Strategic Projects Lead, Handshake AI

Handshake•San Francisco, CA

11d

About The Position

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. 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.

Requirements

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

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

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

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: 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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