Senior Manager, Strategic Projects - Handshake AI

Handshake•San Francisco, CA

48d

About The Position

Handshake is building the career network for the AI economy. Our three-sided marketplace connects 18 million students and alumni, 1,500+ academic institutions across the U.S. and Europe, and 1 million employers to power how the next generation explores careers, builds skills, and gets hired. Handshake AI is a human data labeling business that leverages the scale of the largest early career network. We work directly with the world's leading AI research labs to build a new generation of human data products. From PhDs in physics to undergrads fluent in LLMs, Handshake AI is the trusted partner for domain-specific data and evaluation at scale. This is a unique opportunity to join a fast-growing team shaping the future of AI through better data, better tools, and better systems-for experts, by experts. Now's a great time to join Handshake. Here's why: Leading the AI Career Revolution: Be part of the team redefining work in the AI economy for millions worldwide. Proven Market Demand: Deep employer partnerships across Fortune 500s and the world's leading AI research labs. World-Class Team: Leadership from Scale AI, Meta, xAI, Notion, Coinbase, and Palantir, just to name a few. Capitalized & Scaling: $3.5B valuation from top investors including Kleiner Perkins, True Ventures, Notable Capital, and more. 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
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

Nice To Haves

1+ year of experience in AI data operations is a strong plus
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

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: Stipends for home office setup, internet, commuting, and free lunch/gym in our SF office
Time Off: Flexible PTO, 15 holidays + 2 flex days
Connection: Team outings & referral bonuses

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