Role overview

Kong is seeking a Federal Account Executive to drive growth across key U.S. Civilian government agencies, including the Department of Energy, Department of Justice, Department of Veterans Affairs, and Department of Commerce. This position focuses on landing new business, expanding existing relationships, and helping agencies modernize their digital services through Kong’s API and AI Gateway platform.

Key responsibilities

Build and manage a sales portfolio across assigned Civilian agencies while identifying and pursuing new business opportunities.
Execute complete sales cycles from pipeline development through contract closure, with particular focus on agency modernization priorities.
Collaborate with systems integrators and government partners including major firms like Booz, Accenture Federal, SAIC, and Leidos on joint sales motions.
Develop and nurture relationships with agency executives including CIOs, CTOs, and digital transformation leaders at multiple organizational levels.
Create strategic account plans aligned to agency budgets and funding mechanisms such as Technology Modernization Fund and FITARA initiatives.
Maintain accurate pipeline forecasting and account management using Salesforce.
Represent Kong at agency briefings and industry events to build brand awareness and thought leadership.

Requirements

Minimum seven years of direct sales experience selling to Federal Civilian agencies, with preference for experience in DOE, DOJ, VA, or Commerce.
Demonstrated success closing complex, multi-stakeholder enterprise deals with extended sales cycles.
Knowledge of citizen experience priorities, data sharing and interoperability frameworks, Zero Trust security principles, and cloud and AI adoption strategies within government.
Familiarity with Federal procurement processes and contract vehicles including GSA schedules, SEWP, CIO-SP3/4, and Polaris.
Proven ability to work effectively in partner-led sales models with large systems integrators.
Strong executive presence and communication skills suitable for C-level government stakeholder engagement.
Background in API technology, infrastructure, security, or AI is considered advantageous.

What makes this role worth considering

This position is based in Washington D.C., placing you at the center of Federal technology decision-making. You’ll work with a company trusted by Fortune 500 organizations and AI-native startups, contributing to how government agencies modernize and secure critical digital services for citizens. The role offers direct engagement with senior agency leaders and opportunities to influence large-scale technology transformations across multiple departments.