Early-stage open-source productivity software company
Sales Executive#1521
New York City · Primarily in-person with hybrid flexibility · Full-time
$180K – $250K OTE
About the company
This early-stage software company is building a unified, open-source workspace that brings email, documents, tasks and team collaboration into one system. The goal is to replace the fragmented set of tools that individuals and growing companies often need to stitch together to manage their work.
The product serves both individual professionals and early-stage technology companies looking for a single operating environment. Rather than asking users to move between disconnected applications, it brings core workflows into one place and is used internally by the company to run its own operations.
The company is at Series A stage with a small, primarily engineering-led team. It is already seeing dozens to hundreds of daily product signups, including interest from corporate domains. Until now, there has been no dedicated sales function, making this the point where early product adoption can be translated into a repeatable commercial motion.
About the role
This is the company's first dedicated sales hire and a founding individual-contributor role within the commercial function. The mission is to turn existing product interest into qualified opportunities while building a relationship-driven outbound motion across the New York startup ecosystem.
You will work closely with company leadership to shape the early sales process, messaging and ideal customer profile. The role combines strategy with hands-on execution: warming inbound signups, prospecting, representing the company publicly, building community-led pipeline and closing deals.
There is very little established process and no set quota yet. This role therefore requires strong ownership and comfort creating a practical playbook rather than inheriting one. The company expects the sales function to grow to approximately five people across New York and San Francisco within the next year.
What you'll do
- Convert and warm up inbound product signups, including interest from corporate domains, and move relevant prospects into active sales conversations.
- Build outbound pipeline through email, LinkedIn, community relationships and other direct channels.
- Plan and host events such as product nights, meetups and informal gatherings that strengthen the company's presence and generate commercial opportunities.
- Represent the company across social media, industry events, conferences and the broader New York startup community.
- Partner with leadership to refine messaging, the ideal customer profile and the early sales process based on market feedback.
- Close opportunities generated through both outbound and community-led channels, while sharing customer insights with Product and Marketing.
What we're looking for
- Experience: 0-3 years of professional experience. Strong recent graduates and candidates with early startup or sales exposure will also be considered.
- Commercial ownership: Comfort operating without a fully established sales process, quota structure or ready-made playbook.
- Community and social presence: Consistent activity on platforms such as LinkedIn, X, Instagram or similar, with an existing public presence or a clear ability to build one.
- Communication: Strong conversational ability and curiosity, with the confidence to represent a technology company publicly and build relationships in person.
- Working context: Based in New York City or able to be there on an ongoing, regular basis, with availability for industry events that may occasionally take place during evenings or weekends.
Nice to have
- Previous experience working in an early-stage startup.
- Genuine interest in AI, technology and open-source ecosystems.
- Active involvement in startup, technology, creative or arts communities.
Compensation & benefits
$180K–$250K OTE, depending on experience.
50/50 base and variable split, with a base salary of $90K–$125K.
Dedicated budget and creative freedom to plan and host community events.
Location
New York City, primarily in person. The company is open to a flexible hybrid schedule given the amount of in-person networking and event attendance involved.
Candidates must already have current US work authorization. Visa sponsorship is not available for this role.
Interview process
- Micro-call with The People Nook. Initial alignment conversation about the opportunity and candidate background.
- Informal conversation at the New York City office. Discussion with company leadership covering background, motivations and appetite for an early-stage environment.
- Casual, unstructured conversation. Assessment of conversational ability, curiosity and relationship-building style, potentially in an informal setting.
- Product review and pitch-back. The candidate reviews the product and presents it back, with a focus on product understanding and awareness of the competitive landscape.
Why this opportunity
This role sits at the point where meaningful product interest needs to become a repeatable commercial function. The person joining will not simply work through an existing pipeline. They will help determine how the company reaches customers, explains the product, builds community and turns early demand into a scalable sales motion.
It is likely to appeal to someone who enjoys technology, relationships and public-facing work, and who wants substantial influence early in their career. The strongest fit will value autonomy, in-person community building and the chance to create a sales playbook from the ground up.