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Founding Account Executive Jobs in Rochester, NY

Founding Account Executive information

See Rochester, NY salary details

$29.6K

$78.2K

$141.2K

How much do founding account executive jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for founding account executive in Rochester, NY is $78,214.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $53,300.00 and $93,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What unique challenges and opportunities can a founding account executive expect in an early-stage startup environment?

As a Founding Account Executive at an early-stage startup, you'll often work in a fast-paced setting where processes are still being built, requiring flexibility and a proactive mindset. You'll have the opportunity to shape the sales strategy, influence product development by sharing customer feedback, and work closely with both leadership and cross-functional teams. Challenges may include managing ambiguity, wearing multiple hats, and building a customer base from the ground up. However, this role offers significant growth potential, visibility, and the chance to directly impact the company's success and culture.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a founding account executive, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Founding Account Executive, you need a proven track record in B2B sales, deep product knowledge, and the ability to build and manage a sales pipeline, often supported by a bachelor's degree in business or a related field. Familiarity with CRM systems like Salesforce, sales enablement tools, and, occasionally, certifications in sales methodologies are important. Outstanding communication, entrepreneurial drive, and adaptability make someone stand out in this early-stage, high-growth role. These skills are crucial for driving revenue, shaping sales processes, and establishing a strong customer base in a startup environment.

What is the difference between Founding Account Executive vs Sales Development Representative?

AspectFounding Account ExecutiveSales Development Representative
ResponsibilitiesClosing deals, managing client relationships, driving revenueGenerating leads, qualifying prospects, setting appointments
Required SkillsSales expertise, negotiation, product knowledgeCommunication, prospecting, research skills
Work EnvironmentDirect client interaction, sales meetings, negotiationsResearch, outreach, lead qualification
Industry UsageStartups, SaaS, tech companiesTech, SaaS, B2B sales environments

While both roles are vital in sales, the Founding Account Executive focuses on closing deals and building client relationships, often in early-stage companies. The Sales Development Representative primarily generates and qualifies leads to support the sales pipeline. Understanding these differences helps candidates target the right roles based on their skills and career goals.

What is a founding account executive?

Founding Account Executives are among the first sales hires at a startup or early-stage company. They play a crucial role in building the initial customer base, developing sales processes, and shaping the company's go-to-market strategy. Unlike standard Account Executives, Founding Account Executives often work closely with founders, contribute to product feedback, and help define the company’s sales culture. Their work is essential for establishing early revenue streams and setting the foundation for future growth.

What are popular job titles related to Founding Account Executive jobs in Rochester, NY?

For Founding Account Executive jobs in Rochester, NY, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Founding Account Executive jobs in Rochester, NY look for?

The top searched job categories for Founding Account Executive jobs in Rochester, NY are:

What cities near Rochester, NY are hiring for Founding Account Executive jobs?

Cities near Rochester, NY with the most Founding Account Executive job openings:

Infographic showing various Founding Account Executive job openings in Rochester, NY as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 88% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $78,178 per year, or $37.6 per hour.

Territory Account Executive, Retail - Brighton Beach, NY

Toast

Brighton, NY • On-site

$148K - $237K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 22 days ago


Job description

After years of building an innovative POS platform for restaurateurs, Toast is expanding its offerings into other food and beverage concepts such as convenience stores, grocery stores, and bottle shops. This role will require a founder's mindset as we grow Toast's presence in this new vertical with a new offering: the Toast Retail platform.
As a Retail Account Executive, you will be part of a founding team that is transforming the way convenience stores, grocery stores, and bottle shops operate. Using a consultative approach, you will prospect, build relationships, and sign up new accounts. By understanding their unique needs, you will develop a customized solution that helps their business thrive. We need your passion, sales expertise, and entrepreneurial spirit to help us build the Toast brand in an assigned geographic territory.
A day in the life (Responsibilities)
  • Use a consultative approach to prospect, build relationships, and sign up new convenience stores, grocery stores and bottle shops
  • Generate lists of prospective convenience stores, grocery stores, and bottle shops and manage the entire sales cycle from initial call to close
  • Conduct demos and develop a solution that best meets the prospect's needs
  • Partner with teams across the business to ensure that expectations set during the sales process are met in delivery
  • Leverage Salesforce (our CRM) to manage all sales activities
  • Understand the competitive landscape and determine how to best position Toast in the market

What you'll need to thrive (Requirements)
  • An entrepreneurial and feedback-driven mindset
  • Strong communication, organizational, and presentation skills with the ability to sell and negotiate at all decision-making levels
  • Proven track record of success in meeting and exceeding goals
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial and team environment
  • Self-motivated, creative, flexible, and willing to navigate ambiguity

Lives in or in proximity to market and willingness to travel 25% or more
What will help you stand out (Nonessential Skills/Nice to Haves)
  • Retail operations experience

AI at Toast
At Toast, one of our company values is that we're hungry to build and learn. We believe learning new AI tools empowers us to build for our customers faster, more independently, and with higher quality. We provide these tools across all disciplines, from Engineering and Product to Sales and Support, and are inspired by how our Toasters are already driving real value with them. The people who thrive here are those who embrace changes that let us build more for our customers; it's a core part of our culture.
Our Total Rewards PhilosophyWe strive to provide competitive compensation and benefits programs that help to attract, retain, and motivate the best and brightest people in our industry. Our total rewards package goes beyond great earnings potential and provides the means to a healthy lifestyle with the flexibility to meet Toasters' changing needs. Learn more about our benefits at https://careers.toasttab.com/toast-benefits.
The estimated Total Targeted Cash compensation range for this role is listed below. Total Targeted Cash for this role includes base salary, commission, and bonus (if eligible). This role qualifies for uncapped commissions. The starting salary will be determined based on skills, experience, and geographic location. In addition to cash compensation, our total rewards components include benefits and equity (if eligible). You can learn more about how we align pay with local labor markets in our Geographic Pay Zone Philosophy.
Total Targeted Cash
$148,000-$237,000 USD
How Toast Uses AI in its Hiring Process
Throughout the hiring process, our goal is to get to know you. We use AI tools to support our recruiters and interviewers with tasks like note-taking, summarization, and documentation of interviews to ensure they can be fully focused on your conversation. All hiring decisions are made by people. To learn more: https://careers.toasttab.com/ai-in-hiring
Our Approach to Hybrid Working
We embrace a hybrid work model that fosters in-person collaboration while valuing individual needs. Our goal is to build a strong culture of connection as we work together to empower the hospitality community, regardless of location. Please visit the Locations page on our career site to learn more about our in-office expectations by region: https://careers.toasttab.com/locations-toast
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion is Baked into our Recipe for Success
At Toast, our employees are our secret ingredient-when they thrive, we thrive. The restaurant industry is one of the most diverse, and we embrace that diversity with authenticity, inclusivity, respect, and humility. By embedding these principles into our culture and design, we create equitable opportunities for all and raise the bar in delivering exceptional experiences.
We Thrive Together
We embrace a hybrid work model that fosters in-person collaboration while valuing individual needs. Our goal is to build a strong culture of connection as we work together to empower the restaurant community. To learn more about how we work globally and regionally, check out: https://careers.toasttab.com/locations-toast.
Apply today!
Toast is committed to creating an accessible and inclusive hiring process. As part of this commitment, we strive to provide reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities to enable them to access the hiring process. If you need an accommodation to access the job application or interview process, please contact candidateaccommodations@toasttab.com.
For roles in the United States, it is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.