πΉ Job Title: Account Director, Startups Pursuits
πΉ Company: OpenAI
πΉ Location: San Francisco, CA
πΉ Job Type: Full-Time, Hybrid (3 days in office)
πΉ Category: Research Services
πΉ Date Posted: May 7, 2025
πΉ Experience Level: 10+ years
πΉ Remote Status: On-site (San Francisco, CA)
Key aspects of this role include:
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a balance of strategic planning, technical understanding, and customer relationship management. It's ideal for someone with a strong background in sales, a passion for AI, and experience working with startups.
β Manage a portfolio of startup accounts, developing and executing strategies for a comprehensive account plan
β Partner with solutions architects to drive successful technical engagements with startups, accelerating their product development process
β Own a consumption revenue target and manage consumption revenue forecasts
β Analyze key account metrics to create reports and provide insights to internal and external stakeholders
β Collaborate with solutions, marketing, communications, business operations, people operations, finance, product management, and engineering
β Serve as an advocate for improving the startup experience building with OpenAI, synthesizing product feedback from insights captured from our work with startups
β Closely monitor the industry landscape and startup landscape and contribute to corporate strategies
β Support the recruitment and onboarding of other teammates and support the development of company culture
ASSUMPTION: This role involves a high degree of cross-functional collaboration and requires strong communication skills to work effectively with various teams and stakeholders.
Education: Bachelor's degree in a related field or equivalent experience
Experience: 10+ years selling platform-as-a-service, cloud, or other API products
Required Skills:
Preferred Skills:
ASSUMPTION: While a degree is preferred, equivalent experience will be considered. The ideal candidate will have a strong sales background, a deep understanding of the startup ecosystem, and a genuine interest in AI.
Salary Range: $290,000 - $290,000 (This is the provided salary range, but it's recommended to include an industry-standard range for comparison, e.g., $250,000 - $350,000 for a senior sales role in the tech industry in San Francisco)
Benefits:
Working Hours: Full-time (40 hours/week), with a hybrid work arrangement of 3 days in the office per week
ASSUMPTION: The provided salary range is likely to be competitive for a senior sales role in the tech industry in San Francisco. However, it's essential to consider the cost of living and market trends when evaluating compensation.
Industry: OpenAI operates in the research services industry, focusing on artificial intelligence and machine learning. The company is dedicated to ensuring that general-purpose artificial intelligence benefits all of humanity.
Company Size: OpenAI has 201-500 employees, which means it's a mid-sized company where applicants can expect a structured yet agile work environment.
Founded: OpenAI was founded in 2015, making it a relatively young company with a strong focus on innovation and growth.
Company Description:
Company Specialties:
Company Website: openai.com
ASSUMPTION: OpenAI's mission and values make it an attractive employer for candidates passionate about AI and its potential impact on society.
Career Level: This role is at the senior level, requiring extensive experience and a proven track record in sales and account management.
Reporting Structure: The Account Director reports directly to the Head of Startups Go To Market and works cross-functionally with various teams within OpenAI.
Work Arrangement: This is a hybrid role, with employees expected to work on-site in San Francisco for 3 days per week.
Growth Opportunities:
ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant growth opportunities for the right candidate, with the potential to make a substantial impact on OpenAI's success in the startup ecosystem.
Office Type: OpenAI's headquarters is in San Francisco, CA, with a hybrid work arrangement allowing employees to work remotely for 2 days per week.
Office Location(s): 415 Jackson St, San Francisco, CA 94111, USA
Geographic Context:
Work Schedule: Full-time (40 hours/week), with a hybrid work arrangement of 3 days in the office per week
ASSUMPTION: The hybrid work arrangement and central location of OpenAI's headquarters make it an attractive option for candidates seeking a balance between work and personal life.
Typical Process:
Key Assessment Areas:
Application Tips:
ATS Keywords: Account Management, Sales, Technical Engagement, Startup Ecosystem, API Products, Strategic Planning, Cross-Functional Collaboration, AI Knowledge
ASSUMPTION: OpenAI's interview process is designed to assess the candidate's sales and account management skills, technical understanding, and strategic planning abilities. The company values candidates who can communicate effectively and work well with cross-functional teams.
ASSUMPTION: As a sales role, this position requires proficiency in CRM software and project management tools. Familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite and Google Workspace is also expected.
Company Values:
Work Style:
Self-Assessment Questions:
ASSUMPTION: OpenAI's company culture emphasizes safety, collaboration, learning, and continuous improvement. Candidates who value these principles and are comfortable working in a dynamic, startup-like environment will likely find OpenAI's culture a good fit.
ASSUMPTION: This role presents unique challenges, such as managing a diverse portfolio of startup accounts and staying current with the rapidly evolving AI landscape. Successful candidates will be adaptable, strategic thinkers who can thrive in a dynamic environment.
ASSUMPTION: While this role shares similarities with traditional sales positions, its unique focus on AI, API products, and the startup ecosystem sets it apart. Candidates should consider OpenAI's mission and values when evaluating this opportunity.
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the strategic, collaborative, and analytical aspects of the Account Director, Startups Pursuits role at OpenAI.
ASSUMPTION: These interview questions are designed to help candidates better understand the role's priorities, the company's culture, and the challenges facing the startups that OpenAI works with. They also provide insight into the company's performance metrics and expectations for the role.
To apply for this position:
β οΈ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.