Role Overview

Are you a highly organized and detail-oriented individual looking to make a significant impact in the rapidly evolving AI economy? Handshake is seeking a Program Operations Associate to join our team in San Francisco, CA. In this early-career role, you will be instrumental in ensuring the smooth and reliable operation of our Fellow programs across multiple customers. You'll support Senior Program Leads and Delivery pods by handling day-to-day operational execution, Fellow communication, issue triage, and program coordination, all with the goal of enhancing Fellow experience and retention.

This role is perfect for someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment, enjoys working with multiple stakeholders, and possesses a strong bias toward operational clarity and follow-through. If you're passionate about contributing to a mission-driven company that's shaping how careers evolve in the AI era, we encourage you to apply.

A Day in the Life of a Program Operations Associate

As a Program Operations Associate at Handshake, your day will be dynamic and varied, involving a mix of operational tasks, communication, and problem-solving. Here’s a glimpse into what a typical day might look like:

• Morning: Start your day by checking and responding to Fellow communications, addressing any immediate questions or concerns. Review program trackers and internal documentation to ensure everything is up-to-date. Assist with onboarding logistics for new Fellows, ensuring they have a smooth and welcoming experience.
• Mid-day: Triage incoming Fellow issues and questions, routing them to the appropriate owners for resolution. Monitor engagement signals and identify any potential retention or performance risks. Collaborate with Senior Program Leads to develop strategies for addressing these risks.
• Afternoon: Draft and send timely communications to Fellows, keeping them informed about program updates, deadlines, and important information. Support escalation handling by gathering context and documenting issues clearly. Participate in team meetings to discuss program performance, identify areas for improvement, and share best practices.
• End of Day: Ensure all tasks are completed and properly documented. Prepare for the next day by prioritizing tasks and identifying any potential challenges.

Throughout the day, you'll be using tools like Zendesk, Notion, and Airtable to manage tasks, track data, and communicate with stakeholders. Your ability to stay organized, prioritize tasks, and communicate effectively will be crucial to your success in this role.

Why San Francisco, CA?

San Francisco is at the epicenter of technological innovation and is a hub for AI development. Working at Handshake in San Francisco offers unparalleled opportunities to:

• Be at the Forefront of AI: San Francisco is home to leading AI labs, tech companies, and research institutions, providing a vibrant ecosystem for innovation and learning.
• Network with Industry Leaders: Connect with professionals, attend industry events, and collaborate with experts in the field.
• Experience a Diverse Culture: San Francisco is known for its diverse population, thriving arts scene, and progressive values.
• Enjoy a High Quality of Life: From world-class restaurants to beautiful parks and beaches, San Francisco offers a high quality of life with endless opportunities for recreation and exploration.

Living and working in San Francisco provides a unique blend of professional growth and personal enrichment, making it an ideal location for those looking to advance their careers in the AI economy.

Career Path

The Program Operations Associate role is an excellent starting point for a career in program management and operations at Handshake. With experience and proven success, you can advance to roles such as:

• Senior Program Operations Associate: Take on more responsibility for managing complex programs and mentoring junior team members.
• Program Lead: Lead the planning, execution, and delivery of Fellow programs, working closely with customers and internal stakeholders.
• Program Manager: Oversee multiple programs and teams, driving strategic initiatives and ensuring program success.
• Operations Manager: Manage a team of operations professionals, optimizing processes and improving efficiency.

Handshake is committed to providing opportunities for growth and development, and we encourage our employees to pursue their career goals and advance within the company.

Salary & Benefits

At Handshake, we value our employees and offer a competitive salary and benefits package. The estimated salary range for the Program Operations Associate role in San Francisco, CA is $65,000 - $85,000 per year. Actual salary will be based on experience, skills, and qualifications.

In addition to salary, we offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Comprehensive health insurance (medical, dental, vision)
• Generous paid time off (PTO) policy
• Paid holidays
• Parental leave
• 401(k) retirement plan with company match
• Stock options
• Professional development opportunities
• Wellness programs
• Commuter benefits
• Employee assistance program (EAP)
• Flexible spending accounts (FSA)
• Life insurance
• Disability insurance

We believe in investing in our employees' well-being and providing them with the resources they need to thrive both personally and professionally.

Our Mission

Handshake's mission is to democratize opportunity and empower the next generation of talent. We believe that everyone, regardless of background or location, should have access to the resources and connections they need to build successful careers. As a Program Operations Associate, you'll play a vital role in helping us achieve this mission by ensuring that our Fellow programs are running smoothly and effectively, providing valuable opportunities for individuals to gain experience and advance their careers in the AI economy.

How to Apply

If you're excited about the opportunity to join Handshake and contribute to our mission, we encourage you to apply! To apply for the Program Operations Associate position, please submit your resume and cover letter through our online application portal. In your cover letter, please highlight your relevant experience, skills, and qualifications, and explain why you're interested in working at Handshake.

We review applications on a rolling basis, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible. We look forward to hearing from you!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is Handshake?

Handshake is the career network for the AI economy, connecting students, alumni, and professionals with employers and educational institutions.

What does a Program Operations Associate do?

A Program Operations Associate supports the day-to-day operation of Fellow programs, ensuring a smooth and consistent experience for Fellows.

What skills are required for this role?

Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, clear communication skills, and the ability to manage multiple priorities are essential.

What tools will I be using in this role?

You'll be using tools such as Zendesk, Notion, and Airtable to manage tasks, track data, and communicate with stakeholders.

What is the career path for this role?

With experience, you can advance to roles such as Senior Program Operations Associate, Program Lead, Program Manager, or Operations Manager.

What is the salary range for this role?

The estimated salary range for the Program Operations Associate role in San Francisco, CA is $65,000 - $85,000 per year.

What benefits does Handshake offer?

Handshake offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, paid time off, parental leave, and a 401(k) retirement plan.

What is Handshake's mission?

Handshake's mission is to democratize opportunity and empower the next generation of talent.

How do I apply for this role?

To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter through our online application portal.

What is it like to work at Handshake?

Handshake offers a collaborative and inclusive work environment where employees are valued and supported.