Counsel, Public Sector

Appian is seeking a Counsel, Public Sector to be a trusted business partner dedicated to our growing U.S. and international government business. In this role you will support the full lifecycle of high‑value public contracts and provide contracting guidance from the initial solicitation phase onward, including proposals, contract negotiation, post‑award administration, auditing, and monitoring.

• Negotiate, draft, and advise on software platform licensing and professional services agreements with various government entities, worldwide and prime contractors.
• Collaborate cross‑functionally with finance, sales operations, product, support, infosec, and other teams to ensure alignment and negotiate risk‑mitigated contractual provisions.
• Support public sector sales, capture, and proposal stakeholders with RFP analysis and response.
• Implement best practices for contracting with Appian’s professional services subcontractors.
• Advise on FAR/DFARS, ITAR, and export control requirements.
• Standardize Appian’s approach to providing requisite certifications to government entities or prime contractors.
• Support the Facility Security Office with compliance, including Industrial Security function and Insider Threat program.
• Perform impactful work with independence and exemplary business judgment.

• U.S. citizen, holds or open to applying for security clearance.
• J.D. or bachelor’s degree in a related field.
• Five or more years as a Counsel or Contracts Manager with significant public sector experience, including business with state and local governments.
• Deep experience navigating the FAR/DFARs framework.
• Proven track record of drafting and negotiating complex contracts with government entities and reseller/distribution agreements with commercial partners.
• Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and communication skills, with the ability to explain legal concepts to non‑legal stakeholders.
• Experience with IT‑related legal issues (e.g., cybersecurity, software licensing, cloud services) preferred.
• Knowledge of CMMC 2.0 and National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual requirements.

• Experience with specific agency supplements to the FAR.
• Experience navigating government procurement outside of the U.S.

• Training and Development:
  During onboarding, we focus on equipping new hires with the skills and knowledge for success through department‑specific training. Continuous learning is a central focus, with dedicated mentorship and the First‑Friend program widely utilized resources for new hires.
• Growth Opportunities:
  Appian provides a diverse array of growth and development opportunities, including our leadership program tailored for new and aspiring managers, a comprehensive library of specialized department training through Appian University, skills‑based training, and tuition reimbursement for those aiming to advance their education.
• Community:
  We immerse you into our community rooted in respect from day one. Appian fosters inclusivity through our eight employee‑led affinity groups, which help employees build stronger internal and external networks by planning social, educational, and outreach activities.

Appian offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, wellbeing, and financial future. Benefits may include health coverage, Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with free mental health support, life and disability insurance, an Employee Stock Purchase Program (ESPP), a retirement/pension plan, wellness dollars, tuition reimbursement, family‑forming benefits and more. Benefits vary by country—please ask your Talent Acquisition contact for details specific to the location you are applying to.

Appian is a software company that automates business processes. The Appian AI‑Powered Process Platform includes everything you need to design, automate, and optimize even the most complex processes, from start to finish. The world’s most innovative organizations trust Appian to improve their workflows, unify data, and optimize operations—resulting in better growth and superior customer experiences. For more information, visit  Nasdaq: APPN.

Appian is an equal opportunity employer that strives to attract and retain the best talent. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Appian provides reasonable accommodations to applicants in accordance with all applicable laws. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please contact us by email at Reason Please note that only inquiries concerning a request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to from this email address.