Job Specifications
About Handshake
Handshake is the career network for the AI economy. 20 million knowledge workers, 1,600 educational institutions, 1 million employers (including 100% of the Fortune 50), and every foundational AI lab trust Handshake to power career discovery, hiring, and upskilling, from freelance AI training gigs to first internships to full-time careers and beyond. This unique value is leading to unparalleled growth; in 2025, we tripled our ARR at scale.
Why Join Handshake Now
Shape how every career evolves in the AI economy, at global scale, with impact your friends, family and peers can see and feel
Work hand-in-hand with world-class AI labs, Fortune 500 partners and the world’s top educational institutions
Join a team with leadership from Scale AI, Meta, xAI, Notion, Coinbase, and Palantir, among others
Build a massive, fast-growing business with billions in revenue
The Role
As a Strategic Projects Lead (SPL), you will own the execution of large-scale human data programs that directly power frontier AI model training and evaluation. Working hands-on with leading AI labs and technology companies, you will make real-time decisions that affect revenue, margins, delivery quality, and long-term customer relationships.
Role
This is a high-ownership, outcomes-driven role for operators who thrive in ambiguity, move fast with incomplete information, and are accountable for results at scale. What you'll do:
Own end-to-end execution of multi-week to multi-month AI data programs to deliver double-digit millions in ARR-equivalent impact
Lead and coordinate hundreds to thousands of expert Fellows to meet aggressive delivery timelines while maintaining quality and cost targets
Design and adapt staffing models, incentives, and workflows to improve throughput, margins, and delivery reliability under changing requirements
Partner directly with frontier AI labs and senior stakeholders to shape scope, resolve issues, and expand programs through execution
You Have
4+ years of experience in operations, strategy, product, consulting, finance, or high-growth startups
Proven track record owning complex, cross-functional execution with clear business outcomes
Strong analytical and first-principles problem-solving skills applied to scaling operations
Ability to make decisions quickly with incomplete or evolving information
Exceptional communication and stakeholder management skills, including with senior customers
High ownership mindset with pride in end-to-end accountability
Curiosity and ability to quickly learn technical AI concepts and industry trends
Bonus Points
Experience managing large, distributed workforces or marketplaces
Exposure to AI data, model evaluation, or technical services delivery
Background in investment banking, private equity, or management consulting
We Offer
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: Internet, commuting, and free lunch/gym in our SF office
Time Off: Flexible PTO, 15 holidays + 2 flex days
Connection: Team outings & referral bonuses
Explore our mission, values, and comprehensive US benefits at joinhandshake.com/careers.
Compensation Range: $136K - $190K
About the Company
Handshake is the career platform for Gen Z. With a community of over 17 million students, alumni, employers, and career educators, Handshake's network is where career advice and discovery turn into first, second, and third jobs.
Nearly 1 million companies use Handshake to build their future workforce--from Fortune 500 to federal agencies, school districts to startups, healthcare systems to small businesses.
Handshake is built for where you're going, not where you've been.
Know more