Manager, Strategic Projects - Handshake AI

Handshake • San Francisco, CA

98d

About The Position

We’re looking for a gritty, detail-oriented operator who can lead a team of Strategic Project Leads (SPLs) and deliver on complex, high-velocity data projects. You’ll be responsible for ensuring operational excellence, aligning with researchers and procurement teams, and driving systems-level improvements to scale quality and throughput. This is a high-impact leadership role at the heart of our AI operations. This position is located in either our San Francisco or New York locations.

Requirements

• 5+ years of professional experience in operationally intensive settings, ideally within marketplace or data operations
• 1+ year of experience in AI data operations is a strong plus
• Demonstrated success leading high-performing teams in fast-paced, execution-focused environments
• Metrics-driven leader with a strong ability to raise performance through data and accountability
• Systems thinker who excels in ambiguity and brings structure and clarity to complex problems
• Hands-on operator who’s willing to dive deep and do what it takes to deliver outcomes
• STEM background or technical fluency is a strong plus

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a team of SPLs across multiple high-stakes AI data projects
• Drive delivery across custom data pipelines and expert labeling workflows
• Collaborate with researchers and procurement partners to define and execute on their data strategies
• Ensure a top-tier experience for Handshake Fellows and enable them to generate high-quality, scalable data
• Partner with Product and Engineering to evolve our internal tooling and operational systems
• Own performance metrics and delivery outcomes across a dynamic set of project scopes and timelines

Benefits

• Equity in a fast-growing company
• 401(k) match, competitive compensation, financial coaching
• Paid parental leave, fertility benefits, parental coaching
• Medical, dental, and vision, mental health support, $500 wellness stipend
• $2,000 learning stipend, ongoing development
• Stipends for home office setup, internet, commuting, and free lunch/gym in our SF office
• Flexible PTO, 15 holidays + 2 flex days, winter #ShakeBreak where our whole office closes for a week!
• Team outings & referral bonuses

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees