Business Development Representative, Government

About Handshake

Handshake was established with the vision that everyone deserves access to a meaningful career path, independent of their educational background or network. Currently, the platform serves over 25 million job seekers, more than 1 million employers, and 1,600 educational institutions. Since 2025, Handshake AI has rapidly developed the fastest-growing AI data business, collaborating directly with leading AI research labs to produce benchmarks and evaluations. The company has grown from zero to an estimated $1 billion run rate, distributing approximately $60 million monthly to over 30,000 individuals.

Why Join Handshake Now

• Influence how careers grow in the expanding AI economy on a global scale with tangible impact on your communities.
• Collaborate closely with top AI laboratories, Fortune 500 companies, and premier educational organizations.
• Work alongside engineers, scientists, operators, and former YC founders from prestigious companies like Palantir, Meta, and Scale AI.
• Contribute to building a rapidly expanding business generating billions in revenue.

Role Overview

At Handshake, we connect students and recent graduates with employers seeking innovative talent to enhance recruitment strategies and improve hiring success. As our government partnerships business grows, we are looking for a Government Business Development Representative to strategically understand and navigate this complex sector. You will be an integral part of the Government team, shaping go-to-market strategies and collaborating with account executives to cultivate an early sales pipeline.

Key Responsibilities

• Establish and nurture relationships with key decision-makers across federal and state/local government agencies and departments.
• Develop robust internal partnerships with cross-functional teams to support business goals.
• Navigate complex government organizational structures, engaging leadership such as Chief Human Capital Officers and operational roles like HR managers.
• Align solution positioning with government budget cycles and funding constraints.
• Communicate effectively using government terminology and tailored messaging that resonates with each organization's mission and structure.
• Advocate for Handshake's platform to enhance early-career talent recruitment aligned with government hiring priorities and regulations.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in business, government relations, or related fields.
• At least one year of experience in business development or account management, preferably within federal or state and local government contexts.
• Proven ability to navigate large, complex organizational settings.
• Experience managing lengthy sales cycles while influencing multiple stakeholders.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with adaptability across diverse government audiences.
• Strong attention to detail and aptitude for teamwork across departments.

Preferred Additional Qualifications

• Knowledge of government-specific terminology and recruitment processes.
• Experience with recruitment technologies or talent platforms.
• Proficiency using AI tools to enhance productivity.
• Understanding of trends in government workforce management.
• Familiarity with government budgets and contracting procedures.

Employee Benefits

• Equity ownership opportunities in a rapidly growing company.
• Comprehensive financial benefits including 401(k) matching and financial coaching.
• Family support programs such as paid parental leave and fertility benefits.
• Health benefits including medical, dental, vision, mental health support, and a wellness stipend.
• Professional growth with a $2,000 stipend for learning and ongoing development opportunities.
• Remote work support including internet reimbursement and access to commuting and gym facilities for on-site employees.
• Generous time off with flexible PTO, 15 holidays, and 2 additional flex days.
• Community connection via team outings and referral bonuses.

Compensation

The salary range for this full-time US-based role is from $88,000 to $115,000 annually.