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Strategic Projects Lead, Handshake AI - San Francisco, CA | Apply Now!

Handshake

Strategic Projects Lead, Handshake AI - San Francisco, CA | Apply Now!

full-timePosted: Dec 31, 2025

Job Description

Strategic Projects Lead, Handshake AI: Powering the Future of Work

Role Overview

As a Strategic Projects Lead at Handshake, you'll be at the forefront of the AI revolution, driving the execution of critical human data programs that fuel the training and evaluation of cutting-edge AI models. This role offers a unique opportunity to collaborate with leading AI labs and tech companies, making real-time decisions that directly impact revenue, margins, delivery quality, and long-term customer relationships. You'll be a key player in a fast-growing company that is shaping the future of careers in the AI economy.

A Day in the Life

Each day as a Strategic Projects Lead is dynamic and challenging. Here’s a glimpse into what you can expect:

  • Morning: Review project progress against key performance indicators (KPIs). Analyze data on throughput, quality, and costs to identify areas for improvement.
  • Mid-day: Collaborate with AI labs and senior stakeholders to refine project scope and address any roadblocks. Participate in meetings to discuss project updates and plan for upcoming milestones.
  • Afternoon: Work with a team of expert Fellows, providing guidance and support to ensure projects stay on track. Design and implement new strategies to optimize workflows and improve efficiency.
  • Evening: Analyze project outcomes and identify lessons learned. Prepare reports for senior management and stakeholders, highlighting key achievements and areas for future focus.

Why San Francisco?

San Francisco is a hub of innovation and technology, making it the perfect location for Handshake's headquarters. By working in San Francisco, you'll have access to a vibrant community of tech professionals, investors, and entrepreneurs. The city offers a wealth of opportunities for networking, learning, and professional development. Plus, San Francisco's diverse culture and stunning scenery make it a great place to live and work.

Career Path

The Strategic Projects Lead role is a stepping stone to a variety of leadership positions within Handshake. With success in this role, you could advance to:

  • Senior Strategic Projects Lead: Take on larger, more complex projects with increased responsibility for strategic decision-making.
  • Program Manager: Oversee a portfolio of projects, working closely with cross-functional teams to ensure alignment and drive results.
  • Director of Operations: Lead a team of Strategic Projects Leads and Program Managers, responsible for the overall execution of Handshake's human data programs.
  • VP of Strategy: Contribute to the development of Handshake's overall business strategy, working closely with senior management to identify new opportunities for growth.

Salary & Benefits

Handshake offers a competitive salary and benefits package to attract and retain top talent. The estimated salary range for this role is $140,000 - $220,000 per year. In addition to salary, Handshake provides:

  • Equity in a fast-growing company: Share in the success of Handshake as the company continues to grow.
  • 401(k) match: Save for retirement with a generous matching contribution from Handshake.
  • Competitive compensation: Receive a salary that is competitive with other companies in the tech industry.
  • Financial coaching: Get access to financial experts who can help you make smart decisions about your money.
  • Paid parental leave: Take time off to bond with your new child.
  • Fertility benefits: Get support if you are trying to start a family.
  • Parental coaching: Get advice and support as you navigate the challenges of parenthood.
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance: Protect your health with comprehensive health insurance coverage.
  • Mental health support: Get access to mental health professionals who can help you manage stress and anxiety.
  • $500 wellness stipend: Use this money to invest in your physical and mental well-being.
  • $2,000 learning stipend: Invest in your professional development with a learning stipend.
  • Ongoing development opportunities: Take advantage of opportunities to learn new skills and advance your career.
  • Internet stipend: Get help paying for your internet bill.
  • Commuting assistance: Get help with your commute to work.
  • Free lunch in our San Francisco office: Enjoy free lunch every day in our San Francisco office.
  • Free gym access in our San Francisco office: Stay in shape with free access to the gym in our San Francisco office.

