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.