Strategic Projects Lead, India - Handshake

Role Overview

The Strategic Projects Lead at Handshake plays a pivotal role in expanding the company's presence in the AI research and development sector. This position is based in Bangalore, India, and requires a strong on-site presence (5 days a week) to facilitate collaboration and drive projects forward effectively. As a Strategic Projects Lead, you will be instrumental in building and managing a network of expert Fellows, including PhDs, researchers, and subject matter specialists, who contribute to cutting-edge AI initiatives. Your primary focus will be on specialized research, model evaluation, and domain-specific applications. This role requires a unique blend of strategic thinking, operational expertise, and customer relationship management skills.

Day in the Life

A typical day for a Strategic Projects Lead at Handshake might involve: * **Project Management:** Overseeing multiple AI data projects, ensuring they are on track and meeting customer expectations. This includes defining project scope, managing timelines, and allocating resources effectively. * **Team Collaboration:** Working closely with product and engineering teams to optimize Handshake's workforce platform, making it more scalable and efficient. This involves providing feedback, identifying areas for improvement, and contributing to the development of new features. * **Customer Engagement:** Building and maintaining strong relationships with AI labs and tech companies. This includes understanding their evolving needs, identifying new project opportunities, and expanding the scope of existing projects. * **Data Analysis:** Analyzing data related to project performance, resource allocation, and customer satisfaction. This involves using tools like Excel or Google Sheets to identify trends, track progress, and make data-driven decisions. * **Process Improvement:** Identifying and implementing opportunities to automate processes and improve workflows. This includes streamlining expert recruitment and deployment, as well as optimizing internal processes. * **Strategic Planning:** Contributing to the development of Handshake's long-term data strategy. This involves providing insights to the leadership team, identifying emerging trends, and recommending new initiatives. ## Why Bangalore, India? Bangalore is a strategic location for Handshake's expansion into the AI sector for several reasons: * **Talent Pool:** Bangalore is a hub for technology and innovation, with a large pool of highly skilled professionals in AI, data science, and related fields. This makes it an ideal location for recruiting top talent for Handshake's expert network. * **Ecosystem:** Bangalore has a thriving ecosystem of AI startups, research institutions, and tech companies, providing opportunities for collaboration and partnership. * **Market Access:** Bangalore serves as a gateway to the Indian market, which is rapidly growing in the AI sector. This allows Handshake to tap into new customer segments and expand its reach. ## Career Path The Strategic Projects Lead role at Handshake offers a clear career path for ambitious professionals. Successful candidates can progress to roles such as: * **Senior Strategic Projects Lead:** Leading more complex and strategic projects, with greater responsibility for driving revenue growth and expanding customer relationships. * **Director of Strategic Initiatives:** Overseeing a portfolio of strategic projects, with a focus on driving innovation and shaping Handshake's long-term strategy. * **Head of AI Solutions:** Leading a team of experts focused on developing and delivering AI solutions to Handshake's customers. ## Salary & Benefits Handshake offers a competitive salary and benefits package to attract and retain top talent. While the specific salary for the Strategic Projects Lead role may vary based on experience and qualifications, it is designed to be highly competitive within the Bangalore market. The benefits package typically includes: * Health insurance * Paid time off * Retirement plan * Stock options * Professional development opportunities ## Mission Handshake's mission is to democratize opportunity and empower individuals to build meaningful careers. As a Strategic Projects Lead, you will be contributing to this mission by: * Connecting top talent with leading AI companies * Driving innovation in the AI sector * Creating opportunities for individuals to develop their skills and advance their careers ## How to Apply To apply for the Strategic Projects Lead position at Handshake, please submit your resume and cover letter through the Handshake careers page. In your cover letter, highlight your relevant experience, skills, and qualifications, and explain why you are interested in this opportunity. ## FAQ **1. What is Handshake?** Handshake is the career network for the AI economy, connecting knowledge workers with educational institutions, employers, and AI labs. **2. What does a Strategic Projects Lead do?** A Strategic Projects Lead drives high-impact initiatives, working across product, operations, and customer engagement to scale and optimize Handshake's expert workforce. **3. What qualifications are required for this role?** The ideal candidate will have 4+ years of experience in a generalist or operational role, strong analytical and problem-solving skills, and an entrepreneurial mindset. **4. What is the location of this position?** This position is located in Bangalore, India, and requires 5 days a week in the office. **5. What are the benefits of working at Handshake?** Handshake offers a competitive salary and benefits package, as well as opportunities for professional development and impactful work. **6. What is the career path for this role?** Successful candidates can progress to roles such as Senior Strategic Projects Lead, Director of Strategic Initiatives, or Head of AI Solutions. **7. How does this role contribute to Handshake's mission?** This role contributes to Handshake's mission by connecting top talent with leading AI companies and driving innovation in the AI sector. **8. What is the work culture like at Handshake?** Handshake has a dynamic and challenging work environment, with a focus on collaboration, innovation, and customer satisfaction. **9. What kind of projects will I be working on?** You will be working on large-scale projects for AI labs and tech companies, focused on specialized research, model evaluation, and domain-specific applications. **10. Is there room for growth within the company?** Yes, Handshake is a fast-growing company with ample opportunities for learning and career advancement.