Our Mission

Handshake's mission is to democratize opportunity and help people build meaningful careers. We believe that everyone should have access to the resources and support they need to succeed in the workplace. As a Strategic Projects Lead, you'll play a key role in helping us achieve our mission.

How to Apply

To apply for the Strategic Projects Lead position, please submit your resume and cover letter through the Handshake website. Be sure to highlight your experience in operations, strategy, product, consulting, finance, or high-growth startups. Also, emphasize your proven track record of owning complex, cross-functional execution with clear business outcomes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  1. What is Handshake?

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

  2. What does a Strategic Projects Lead do?

    A Strategic Projects Lead owns the execution of large-scale human data programs that power AI model training and evaluation.

  3. What skills are needed for this role?

    Key skills include operations management, strategy development, problem-solving, communication, and stakeholder management.

  4. What are the qualifications for this role?

    You should have 4+ years of experience in a relevant field and a proven track record of successful project execution.

  5. What is the career path for this role?

    You can advance to Senior Strategic Projects Lead, Program Manager, Director of Operations, or VP of Strategy.

  6. What is the salary range for this role?

    The estimated salary range is $140,000 - $220,000 per year.

  7. What benefits does Handshake offer?

    Handshake offers a comprehensive benefits package, including equity, 401(k) match, health insurance, and learning stipends.

  8. What is Handshake's mission?

    Handshake's mission is to democratize opportunity and help people build meaningful careers.

  9. How do I apply for this role?

    Submit your resume and cover letter through the Handshake website.

  10. What is the company culture like?

    Handshake has a fast-paced, collaborative, and mission-driven culture.

Locations

  • San Francisco, CA, USA

Salary

Estimated Salary Rangehigh confidence

140,000 - 220,000 USD / yearly

Source: ai estimated

* This is an estimated range based on market data and may vary based on experience and qualifications.

Skills Required

  • Operations Managementintermediate
  • Strategy Developmentintermediate
  • Product Managementintermediate
  • Consultingintermediate
  • Financial Analysisintermediate
  • Startup Experienceintermediate
  • Cross-functional Executionintermediate
  • Analytical Skillsintermediate
  • Problem-Solvingintermediate
  • Decision-Makingintermediate
  • Communication Skillsintermediate
  • Stakeholder Managementintermediate
  • AI Conceptsintermediate
  • Industry Trendsintermediate
  • Data Analysisintermediate
  • Workforce Management (Bonus)intermediate
  • AI Data (Bonus)intermediate
  • Model Evaluation (Bonus)intermediate
  • Technical Services Delivery (Bonus)intermediate
  • Investment Banking (Bonus)intermediate
  • Private Equity (Bonus)intermediate
  • Management Consulting (Bonus)intermediate

Required Qualifications

  • 4+ years of experience in operations, strategy, product, consulting, finance, or high-growth startups (experience)
  • Proven track record owning complex, cross-functional execution with clear business outcomes (experience)
  • Strong analytical and first-principles problem-solving skills applied to scaling operations (experience)
  • Ability to make decisions quickly with incomplete or evolving information (experience)
  • Exceptional communication and stakeholder management skills, including with senior customers (experience)
  • High ownership mindset with pride in end-to-end accountability (experience)
  • Curiosity and ability to quickly learn technical AI concepts and industry trends (experience)
  • Experience managing large, distributed workforces or marketplaces (Bonus) (experience)
  • Exposure to AI data, model evaluation, or technical services delivery (Bonus) (experience)
  • Background in investment banking, private equity, or management consulting (Bonus) (experience)

Responsibilities

  • Own end-to-end execution of multi-week to multi-month AI data programs
  • Deliver double-digit millions in ARR-equivalent impact
  • Lead and coordinate hundreds to thousands of expert Fellows
  • Meet aggressive delivery timelines
  • Maintain quality targets
  • Maintain cost targets
  • Design and adapt staffing models
  • Design and adapt incentives
  • Design and adapt workflows
  • Improve throughput
  • Improve margins
  • Improve delivery reliability under changing requirements
  • Partner directly with frontier AI labs
  • Partner directly with senior stakeholders
  • Shape program scope
  • Resolve program issues
  • Expand programs through execution

