Handshake

Strategic Projects Associate

San Francisco, CA · Full-time

Sponsorship not specifiedDetected 23 days ago

Data EngineeringLLMsExcelResearchCommunicationMentoringOrganizational Skills

About the role

Handshake is expanding into cutting-edge AI research and development.
Our work is deeply rooted in Human Data - high-quality, human-labeled datasets that power the development and evaluation of frontier models.
This is a unique opportunity for a recent graduate to dive into strategic work, gain hands-on experience across teams, and grow in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment.

We're building a world-class network of expert Fellows - including PhDs, researchers, and specialists - who drive forward the next generation of AI through domain-specific applications, model evaluations, and specialized research.
We partner with the world's leading AI labs on their most ambitious research, helping shape the future of artificial intelligence.
Develop and optimize infrastructure for data pipelines to ensure quality, scalability, and operational efficiency
Support and manage globally distributed teams of expert LLM contributors through training, coaching, and hands-on guidance
Design and implement analytics to inform decision-making and improve pipeline and team performance
Collaborate cross-functionally with Engineering, Product, Operations, and Go-to-Market teams to solve complex challenges that accelerate advancements in leading LLMs

You'll get to work on meaningful AI projects that impact real-world applications
You'll gain exposure to multiple business functions and grow into a high-impact operator
You'll work directly with leaders in AI, tech, and data strategy
High agency and a bias toward action - you take ownership and move things forward
Ability to learn complex concepts quickly and think critically under pressure
A thoughtful, data-driven decision maker who's comfortable navigating ambiguity

A strategic thinker with strong analytical and organizational skills
Strong written and verbal communication skills across channels such as email, Slack, and virtual meetings
Curiosity about AI and emerging technologies (maybe you're already a ChatGPT power user!)

💰 Financial Wellness: 401(k) match, competitive compensation, financial coaching

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
🏝 Time Off: Flexible PTO, 15 holidays + 2 flex days
Explore our mission, values, and comprehensive US benefits at joinhandshake.com/careers http://joinhandshake.com/careers.
Partner hand-in-hand with world-class AI labs, Fortune 500 partners and the world's top educational institutions
💻 Remote & Office: Internet, commuting, and free lunch/gym in our SF office

About Handshake
Handshake was founded on a simple belief that everyone deserves a path to a great career, regardless of where they went to school or who they know.
Today, we power 25 million job seekers, 1 million+ employers, and 1,600 educational institutions.
In 2025, we started Handshake AI and built the fastest-growing AI data business in history.
We work directly with frontier AI lab researchers to create evaluations, publish benchmarks, and push the boundary of data.
We've grown from $0 to ~$1B run rate and pay ~$60M to over 30K individuals every month.
Team outings & referral bonuses
We're looking for several highly motivated Strategic Projects Associates to join our team and support high-impact initiatives across product, operations, and customer success.

This listing is sourced directly from Handshake's careers page and normalized into a canonical job model.