For cash compensation, we set standard ranges for all U.S.-based roles based on function, level, and geographic location, benchmarked against similar stage growth companies. In order to be compliant with local legislation, as well as to provide greater transparency to candidates, we share salary ranges on all job postings regardless of desired hiring location. Final offer amounts are determined by multiple factors, including geographic location as well as candidate experience and expertise, and may vary from the amounts listed above.

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 who contribute to specialized research, model evaluation, and domain-specific applications. We’re looking for a Strategic Projects Lead to drive high-impact initiatives across product, operations, and customer engagement.

This role is ideal for candidates with a technical foundation (e.g., Computer Science, data, or analytics) who have experience in customer-facing or operational (e.g. consulting, banking, product, or tech ops). You’ll own large-scale projects with AI labs and enterprise partners, applying analytical rigor and operational excellence to deliver reliable, high-quality outcomes.

• Develop and implement operational strategies to recruit, manage, train, and deploy high-skill talent (PhDs, domain experts) across AI data projects.

• Own large-scale customer projects, ensuring exceptional execution, data quality, and customer satisfaction.

• Partner with product and engineering teams to optimize our workforce platform, improve scalability, and introduce automation.

• Use SQL, LLMs and other tools to monitor workflows, identify bottlenecks, and drive process improvements.

• Train HAI fellows on custom data annotation tasks, deeply understanding task requirements, serving as the arbiter for data quality on your projects.

• Manage customer relationships, translating vague technical requirements into well-defined specifications and datasets and ensuring utility of data deliverables throughout the process.

• Provide progress updates and insights to Handshake leadership, shaping our long-term data and evaluation strategy.

• Lead cross-functional projects, collaborating with Engineering, Operations, and Go-to-Market teams on high-priority initiatives.

Desired Capabilities

• 4+ years of experience in strategy & operations, consulting, product ops, or marketplace operations.

• Technical background: BS in Computer Science or related field preferred; proficiency in SQL and Google Sheets required (assessments included in process).

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills; proven ability to design scalable processes and workflows.

• Experience working in ops-intensive environments (e.g. marketplaces, logistics, or workforce platforms).

• Ability to manage multiple high-priority projects while balancing speed and quality.

• Exceptional communication and stakeholder management skills across technical and non-technical audiences.

• Entrepreneurial mindset—comfortable with ambiguity, proactive, and excited to build and iterate quickly.

Extra Credit

• Experience in AI/ML data operations, human-in-the-loop systems, or model evaluation.

• Knowledge of Python or other programming languages analytics tools.

• Mix of early startup adaptability + scaled ops rigor.

Perks

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

💻 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.

Compensation Range: $125K - $180K