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.