Benefits

  • general: Equity in a fast-growing company
  • general: 401(k) match
  • general: Competitive compensation
  • general: Financial coaching
  • general: Paid parental leave
  • general: Fertility benefits
  • general: Parental coaching
  • general: Medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • general: Mental health support
  • general: $500 wellness stipend
  • general: $2,000 learning stipend
  • general: Ongoing development opportunities
  • general: Internet stipend
  • general: Commuting assistance
  • general: Free lunch in our San Francisco office
  • general: Free gym access in our San Francisco office

Target Your Resume for "Strategic Projects Lead, Handshake AI - San Francisco, CA | Apply Now!" , Handshake

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Tags & Categories

AIProject ManagementOperationsStrategySan FranciscoFull-timeStrategic Projects LeadHandshake AISan Francisco JobsAI CareersOperations Management JobsAI Data ProgramsAI Model TrainingCareer NetworkAI EconomyTech JobsData ScienceMachine LearningHuman DataStakeholder ManagementCross-functional ExecutionStartup JobsTech IndustryInnovationCareer DevelopmentEmployer BrandingTalent AcquisitionARR ImpactRevenue GenerationAgile MethodologyEdTechCareer PlatformEngineeringProduct

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Strategic Projects Lead, Handshake AI - San Francisco, CA | Apply Now!

Handshake

Strategic Projects Lead, Handshake AI - San Francisco, CA | Apply Now!

full-timePosted: Dec 31, 2025

Job Description

Strategic Projects Lead, Handshake AI: Powering the Future of Work

Role Overview

As a Strategic Projects Lead at Handshake, you'll be at the forefront of the AI revolution, driving the execution of critical human data programs that fuel the training and evaluation of cutting-edge AI models. This role offers a unique opportunity to collaborate with leading AI labs and tech companies, making real-time decisions that directly impact revenue, margins, delivery quality, and long-term customer relationships. You'll be a key player in a fast-growing company that is shaping the future of careers in the AI economy.

A Day in the Life

Each day as a Strategic Projects Lead is dynamic and challenging. Here’s a glimpse into what you can expect:

  • Morning: Review project progress against key performance indicators (KPIs). Analyze data on throughput, quality, and costs to identify areas for improvement.
  • Mid-day: Collaborate with AI labs and senior stakeholders to refine project scope and address any roadblocks. Participate in meetings to discuss project updates and plan for upcoming milestones.
  • Afternoon: Work with a team of expert Fellows, providing guidance and support to ensure projects stay on track. Design and implement new strategies to optimize workflows and improve efficiency.
  • Evening: Analyze project outcomes and identify lessons learned. Prepare reports for senior management and stakeholders, highlighting key achievements and areas for future focus.

Why San Francisco?

San Francisco is a hub of innovation and technology, making it the perfect location for Handshake's headquarters. By working in San Francisco, you'll have access to a vibrant community of tech professionals, investors, and entrepreneurs. The city offers a wealth of opportunities for networking, learning, and professional development. Plus, San Francisco's diverse culture and stunning scenery make it a great place to live and work.

Career Path

The Strategic Projects Lead role is a stepping stone to a variety of leadership positions within Handshake. With success in this role, you could advance to:

  • Senior Strategic Projects Lead: Take on larger, more complex projects with increased responsibility for strategic decision-making.
  • Program Manager: Oversee a portfolio of projects, working closely with cross-functional teams to ensure alignment and drive results.
  • Director of Operations: Lead a team of Strategic Projects Leads and Program Managers, responsible for the overall execution of Handshake's human data programs.
  • VP of Strategy: Contribute to the development of Handshake's overall business strategy, working closely with senior management to identify new opportunities for growth.

