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.
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.
Benefits & 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.
