Everyone is welcome at Handshake. We know diverse teams build better products and we are committed to creating an inclusive culture built on a foundation of respect for all individuals. We strongly encourage candidates from non-traditional backgrounds, historically marginalized or underrepresented groups to apply.

Your impact

At Handshake, we bridge the gap between top talent and opportunity by connecting students and graduates with employers who value fresh perspectives. Our unique platform empowers organizations to shape their recruitment for a more inclusive and diverse workforce. Now, we're expanding our reach into federal government partnerships, recognizing the unique challenges and requirements of the federal sector. We’re seeking a Federal BDR who can understand, navigate, and strategize in this complex, highly regulated space.

Your Role

As a Federal Business Development Representative, you will play a crucial role in expanding our footprint within federal government agencies, engaging potential clients and stakeholders, and building awareness of our solutions. You’ll navigate the complex structures, influence dynamics, and unique budgetary processes within federal organizations. Your goal is to identify opportunities, communicate value effectively, and drive engagement with decision-makers while respecting the federal government’s language, priorities, and procedural requirements.

• Relationship Building: Build and influence relationships with key decision-makers across federal departments and offices.
• Complex Account Navigation: Engage and raise awareness within the federal structure, targeting influential roles like Chief Human Capital Officers across divisions.
• Budget Strategy & Funding Cycles: Navigate federal budgets and funding cycles, aligning solution positioning with these constraints.
• Tailored Communication: Communicate in “government language,” incorporating DEIA and other relevant terms to build rapport with stakeholders.
• Agency-Specific Outreach: Tailor messaging to align with each agency’s unique mission and structure.
• Solution Advocacy: Promote our platform’s support for diverse talent recruitment in line with federal hiring standards.
• Stakeholder Alignment for Early Talent Initiatives: Address challenges in early talent recruitment, advocating solutions aligned with federal priorities and regulations.

You will have an opportunity to learn and grow in this role. We support our BDRs and seek to promote BDRs internally based on demonstrating success in the role, alignment with our values, and a passion for helping students.

Your experience

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in business, government relations, or a related field.
• 1+ years of experience in business development or account management, preferably within the federal or public sector.
• Ability to understand complex organizational structures and the nuances of federal budgets and procurement.
• Proficiency in managing long sales cycles and influencing multiple stakeholders in a highly regulated environment.
• Strong communication skills, with an ability to adjust messaging for diverse audiences within the federal landscape.
• Strong attention to detail and the ability to work collaboratively across teams

Bonus areas of expertise

• An understanding of Federal compliance and security protocols. 
• Familiarity with government terminology, DEIA initiatives, and federal recruitment processes is highly desirable. 
• Previous work with or knowledge of federal budgets, procurement cycles, and executive roles.
• Experience with recruitment technologies, talent platforms, or related services. 

Compensation Range

$110k-$115k OTE (65/35 split)

Travel Requirements

Up to 30% travel

 

For cash compensation, we set standard ranges for all U.S.-based roles based on function, level, and geographic location, benchmarked against similar stage growth companies. In order to be compliant with local legislation, as well as to provide greater transparency to candidates, we share salary ranges on all job postings regardless of desired hiring location. Final offer amounts are determined by multiple factors, including geographic location as well as candidate experience and expertise, and may vary from the amounts listed above.

About us

Handshake is the career platform for Gen Z. With a community of over 17 million students, alumni, employers, and career educators, Handshake’s network is where career advice and discovery turn into first, second, and third jobs. Nearly 1 million companies use Handshake to build their future workforce—from Fortune 500 to federal agencies, school districts t