Senior Recruiter

Who Are We?

Government technology has failed the public for decades, and Americans have been conditioned to expect websites from the 90s for essential public services.

Kaizen exists to strengthen trust in American public services by building technology that residents and public servants are proud to use. We partner with local, state, and federal agencies to replace legacy systems with modern, AI-native software that is worthy of the people they serve. We started in outdoor recreation, and now we're building toward something much larger — the software layer that powers how Americans access any government service.

Our platform already reaches 40 million residents across 50+ agencies in 17 states.

Founded in 2022 and based in New York City, Kaizen has raised $35 million from NEA, a16z, Accel, 776, and Carpenter Capital. We're builders, designers, and operators who believe that beautifully designed software shouldn’t be a luxury in government. It’s how you earn trust back.

Location

This is a hybrid role based out of our New York City HQ. Candidates must be able to commute to New York City and work from our office at least three times per week (Tuesday–Thursday).

The Role

Kaizen is entering an exciting growth phase following our Series A, and we’re looking for a Senior Recruiter to join as the second recruiter on the team, working alongside our Recruiting Lead. You’ll own full-cycle hiring across a mix of functions (engineering, GTM, ops, design, etc.). You’ll be managing sourcing, pipelines, and interview coordination end-to-end, while partnering closely with our founders and hiring managers to keep processes moving efficiently and candidates engaged. This role is highly hands-on and ideal for a recruiter with 3+ years of experience who’s excited to take on more ownership, deepen their craft, and make a visible impact in a fast-growing environment.

What You'll Do

• Own full-cycle recruiting across a mix of technical and non-technical roles.

• Lead proactive, creative sourcing for hard-to-find talent: niche boolean searches, unconventional platforms, talent intelligence tools (we use Juicebox and LinkedIn Recruiter), and building pipelines from scratch

• Partner closely with hiring managers to align on role requirements, calibrate quickly, and keep processes moving

• Coordinate interviews, manage candidate communications, and keep the ATS (Ashby) tight and up to date

• Ensure every candidate gets a thoughtful, white-glove experience from first touchpoint through close

• Track pipeline health and surface data-driven insights to keep stakeholders informed and decisions grounded

• Help identify and implement improvements to recruiting workflows, tooling, and automation as we scale

• Roll up your sleeves for whatever the moment calls for - no task is beneath you

What We're Looking For

• 3+ years of full-cycle recruiting experience, ideally at a startup or high-growth tech company

• A genuinely creative, resourceful sourcer - you know how to find people who aren't applying, and you don't wait to be told how

• Comfortable recruiting across functions - you don't have a lane, and that's a feature, not a bug

• A strong hiring manager partner - able to drive alignment, momentum, and accountability throughout the process

• Data-driven by default - you track your work, spot patterns, and use metrics to make better decisions

• You are excited to actively use AI tools to work smarter, not harder

• Highly organized and able to manage multiple reqs and priorities simultaneously without dropping the ball

• Someone who leads with empathy, professionalism, and genuine care in every candidate interaction

What Kaizen Offers

• Comprehensive medical through Oxford/United - Gold and Platinum PPO plans, with 85% of premiums covered on the Platinum plan and a $0 employee premium option. Dental through Guardian PPO and vision through Beam, with 99% of employee premiums covered and 50% for dependents.

• $100,000 in fully paid life insurance. FSA and Dependent Care FSA. 401(k) access through Guideline.

• 16 weeks of fully paid parental leave for birthing parents. 10 weeks fully paid for non-birthing parents.

• Unlimited PTO & closed for all federal holidays.

• Company-wide winter break the week of Christmas.

• One-time home office or desk setup stipend up to $750.

• $50/month commuter benefit.

• $100/month for wellness or productivity - your call on how you use it!

• $500/year for professional development.

• $250/year for recreation,

• Company-provided laptop

• Expensed lunch while in the office.

Kaizen is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. If you need an accommodation during the interview process, email us at [email protected].