Strategic Projects Lead, Handshake AI

Handshake•San Francisco, CA

49d•Onsite

About The Position

Handshake is expanding into AI research and development, building a world-class network of expert Fellows - PhDs, researchers, and subject matter specialists - who contribute to cutting-edge AI through specialized research, model evaluation, and domain-specific applications. We're looking for a Strategic Projects Lead to drive high-impact initiatives, working across product, operations, and customer engagement to scale and optimize our expert workforce. This is a unique opportunity to play a pivotal role in a fast-growing space, working directly with leading AI labs and tech companies to deliver high-quality data solutions. You will work cross-functionally to execute large-scale projects, improve internal processes, and drive revenue growth by ensuring a seamless experience for both customers and Fellows. This position is located in either our San Francisco or NYC locations and this team is traditionally in the office five days a week.

Requirements

4+ years of experience in a generalist or operational role, such as strategy & operations, product, management consulting, finance, or startups.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with experience tackling operational and scaling challenges.
Ability to manage multiple high-priority projects simultaneously, balancing execution speed with quality.
Exceptional communication and stakeholder management skills, with experience interfacing with technical teams and customers.
Entrepreneurial mindset - comfortable with ambiguity, self-directed, and excited to build and iterate quickly.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Strong sense of ownership and pride in their work
Ability to learn complex concepts rather quickly, bonus points for learning technical concepts
High degree of agency - ideal candidate can thrive in ambiguity
Passionate about / interested in AI (super user of LLMs, up-to-date on latest AI trends)
Critical thinker / first principles approach to solving problems
Data driven decision maker
Thoughtful about making decisions - doesn't jump to conclusions without considering all potential variables/curve balls

Nice To Haves

Technical background (CS degree or proficiency in SQL/Python for analytics).
Experience in AI, ML, or data operations, particularly in workforce management, data labeling, or model evaluation.
Previous experience in a high-growth startup or an AI-focused company.

Responsibilities

Develop and implement operational strategies to recruit, manage, and deploy high-skill talent (PhDs, domain experts) across AI data projects.
Own and drive large-scale projects for AI labs and tech companies, ensuring exceptional execution and customer satisfaction.
Partner with product and engineering teams to optimize and enhance our workforce platform for scalability and efficiency.
Manage customer relationships, understanding their evolving needs and expanding project scope where possible.
Provide regular progress updates and strategic insights to Handshake's leadership team to refine our long-term data strategy.
Identify opportunities for process automation and workflow improvements to increase efficiency in expert recruitment and deployment.
Lead cross-functional projects, collaborating with Engineering, Operations, and Go-to-Market teams to execute high-priority initiatives.

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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