for everyone around you.
- Build portfolio - you can show us cross-functional projects you've run from zero to shipped.
- Prioritization instinct - you know that saying no to 8 things is what makes the 2 things you say yes to actually ship.
- Diplomatic bluntness - you can tell a department head their project isn't the priority this week and keep the relationship intact.
Must-Haves- 3+ years running cross-functional projects in a fast-moving, ambiguous environment
- Demonstrated portfolio of projects you scoped, staffed, and shipped (not just managed)
- Experience with AI-augmented workflows - you use automation tools in your own project management
- Track record of working directly with founders or C-suite with minimal oversight
- Comfortable with radical transparency, direct feedback, and a founder-led operating model
Nice-to-Haves- Hospitality, resort, or guest-experience operations background
- Prior Chief of Staff, Head of Special Projects, or founder's-office experience
- Experience building and managing small, high-output teams (3-8 people)
- Experience building in ClickUp (automations, Super Agents, or API integrations)
Comp & Benefits- Base: $90,000-$110,000
- OTE: $129,000-$157,000
- Performance variable: 30% of OTE, tied to Founder-approved KPIs
- Health stipend: $400/mo
- Profit-pool participation: Yes - tiered by build output, not tenure
- Location: Hybrid: 3 days/week onsite at Bolt Farm Treehouse in Whitwell, TN
