Founding Account Executive
About the Role
This is a rare opportunity to join a fast-growing AI-powered recruiting technology startup as their first dedicated closer. You'll own the full sales cycle end-to-end — from discovery through signature — for mid-market and enterprise deals. Working directly alongside the founding team, you'll not only carry the number but build the playbook, shape pricing and positioning, and lay the foundation for a sales organization you'll eventually lead. Visa sponsorship is not available for this role.
What You'll Do
Own the complete sales cycle — discovery, demo, negotiation, and close — for mid-market and enterprise customers
Self-source pipeline through both warm and cold outbound, as well as inbound qualification
Build and continuously refine the closing playbook, including pricing strategy, objection handling, and deal stage definitions
Partner directly with the founding team to shape go-to-market strategy and positioning
Drive expansion revenue and upsell opportunities within the existing customer base
Hire and mentor BDRs as the sales organization scales
What We're Looking For
Dealbreakers
2–6 years of experience as an Account Executive at a high-velocity startup or in finance, with a consistent track record of beating quota
Full-cycle sales ownership: you've sourced, run, and closed your own deals — not exclusively worked handed-off pipeline
Proven cold outbound success, including at least one significant deal sourced entirely through cold outreach
Required
Experience closing mid-market and enterprise deals with complex, multi-stakeholder sales cycles
Experience building and documenting sales processes, playbooks, or methodologies from scratch
Experience managing expansion revenue or upsell opportunities within existing accounts
Experience hiring, training, or managing SDRs or junior sales staff
Track record of rapid promotion or accelerated career progression within sales
Nice to Have
Experience working directly with founders or C-suite on go-to-market strategy and pricing decisions
Prior startup founding experience, significant competitive achievement, or a demonstrated history of tackling difficult objectives
Familiarity with recruiting, talent, or HR technology verticals
Compensation & Benefits
Base salary: $130,000 – $180,000 USD annually (OTE will exceed base)
Early-stage equity participation
Direct exposure and collaboration with the founding team
Opportunity to build and lead the sales org as the company scales
Location
This role is on-site in San Francisco, CA. Remote work is not available. Visa sponsorship is not offered.