About Handshake AI
Handshake is building the career network for the AI economy. Our three-sided marketplace connects 18 million students and alumni, 1,500+ academic institutions across the U.S. and Europe, and 1 million employers to power how the next generation explores careers, builds skills, and gets hired.
Handshake AI is a human data labeling business that leverages the scale of the largest early career network. We work directly with the world’s leading AI research labs to build a new generation of human data products. From PhDs in physics to undergrads fluent in LLMs, Handshake AI is the trusted partner for domain-specific data and evaluation at scale.
This is a unique opportunity to join a fast-growing team shaping the future of AI through better data, better tools, and better systems—for experts, by experts.
Now’s a great time to join Handshake. Here’s why:
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Leading the AI Career Revolution: Be part of the team redefining work in the AI economy for millions worldwide.
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Proven Market Demand: Deep employer partnerships across Fortune 500s and the world’s leading AI research labs.
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World-Class Team: Leadership from Scale AI, Meta, xAI, Notion, Coinbase, and Palantir, just to name a few.
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Capitalized & Scaling: $3.5B valuation from top investors including Kleiner Perkins, True Ventures, Notable Capital, and more.
About the Role
We’re looking for a Lead who thrives at the intersection of business operations and customer experience leadership. In this role, you’ll drive operational excellence across our Customer Experience & Strategy function while leading and developing a high-performing frontline team.
You’ll spend ~70% of your time diagnosing and fixing systemic operational pain points — using data, process design, and cross-functional influence — and ~30% managing and coaching our frontline managers and agents. You’ll have the mandate not just to surface issues, but to own solutions end-to-end.
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Lead operational improvement projects to streamline workflows, reduce escalations, and enhance the customer experience.
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Use data (SQL, Looker, spreadsheets) to uncover trends, identify root causes, and measure improvements.
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Partner with Product, Engineering, and other cross-functional teams to design and implement systemic fixes.
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Drive change management for new tools, processes, and policies, securing buy-in across stakeholders.
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Define, track, and report on KPIs for both operational performance and team engagement.
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Build a culture of empathy for frontline employees and customers (Handshake Fellows), translating their pain points into scalable solutions.
Desired Capabilities
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2-4 years in BizOps, Strategy & Operations, or Customer Experience/Support Ops leadership in high-growth tech, consulting, or marketplace environments.
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Proven experience building processes from scratch, and leading change management initiatives.
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Strong analytical skills with fluency in SQL, Looker, and spreadsheets; able to quantify impact and measure results.
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Track record of identifying operational inefficiencies and implementing solutions end-to-end.
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Ability to influence without authority and collaborate effectively across Product, Engineering, and senior leadership.
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Comfort toggling between high-level strategy and hands-on execution.
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Bias toward action and a builder mentality — you don’t just document problems, you fix them.
Perks
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: Stipends for home office setup, internet, commuting, and free lunch/gym in our SF office
Time Off: Flexible PTO, 15 holidays + 2 flex days, winter #ShakeBreak where our whole office closes for a week!
Connection: Team outings & referral bonuses
Explore our mission, values, and comprehensive US benefits at joinhandshake.com/careers.