Strategic Projects Lead, Handshake AI - job 1 of 2

About Handshake

Handshake is building the career network for the AI economy - a next-generation platform where opportunity, talent, and intelligence converge. Today, we connect 20M+ students and early-career professionals with 750K+ employers across more than 1,500 universities, creating one of the largest and most diverse talent ecosystems in the world.

Our platform brings every part of the career journey together: the network generates high-quality recruiting matches, which in turn produce rich, real-world career data. That data then powers AI systems that make the experience smarter and more personalized. Each component strengthens the others, creating a continuous cycle of compounding value for students, employers, and institutions.

The Role

As a Strategic Projects Lead (SPL), you will own the execution of large-scale human data programs that directly power frontier AI model training and evaluation. Working hands-on with leading AI labs and technology companies, you will make real-time decisions that affect revenue, margins, delivery quality, and long-term customer relationships.

This is a high-ownership, outcomes-driven role for operators who thrive in ambiguity, move fast with incomplete information, and are accountable for results at scale. What you'll do:

• Own end-to-end execution of multi-week to multi-month AI data programs to deliver double-digit millions in ARR-equivalent impact

• Lead and coordinate hundreds to thousands of expert Fellows to meet aggressive delivery timelines while maintaining quality and cost targets

• Design and adapt staffing models, incentives, and workflows to improve throughput, margins, and delivery reliability under changing requirements

• Partner directly with frontier AI labs and senior stakeholders to shape scope, resolve issues, and expand programs through execution

You Have

• 4+ years of experience in operations, strategy, product, consulting, finance, or high-growth startups

• Proven track record owning complex, cross-functional execution with clear business outcomes

• Strong analytical and first-principles problem-solving skills applied to scaling operations

• Ability to make decisions quickly with incomplete or evolving information

• Exceptional communication and stakeholder management skills, including with senior customers

• High ownership mindset with pride in end-to-end accountability

• Curiosity and ability to quickly learn technical AI concepts and industry trends

Bonus Points

• Experience managing large, distributed workforces or marketplaces

• Exposure to AI data, model evaluation, or technical services delivery

• Background in investment banking, private equity, or management consulting

We Offer

Handshake delivers benefits that help you feel supported—and thrive at work and in life.
The below benefits are for full-time US employees.

🎯 Ownership: Equity in a fast-growing company
💰 Financial Wellness: 401(k) match, competitive compensation, financial coaching
🍼 Family Support: Paid parental leave, fertility benefits, parental coaching
💝 Wellbeing: Medical, dental, and vision, mental health support, $500 wellness stipend
📚 Growth: $2,000 learning stipend, ongoing development
💻 Remote & Office: Internet, commuting, and free lunch/gym in our SF office
🏝 Time Off: Flexible PTO, 15 holidays + 2 flex days
🤝 Connection: Team outings & referral bonuses

Explore our mission, values, and comprehensive US benefits at joinhandshake.com/careers.