Vertical Lead, Civic Government

Perplexity AI, Inc.

Job Overview

Location

Remote

Job Type

Full-time

Full Job Description

📋 Description

• Perplexity is seeking a dynamic and results-oriented Vertical Lead for our Civic & Government sector, a critical and rapidly growing area of our business. This role is designed for a hands-on leader who thrives in an entrepreneurial environment and is passionate about leveraging cutting-edge AI technology to serve the mission of the United States government. You will be instrumental in guiding our Civic & Government vertical through a significant phase of growth, building upon our established reputation for agility, technical prowess, and unwavering commitment to our users' success.
• As the Vertical Lead, you will be responsible for shaping and executing the strategic vision for our engagement with federal agencies. This involves not only high-level strategic planning but also deep involvement in tactical operations, ensuring that Perplexity's AI solutions are effectively deployed and utilized across a diverse range of government missions and operating environments. Your primary objective will be to scale our public sector business, strengthening our alignment with key Administration and agency priorities by harnessing Perplexity's core strengths in AI orchestration, infrastructure, and accuracy.
• We recognize that government agencies often face unique challenges when adopting new technologies, and they deserve partners who bring their absolute best. Perplexity is committed to providing unparalleled support and expertise to the public sector, treating our government clients with the utmost respect and dedication. As the leader of this vertical, you will champion this ethos, maintaining our sterling reputation as a company that prioritizes competence, innovation, and genuine partnership in serving the business of government.
• This role offers direct support from our CEO, co-founders, and the senior leadership team, underscoring the strategic importance of the Civic & Government vertical. Perplexity is proud to be an American AI company, and our leadership is fully aligned in their commitment to supporting government missions. In return for this support, we expect extraordinary dedication, a proactive "can-do" attitude, and a willingness to go the extra mile.
• Vertical leaders at Perplexity are fundamentally "doers." You will be expected to immerse yourself in the intricate details of each workstream, recognizing that no task is too small to warrant your attention. This hands-on approach is crucial for driving execution and fostering a culture of excellence. You will set the benchmark for work ethic within your team, and it is anticipated that you will work with an intensity that matches the ambition and pace of our dedicated team.
• Your core responsibilities will include executing relentlessly against the defined charter for the Civic & Government vertical, articulating and delivering a unique vision that maximizes value for our government partners. You will lead a mission-driven, entrepreneurial team comprising experts in technology, go-to-market strategy, sales, solutions engineering, policy, and operations, all working collaboratively to achieve significant business outcomes and profound civic impact.
• A key aspect of your role will be attracting and recruiting top-tier talent, maintaining a lean and agile team structure that can respond swiftly to evolving needs. You will also be expected to stay at the forefront of new AI technologies, integrating them effectively into your own work and inspiring your team to adopt and innovate with these tools. Furthermore, you will play a vital role in identifying and capitalizing on high-conviction, opportunistic bets within the Civic & Government space, ensuring Perplexity remains a leader in this domain.
• Collaboration with engineering, product, and business partners will be essential to ensure the highest caliber of both product offerings and supporting collateral. Your efforts will directly contribute to ensuring that investments made within the Civic & Government vertical strategically support the broader business objectives of Perplexity. This role demands a leader who can balance strategic foresight with meticulous execution, driving both immediate impact and long-term growth for Perplexity in the vital public sector.

🎯 Requirements

• Extensive experience within or adjacent to the U.S. federal government, demonstrating a deep understanding of agency structures, procurement processes, compliance requirements, cybersecurity programs (e.g., FedRAMP, IL categorizations), and other critical disciplines essential for effectively serving government agencies.
• A strong understanding of, and genuine empathy for, the unique challenges government agencies face when onboarding and integrating emerging technologies to support their critical missions.
• Unparalleled grit, self-drive, and a proven ability to succeed in an environment characterized by high autonomy and correspondingly high expectations from both Perplexity leadership and the dedicated public servants we serve.
• A robust network within relevant government and industry communities, coupled with a demonstrated ability to cultivate new relationships with key stakeholders.
• A passion for AI, acting as an evangelist who utilizes frontier AI tools creatively and effectively, inspiring others to do the same.
• Exceptional communication skills and impeccable executive presence, enabling you to represent Perplexity confidently and persuasively before sophisticated and discerning audiences.
• An obsession with continuous improvement, both for yourself and for others, exhibiting a mindset that is never satisfied with the status quo.
• Technical expertise in areas relevant to Perplexity's core technologies, with a preference for candidates possessing rigorous AI or technology backgrounds.

🏖️ Benefits

• Opportunity to lead and shape a critical vertical within a fast-growing, mission-driven AI company.
• Direct access to and support from Perplexity's CEO, co-founders, and senior leadership team.
• A highly autonomous role with significant impact on the U.S. federal government's adoption of advanced AI technologies.
• Competitive compensation and equity package commensurate with experience and impact.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• Generous paid time off and holiday schedule.
• Remote work flexibility within the United States.

Skills & Technologies

Senior

Remote

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Perplexity AI, Inc.

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About Perplexity AI, Inc.

Perplexity AI operates an AI-powered conversational search engine that answers queries by synthesizing live web information. The platform combines large language models with real-time retrieval, citing sources for transparency. Founded in 2022, the San Francisco-based company offers free and subscription tiers, mobile apps, and browser extensions, targeting consumers and enterprises seeking accurate, verifiable answers instead of traditional link lists.

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