About Us: Proofpoint is a global leader in human- and agent-centric cybersecurity. We protect how people, data, and AI agents connect across email, cloud, and collaboration tools. Over 80 of the Fortune 100, 10,000 large enterprises, and millions of smaller organizations trust Proofpoint to stop threats, prevent data loss, and build resilience across their people and AI workflows. Our mission is simple: safeguard the digital world and empower people to work securely and confidently. Join us in our pursuit to defend data and protect people.
How We Work: At Proofpoint you’ll be part of a global team that breaks barriers to redefine cybersecurity guided by our BRAVE core values: Bold in how we dream and innovate Responsive to feedback, challenges and opportunities Accountable for results and best in class outcomes Visionary in future focused problem-solving Exceptional in execution and impact
The Role and
the Team The Proofpoint Federal sales team is seeking a hungry and motivated Account Executive to target whitespace accounts in a growth territory with the Civilian side of the U.S. Federal Government. The successful candidate will be responsible for developing new relationships with prospective customers through cold calling, demand-generation activities, and teaming up with channel and ecosystem partners. With several products already FedRAMP authorized, this is a fantastic opportunity to join our growing team! Build and develop successful customer relationships through a consultative selling process, targeting Federal Civilian accounts. Assist other team members with sales efforts, administration of accounts, and efforts at the direction of sales leadership. Partner with the Sales Engineering team to illustrate the value provided to customers by the Proofpoint people-centric platform Team up with reseller partners, System Integrators, and Distributors within the Federal community and ecosystem to develop go-to-market strategies to drive new pipeline and revenue Prepare responses to customer proposals, build quotes, and develop targeted account plans. Participate in regular forecasting activities and maintain good SFDC (Salesforce.com) hygiene. Maintain up-to-date knowledge of Proofpoint’s competitive positioning in the marketplace. Meet or exceed quarterly and annual revenue targets. Job
Requirements Minimum of 3 years (prefer 5+) of field sales experience selling into the Federal Civilian space or enterprise sales equivalent Background in selling complex software solutions, preferably in the cyber-security space Complete understanding of the U.S. Government’s acquisition processes and I.T. budget planning Must have a good understanding of cyber security, FedRAMP and other unique technical
requirements for Federal Government accounts Track record of opening doors and creating new relationships with Federal agencies- HHS, VA , DOI, USDA, and other Civilian agencies. Excellent Presentation Skills, ability to present to both technical and business-focused audiences BA/BS or equivalent preferred Must have strong written and verbal communication skills and be able to clearly and effectively articulate Proofpoint’s value Must be organized, detail and process-oriented Ability to manage multiple tasks and use good judgment in resolving complex issues Travel both locally and nationally for Trade Shows, customer visits, and Headquarters visits; approximately 25% #KJ-LI1 Why Proofpoint? At Proofpoint, we believe that an exceptional career experience includes a comprehensive
compensation and
benefits package. Here are just a few reasons you’ll love working with us: Competitive
compensation Comprehensive
benefits Career success on your terms Flexible work environment Annual wellness and community outreach days Always on recognition for your contributions Global collaboration and networking opportunities Our Culture: Our culture is rooted in values that inspire belonging, empower purpose and drive success-every day, for everyone. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. If you need accommodation during the application or interview process, please reach out to [email protected]. How to Apply Interested? Submit your application along with any supporting information- we can’t wait to hear from you! Proofpoint has been honored with six Best Places to Work Awards in 2024 by workplace culture leader Comparably, including Best Company Career Growth, Best Company Outlook, Best Global Culture, Best Engineering Teams, Best Sales Teams, and Best HR Teams. We are the leader in human-centric cybersecurity. Half a million customers, including 87 of the Fortune 100, rely on Proofpoint to protect their organizations. We’re driven by a mission to stay ahead of bad actors and safeguard the digital world. Join us in our pursuit to defend data and protect people. Our BRAVE Values: At Proofpoint, we are BRAVE in everything we do, and our values aren’t just words—they shape
how we work, collaborate, and grow. We seek people who are bold enough to challenge the status quo, responsive in the face of ever-evolving threats, and accountable for delivering real impact. We value those with a visionary mindset who anticipate what’s next and push cybersecurity forward, and we celebrate exceptional execution that ensures we continue to defend data and protect people. Proofpoint is an equal opportunity employer, we hire without consideration to race, religion, creed, color, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status or disability. Find your network, your allies, and your biggest fans. We know that work is simply better when you’re surrounded by people who inspire you—who share ideas, cheer you on, and genuinely want to see you succeed. That’s why we offer social circles, sponsored networks, and connection points across teams and time zones—to help you find your people, build your community, and thrive together. This isn’t just a job—it’s a mission to protect people and defend data in a world that never slows down. We’re building the future of human-centric cybersecurity, and that future belongs to all of us. We take ownership, move fast, and hold ourselves accountable—because that’s what it takes to stay ahead. And we do it together, winning as one. Be empowered to reach your full potential through meaningful challenges and personalized support—designed around you and your goals. Whether you're growing as a leader or leveling up from great to exceptional as an individual contributor, we’re here to help you get there.
Salary
$100,000 - $150,000
Location
Virginia, United States of America + 1 more
Experience
3+ years
Total raised
$26.6M
Last stage
Series A
Investors
No applications, no recruiter spam. Just the intro.
A few questions to make sure this role is the right shape for you. Two minutes.
I write the intro, send it to the founder, and handle the back-and-forth.
If they’re a yes, I book the chat. You show up — that’s the whole job-hunt.