Strategic Projects Lead, Handshake AI

About Handshake Ai

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.

About The Role

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.

• 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.

Desired Capabilities

• 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.

Desired Traits

• 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

Extra Credit

• 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.
• 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
• Previous experience in a high-growth startup or an AI-focused company.
• 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

Benefits & Perks

💻 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, winter #ShakeBreak where our whole office closes for a week!

🤝 Connection: Team outings & referral bonuses

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