Handshake
Strategic Account Executive
Edtech.com's Summary
- Drive new business development targeting Fortune 500 and Fortune 100 employers.
- Manage end-to-end sales processes including account planning, meetings, executive alignment, negotiation, and deal closing.
- Utilize strong outbound sales and account planning capabilities to build pipeline and close six-figure deals.
- Hold 4+ years of SaaS sales experience with at least 2 years in enterprise or strategic customer engagements.
- Demonstrate consistent quota attainment and net new logo acquisition; President's Club preferred.
- Lead executive-level conversations and manage multi-stakeholder, longer sales cycles.
- Maintain strong forecasting hygiene and deal management across monthly and quarterly cycles.
- Travel regularly and participate in in-person selling, customer events, and relationship-building.
- Preferably have experience in HR technology, recruiting software, or workforce solutions sales.
- Receive comprehensive benefits including equity, competitive compensation, 401(k) match, paid parental leave, medical coverage, learning stipends, flexible PTO, and more.
Strategic Account Executive Full Description
About Handshake
Handshake is the career network for the AI economy. 20 million knowledge workers, 1,600 educational institutions, 1 million employers (including 100% of the Fortune 50), and every foundational AI lab trust Handshake to power career discovery, hiring, and upskilling, from freelance AI training gigs to first internships to full-time careers and beyond. This unique value is leading to unparalleled growth; in 2025, we tripled our ARR at scale.
Why join Handshake now:
Shape how every career evolves in the AI economy, at global scale, with impact your friends, family and peers can see and feel
Work hand-in-hand with world-class AI labs, Fortune 500 partners and the worldâs top educational institutions
Join a team with leadership from Scale AI, Meta, xAI, Notion, Coinbase, and Palantir, among others
Build a massive, fast-growing business with billions in revenue
The Role
Weâre hiring a Strategic Account Executive to join our Strategic New Business team, focused on landing net new Fortune 500 and Fortune 100 employers that do not yet partner with Handshake. This is a pure hunter role, built for a seller who thrives in high-visibility deal cycles, creates pipeline through proactive outreach, and can close complex six-figure partnerships with senior HR and business leaders.
You will inherit a defined book named accounts and own the full sales cycle end to end, from account planning and first meetings through executive alignment, negotiation, and close. You will operate with high autonomy and minimal support, and you will be expected to travel, host customers, and win in the room.
You Have
Must-Haves:
4+ years of SaaS closing experience, including 2+ years selling into enterprise or strategic customers
Proven track record of net new logo acquisition and consistent quota attainment (Presidentâs Club strongly preferred)
Experience closing complex six-figure deals with multiple stakeholders and longer sales cycles
Strong outbound and account planning skills, with comfort owning a defined book and building pipeline proactively
Ability to lead executive-level conversations, position value, and run a disciplined sales process end to end
High ownership and scrappiness, with comfort creating your own materials and running your own demos without heavy support
Strong forecasting hygiene and deal management discipline across monthly and quarterly rhythms
Willingness to travel regularly and engage in in-person selling, customer events, and relationship-building
Bonus Points:
Experience selling HR tech, recruiting software, or workforce solutions into Fortune 500 employers
Background as an enterprise AE with 2 to 5 years tenure looking to step up into strategic new business
Existing relationships with senior HR, TA, or early talent leaders at large employers
We Offer
Handshake delivers benefits that help you feel supported and thrive at work and in life.
The below benefits are for full-time US employees.
ð¯ Ownership: Equity in a fast-growing company
ð° Financial Wellness: 401(k) match, competitive compensation, financial coaching
ð¼ Family Support: Paid parental leave, fertility benefits, parental coaching
ð Wellbeing: Medical, dental, and vision, mental health support, $500 wellness stipend
ð Growth: $2,000 learning stipend, ongoing development
ð» Remote & Office: Internet, commuting, and free lunch/gym in our SF office
ð Time Off: Flexible PTO, 15 holidays + 2 flex days
ð¤ Connection: Team outings & referral bonuses
Explore our mission, values, and comprehensive US benefits at joinhandshake.com/careers.
Similar Jobs
Account Executive - Midwest/Rockies
Wayfinder
🇺🇸 Remote - US
Heinemann Account Executive - RI, CT, MA
HMH
🇺🇸 Remote - RI
Heinemann Account Executive - ME, VT, MA
HMH
🇺🇸 Remote - ME
Sales Assistant, TX (Part-Time, Contractor)
Amplify
🇺🇸 Remote - TX
Specialist, Sales Representative
Pearson
🇨🇦 Remote - CA
