Account Executive - Public Sector
Promise· startup· Computer Software· Sep 5, 2026 · 2mo ago
San Francisco
Hybrid
Full-time
Senior
$140K
5+ years exp
Job description
Company Overview
Promise modernizes how government agencies and utilities support people in financial difficulty. We build technology that makes it simple for residents to receive benefits, engage with assistance programs, set up flexible payment plans, and stay on track—while helping agencies increase efficiency, recover revenue, and deliver services with dignity. Our mission is to transform public systems so they work better for everyone, especially the most vulnerable.
Our team includes experts from companies like Palantir, Google, Stripe , and esteemed government leaders. We work hard and believe deeply in what we do. We're looking for excellent people to build innovative, resilient technology.
Backed by over $50 million in funding from top investors – such as Reid Hoffman, Howard Schultz, Michael Seibel, Y Combinator, 8VC, The General Partnership, First Round Capital, Kapor Capital, XYZ Ventures, and Bronze Investments – Promise has been recognized as one of Fast Company's "World's Most Innovative Companies of 2022,” “Forbes Next Billion-Dollar Startups 2024,” and Y Combinator’s #1 GovTech startup.
ABOUT THE ROLE
Promise’s Sales team partners with government agencies and regulated companies such as utilities to modernize how they deliver essential services. Our platform helps these institutions eliminate inefficiency, improve outcomes, and create a better experience for the millions of people who rely on them.
As an Account Executive, you will drive new and expansion business across targeted agencies and enterprises. Each customer has unique procurement processes, and successful AEs at Promise see these as opportunities to demonstrate creativity and value. Instead of relying on generic enterprise playbooks, you will take a scrappy, strategic approach that aligns Promise’s solutions with each client’s mission and procurement context.
You’ll work closely with GTM leadership to shape outbound strategy, open new verticals, and build a repeatable motion as we expand nationwide. This is a hands-on role in a high-growth environment where your success directly influences how millions of people access benefits and essential services.
WHAT YOU’LL DO
- Build and execute targeted account plans for government agencies and utilities.
- Navigate complex and slow procurement processes with patience and precision.
- Close new and expansion deals, delivering meaningful value to clients.
- Establish and grow relationships with senior stakeholders across public sector and regulated enterprises.
- Partner with Business Development and external advisors to generate and accelerate opportunities.
- Respond to and win strategic RFPs.
- Deliver tailored demos and presentations that align Promise’s products with each client’s needs.
- Partner with GTM leadership to design outbound strategies, define personas, and refine messaging for new verticals.
- Create structured prospecting workflows and continuously improve them based on performance data.
- Collaborate with Marketing and GTM Ops to improve lead quality, CRM accuracy, and pipeline performance.
- Deliver accurate forecasts and pipeline updates to GTM leadership.
- Share prospect feedback to inform the product roadmap and influence new features.
- Travel up to 50% to meet with customers and prospects.
WHAT WILL HELP YOU SUCCEED
- 5+ years of experience selling software into public sector agencies, utilities, or similarly complex regulated industries.
- Proven track record of building and closing new business in long-cycle enterprise sales environments.
- Strong network and ability to leverage senior advisors to generate outbound opportunities.
- Experience developing sales playbooks, writing prospecting copy, designing cadences, and coaching teammates.
- Metrics-driven with proficiency using CRM and GTM tools (HubSpot, Salesforce, or equivalents).
- Demonstrated ability to navigate multifaceted procurement processes, from RFPs to enterprise contracts.
- Clear, persuasive communicator skilled at storytelling for both technical and non-technical audiences.
- Comfortable working in an early-stage, fast-changing environment with a willingness to iterate and adjust strategy quickly.
- Motivated by Promise’s mission to improve how more than 80 million people access benefits and essential services.
WHO THRIVES AT PROMISE
YOU’LL LOVE IT HERE IF:
- You are energized by big, complex challenges and the opportunity to solve them.
- You want your work to have a real, measurable impact on people’s lives.
- You take ownership and run toward problems, not away from them.
- You value clear, candid, and constructive communication.
PROMISE IS NOT FOR YOU IF:
- You prefer hierarchy and rigid structures. We operate with freedom and responsibility.
- You are uncomfortable with change. We move fast, adapt often, and expect agility.
- You want a typical corporate culture. We are mission-driven, ambitious, and direct.
- You believe efficiency means “doing less.” We believe efficiency means doing better.
HOW WE SUPPORT OUR PEOPLE
At Promise, we invest in our team’s well-being, growth, and sense of ownership.
- Equity for All: All full-time employees receive stock options to share in our company’s success.
- 100% Paid Health Coverage: We cover 100% of base medical, dental, and vision insurance plans for employees and their dependents.
- Hybrid Work: We collaborate in the office at least four days a week to stay connected and aligned as a team.
- Flexible Time Off: Self-managed FTO and 12 paid holidays — we trust you to prioritize your time.
Please note: Benefits are reviewed periodically and may be updated at the sole discretion of Promise.
Promise is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any applicant or employee because of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, genetic information, age, or military or veteran status. Additionally, the Company complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every jurisdiction in which it operates. Promise is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We also provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities, pregnant individuals, and those with sincerely held religious beliefs, in accordance with applicable laws. To request a reasonable accommodation, please email accommodations@joinpromise.com.
Promise engages in US government contracts and restricts hiring to US persons, which includes US citizens and permanent residents (e.g., Green Card holders). Additionally, candidates must reside in the US.
Promise participates in E-Verify. To learn more, view E-Verify Participation Notice and Right to Work Notice. notion.so
Application prep
Use the role’s language and application details while tailoring your materials.
- Platform
- ashby
- Effort
- quick
Benefits
Benefits detected in the listing.
Dental
Vision