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 hiring a Senior Strategy & Operations Manager to join our Handshake AI team. Reporting directly to the Chief Strategy & Innovation Officer, you’ll operate as part of a small, high-impact “SWAT team” tackling the most important and urgent priorities across the business. This is a rare opportunity to work on the front lines of AI innovation and shape how graduate-level experts contribute to frontier AI development.

Every month will look different. You might be standing up a new market entry initiative, wrangling a cross-functional project to improve go-to-market execution, building and owning an operational process from scratch, or piloting an entirely new business line. You’ll develop a deep understanding of how to scale an ambitious AI-driven business while working closely with senior leaders and across every function.

• Jump in on the most pressing strategic and operational challenges facing Handshake AI, owning workstreams end-to-end.

• Partner with leadership to drive clarity, execution, and momentum on cross-functional initiatives.

• Build operational systems, processes, and playbooks that can scale with the business.

• Conduct structured problem-solving, analysis, and synthesis to inform decision-making.

• Take ambiguous, zero-to-one projects from concept through implementation.

• Serve as a cultural builder - hands-on, collaborative, and focused on impact.

Desired Capabilities

• 4-7 years of professional experience, which must include:

• 2-3 years at a top management consulting firm (McKinsey, Bain, BCG).

• Then, 2-3 years in a fast-growing, early stage startup (Seed - Series C) in strategy, ops, or product.

• Demonstrated ability to execute in ambiguous, rapidly changing environments.

• Strong problem-solving and structured thinking skills; able to break down complex problems into actionable solutions.

• Track record of cross-functional collaboration and influence without formal authority.

• Comfort switching between high-level strategy and hands-on execution.

• Excellent communication and project management skills; crisp, clear, and detail-oriented.

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: $200K - $230K