Strategic Projects Associate

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.Why join Handshake now:Shape how every career evolves in the AI economy, at global scale, with impact your friends, family and peers can see and feelPartner hand-in-hand with world-class AI labs, Fortune 500 partners and the world’s top educational institutionsWork together with engineers, scientists, operators, and more from Palantir, Meta, Scale AI, and former YC foundersBuild a massive, fast-growing business with billions in revenueAbout Handshake AI Human data is the core infrastructure to AI advancement. Frontier AI labs currently improve model capabilities with various data‑intensive post‑training techniques. We believe that data spend for AI training will increase by 3-5x in the next few years and continue for much longer as models take on new domains. Handshake AI supports all of the frontier AI labs, working on their most complex data at the largest scale.The Role Handshake is expanding into cutting‑edge AI research and development. 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. Our work is deeply rooted in Human Data — high‑quality, human‑labeled datasets that power the development and evaluation of frontier models. We partner with the world’s leading AI labs on their most ambitious research, helping shape the future of artificial intelligence.We're looking for several highly motivatedStrategic Projects Associatesto join our team and support high‑impact initiatives across product, operations, and customer success. 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.This will be at our San Francisco location and this team is traditionally in the office five days a week.Lead executionof high‑visibility, high‑impact customer data collection pipelines, ensuring steady progress and measurable outcomesTranslate customer needsinto well‑structured data sets that enhance model performance and align with strategic objectivesDevelop and optimize infrastructurefor data pipelines to ensure quality, scalability, and operational efficiencySupport and manageglobally distributed teams of expert LLM contributors through training, coaching, and hands‑on guidanceDesign and implement analyticsto inform decision‑making and improve pipeline and team performanceCollaborate cross‑functionallywith Engineering, Product, Operations, and Go‑to‑Market teams to solve complex challenges that accelerate advancements in leading LLMsYou HaveA recent graduate (or graduating soon) with a strong academic recordYou’ve completedinternshipsintech, consulting, banking, financial services, or startupsA strategic thinker with strong analytical and organizational skillsA self‑starter who thrives in fast‑moving environments and enjoys building from the ground upAn excellent communicator who can work effectively across teams and with external partnersProficient in productivity tools such as Google Sheets or Excel, Google Docs, and Google Drive for organizing and sharing informationStrong written and verbal communication skills across channels such as email, Slack, and virtual meetingsBonus:You majored in aSTEM field(a degree in engineering or computer science is ideal) or have exposure to technical concepts (e.g., data, software, or AI).Why You'll Love This RoleYou’ll get to work on meaningful AI projects that impact real‑world applicationsYou’ll be part of a small, dynamic team where your ideas and work matter from day oneYou’ll gain exposure to multiple business functions and grow into a high‑impact operatorYou’ll work directly with leaders in AI, tech, and data strategyTraits We ValueCuriosity about AI and emerging technologies (maybe you’re already a ChatGPT power user!)High agency and a bias toward action — you take ownership and move things forwardAbility to learn complex concepts quickly and think critically under pressureA thoughtful, data‑driven decision maker who’s comfortable navigating ambiguityWe Offer 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 companyFinancial Wellness:401(k) match, competitive compensation, financial coachingFamily Support:Paid parental leave, fertility benefits, parental coachingWellbeing:Medical, dental, and vision, mental health support, $500 wellness stipendGrowth:$2,000 learning stipend, ongoing developmentRemote & Office:Internet, commuting, and free lunch/gym in our SF officeTime Off:Flexible PTO, 15 holidays + 2 flex daysConnection:Team outings & referral bonusesExplore our mission, values, and comprehensive US benefits at joinhandshake.com/careers.#J-18808-Ljbffr