Salary & Benefits

Handshake offers a competitive salary and benefits package to attract and retain top talent. The estimated salary range for this role is $140,000 - $220,000 per year. In addition to salary, Handshake provides:

  • Equity in a fast-growing company: Share in the success of Handshake as the company continues to grow.
  • 401(k) match: Save for retirement with a generous matching contribution from Handshake.
  • Competitive compensation: Receive a salary that is competitive with other companies in the tech industry.
  • Financial coaching: Get access to financial experts who can help you make smart decisions about your money.
  • Paid parental leave: Take time off to bond with your new child.
  • Fertility benefits: Get support if you are trying to start a family.
  • Parental coaching: Get advice and support as you navigate the challenges of parenthood.
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance: Protect your health with comprehensive health insurance coverage.
  • Mental health support: Get access to mental health professionals who can help you manage stress and anxiety.
  • $500 wellness stipend: Use this money to invest in your physical and mental well-being.
  • $2,000 learning stipend: Invest in your professional development with a learning stipend.
  • Ongoing development opportunities: Take advantage of opportunities to learn new skills and advance your career.
  • Internet stipend: Get help paying for your internet bill.
  • Commuting assistance: Get help with your commute to work.
  • Free lunch in our San Francisco office: Enjoy free lunch every day in our San Francisco office.
  • Free gym access in our San Francisco office: Stay in shape with free access to the gym in our San Francisco office.

Our Mission

Handshake's mission is to democratize opportunity and help people build meaningful careers. We believe that everyone should have access to the resources and support they need to succeed in the workplace. As a Strategic Projects Lead, you'll play a key role in helping us achieve our mission.

How to Apply

To apply for the Strategic Projects Lead position, please submit your resume and cover letter through the Handshake website. Be sure to highlight your experience in operations, strategy, product, consulting, finance, or high-growth startups. Also, emphasize your proven track record of owning complex, cross-functional execution with clear business outcomes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  1. What is Handshake?

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

  2. What does a Strategic Projects Lead do?

    A Strategic Projects Lead owns the execution of large-scale human data programs that power AI model training and evaluation.

  3. What skills are needed for this role?

    Key skills include operations management, strategy development, problem-solving, communication, and stakeholder management.

  4. What are the qualifications for this role?

    You should have 4+ years of experience in a relevant field and a proven track record of successful project execution.

  5. What is the career path for this role?

    You can advance to Senior Strategic Projects Lead, Program Manager, Director of Operations, or VP of Strategy.

  6. What is the salary range for this role?

    The estimated salary range is $140,000 - $220,000 per year.

  7. What benefits does Handshake offer?

    Handshake offers a comprehensive benefits package, including equity, 401(k) match, health insurance, and learning stipends.

  8. What is Handshake's mission?

    Handshake's mission is to democratize opportunity and help people build meaningful careers.

  9. How do I apply for this role?

    Submit your resume and cover letter through the Handshake website.

  10. What is the company culture like?

    Handshake has a fast-paced, collaborative, and mission-driven culture.

Locations

  • San Francisco, CA, USA

Salary

Estimated Salary Rangehigh confidence

140,000 - 220,000 USD / yearly

Source: ai estimated

* This is an estimated range based on market data and may vary based on experience and qualifications.

