Fast Facts
Handshake is seeking a Strategic Account Executive for its Strategic New Business team to develop and close partnerships with Fortune 500 and 100 employers.
Responsibilities: Own the full sales cycle from account planning to closing complex six-figure deals with senior HR and business leaders while proactively building pipeline and managing a defined book of accounts.
Skills: 4+ years of SaaS closing experience, proven track record of net new logo acquisition, strong outbound and account planning skills, and ability to lead executive-level conversations.
Qualifications: Experience selling into enterprise customers and familiarity with HR tech or recruiting software is a plus; proven ability in handling longer sales cycles and multiple stakeholders is essential.
Location: United States
Compensation: $275000 - $300000 / Annually
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 world’s 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
We’re 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 (President’s 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.
🎯 Ownership: Equity in a fast-growing company
💰 Financial Wellness: 401(k) match, competitive compensation, financial coaching
🍼 Family Support: Paid parental leave, fertility benefits, parental coaching
💝 Wellbeing: Medical, dental, and vision, mental health support, $500 wellness stipend
📚 Growth: $2,000 learning stipend, ongoing development
💻 Remote & Office: Internet, commuting, and free lunch/gym in our SF office
🏝 Time Off: Flexible PTO, 15 holidays + 2 flex days
🤝 Connection: Team outings & referral bonuses
Explore our mission, values, and comprehensive US benefits at joinhandshake.com/careers.
