Strategic Projects Lead

HandshakeSan Francisco, CAHAI Delivery Ops

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Opens the official Handshake careers page

Salary

$160K USD

Job type

Full-time

Posted

27 May 2026

Status

Open · checked 7d ago

About this role

The Strategic Projects Lead position at Handshake in San Francisco is a full-time operational role focused on managing large-scale human data programs for frontier AI model training. This high-ownership position suits professionals with a background in consulting, technical fields, or analytics who want to shape the future of the AI economy.

Role Overview

As a Strategic Projects Lead, the selected candidate takes full ownership of executing multi-week and multi-month AI data programs that directly impact high-value annual recurring revenue. Working directly alongside frontier AI labs and technology companies, this operator makes critical real-time decisions influencing delivery margins, quality metrics, and client relationships. Thriving in ambiguity and moving fast with incomplete data are essential for success in this outcomes-driven environment.

Key Responsibilities

Oversee the complete lifecycle of complex AI data initiatives to drive substantial revenue-equivalent impact.

Direct and coordinate large distributed groups of expert Fellows to achieve strict delivery deadlines while controlling quality and operational costs.

Build, evaluate, and modify staffing models, incentive structures, and operational workflows to boost throughput and reliability.

Collaborate closely with senior stakeholders at leading AI labs to define scope, overcome roadblocks, and scale existing programs.

Requirements

Minimum of 2 years of professional background in analytical, technical, or consulting positions such as management consulting, investment banking, software engineering, data analytics, or technical product management.

Demonstrated analytical capabilities and first-principles problem-solving aptitude focused on scaling operations.

Outstanding communication skills alongside executive-level stakeholder management abilities.

Strong sense of personal ownership and dedication to end-to-end accountability.

Inquisitive nature with the capacity to rapidly grasp technical artificial intelligence concepts and market shifts.

Nice to Have

Possession of a STEM degree.

Prior background managing large-scale distributed workforces or talent marketplaces.

Direct exposure to artificial intelligence data, model evaluation, or technical services delivery.

Skills and Tools

Analytical problem-solving

Operations scaling

Stakeholder management

Program execution

Workforce coordination

Salary and Benefits

Annual base salary of $160,000 USD.

Equity ownership in a rapidly expanding business.

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision health coverage alongside mental health resources.

401(k) matching program, competitive pay, and financial coaching.

Family support offerings including paid parental leave, fertility benefits, and parental coaching.

$500 annual wellness stipend and a $2,000 learning stipend.

Flexible paid time off, 15 holidays, and 2 flex days.

Commuting support, internet allowance, and complimentary lunches and gym access at the San Francisco workspace.

Team building events and employee referral bonuses.

About the Company

Handshake was established on the premise that everyone deserves access to a meaningful career path regardless of background or network connections. Today, the organization supports millions of job seekers, employers, and educational institutions globally. The newer Handshake AI division collaborates directly with frontier AI lab researchers to publish benchmarks, build evaluations, and advance data boundaries.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should visit the official company careers page at joinhandshake.com/careers to submit an application.

Questions candidates ask

What is the location of the Strategic Projects Lead role?

The position is based in San Francisco, CA.

What is the salary for this position?

The annual salary is $160,000 USD.

How many years of experience are required?

Applicants must have 2+ years of experience in consulting, technical, or analytical roles.

What benefits are included for full-time US employees?

Benefits include equity ownership, a 401(k) match, medical, dental, and vision coverage, paid parental leave, wellness and learning stipends, flexible PTO, and free lunch and gym access at the San Francisco office.

How do I apply for this job?

You can apply directly on the official company careers page at joinhandshake.com/careers.

Ready to apply?

The application is on the official Handshake careers page.

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