Skills Required

  • Operations Managementintermediate
  • Strategy Developmentintermediate
  • Product Managementintermediate
  • Consultingintermediate
  • Financial Analysisintermediate
  • Startup Experienceintermediate
  • Cross-functional Executionintermediate
  • Analytical Skillsintermediate
  • Problem-Solvingintermediate
  • Decision-Makingintermediate
  • Communication Skillsintermediate
  • Stakeholder Managementintermediate
  • AI Conceptsintermediate
  • Industry Trendsintermediate
  • Data Analysisintermediate
  • Workforce Management (Bonus)intermediate
  • AI Data (Bonus)intermediate
  • Model Evaluation (Bonus)intermediate
  • Technical Services Delivery (Bonus)intermediate
  • Investment Banking (Bonus)intermediate
  • Private Equity (Bonus)intermediate
  • Management Consulting (Bonus)intermediate

Required Qualifications

  • 4+ years of experience in operations, strategy, product, consulting, finance, or high-growth startups (experience)
  • Proven track record owning complex, cross-functional execution with clear business outcomes (experience)
  • Strong analytical and first-principles problem-solving skills applied to scaling operations (experience)
  • Ability to make decisions quickly with incomplete or evolving information (experience)
  • Exceptional communication and stakeholder management skills, including with senior customers (experience)
  • High ownership mindset with pride in end-to-end accountability (experience)
  • Curiosity and ability to quickly learn technical AI concepts and industry trends (experience)
  • Experience managing large, distributed workforces or marketplaces (Bonus) (experience)
  • Exposure to AI data, model evaluation, or technical services delivery (Bonus) (experience)
  • Background in investment banking, private equity, or management consulting (Bonus) (experience)

Responsibilities

  • Own end-to-end execution of multi-week to multi-month AI data programs
  • Deliver double-digit millions in ARR-equivalent impact
  • Lead and coordinate hundreds to thousands of expert Fellows
  • Meet aggressive delivery timelines
  • Maintain quality targets
  • Maintain cost targets
  • Design and adapt staffing models
  • Design and adapt incentives
  • Design and adapt workflows
  • Improve throughput
  • Improve margins
  • Improve delivery reliability under changing requirements
  • Partner directly with frontier AI labs
  • Partner directly with senior stakeholders
  • Shape program scope
  • Resolve program issues
  • Expand programs through execution

Benefits

  • general: Equity in a fast-growing company
  • general: 401(k) match
  • general: Competitive compensation
  • general: Financial coaching
  • general: Paid parental leave
  • general: Fertility benefits
  • general: Parental coaching
  • general: Medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • general: Mental health support
  • general: $500 wellness stipend
  • general: $2,000 learning stipend
  • general: Ongoing development opportunities
  • general: Internet stipend
  • general: Commuting assistance
  • general: Free lunch in our San Francisco office
  • general: Free gym access in our San Francisco office

Target Your Resume for "Strategic Projects Lead, Handshake AI - San Francisco, CA | Apply Now!" , Handshake

Get personalized recommendations to optimize your resume specifically for Strategic Projects Lead, Handshake AI - San Francisco, CA | Apply Now!. Takes only 15 seconds!

AI-powered keyword optimization
Skills matching & gap analysis
Experience alignment suggestions

Check Your ATS Score for "Strategic Projects Lead, Handshake AI - San Francisco, CA | Apply Now!" , Handshake

Find out how well your resume matches this job's requirements. Get comprehensive analysis including ATS compatibility, keyword matching, skill gaps, and personalized recommendations.

ATS compatibility check
Keyword optimization analysis
Skill matching & gap identification
Format & readability score

Tags & Categories

AIProject ManagementOperationsStrategySan FranciscoFull-timeStrategic Projects LeadHandshake AISan Francisco JobsAI CareersOperations Management JobsAI Data ProgramsAI Model TrainingCareer NetworkAI EconomyTech JobsData ScienceMachine LearningHuman DataStakeholder ManagementCross-functional ExecutionStartup JobsTech IndustryInnovationCareer DevelopmentEmployer BrandingTalent AcquisitionARR ImpactRevenue GenerationAgile MethodologyEdTechCareer PlatformEngineeringProduct

Answer 10 quick questions to check your fit for Strategic Projects Lead, Handshake AI - San Francisco, CA | Apply Now! @ Handshake.

Quiz Challenge
10 Questions
~2 Minutes
Instant Score

Related Books and Jobs

No related jobs found at the moment.