Operations Program Manager
About HandshakeHandshake 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 NowShape 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 AIHuman 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.About The RoleThe Operations Program Manager, Central Operations is an individual contributor role driving the execution of high-impact operational programs across Central Operations' core functions — Contractor Operations, Marketplace & Allocations, Trust & Safety, and Pay. This is a hands-on role focused on designing, improving, and scaling operational processes through strong program management, data fluency, and structured execution. You'll partner closely with Legal, Finance, Product, Engineering, Analytics, and Delivery to translate operational needs into clear requirements, execution plans, and measurable outcomes — bringing structure to ambiguity so programs run smoothly end-to-end.Own and execute operational programs end-to-end across Central Operations functionsTranslate operational needs into clear requirements, execution plans, and measurable outcomes for cross-functional partnersAnalyze performance data to identify trends, gaps, and opportunities for improvementBuild and optimize processes to improve efficiency, quality, and scalabilityPartner cross-functionally to launch and iterate on operational initiativesTrack and report on key metrics, ensuring programs meet performance targetsDrive continuous improvement through structured problem-solving and experimentationYou Have2+ years of experience in operations, technical program management, or a similar individual-contributor role supporting cross-functional initiativesStrong analytical skills, with the ability to use data to inform decisionsStrong SQL and data analysis skills, with the ability to independently pull, analyze, and investigate operational data to surface actionable insightsProven ability to manage multiple cross-functional programs or workstreams simultaneously, with strong organizational skills and attention to detailComfort operating in ambiguous environments — including working "in the weeds" of operational workflows — and translating messy real-world processes into structured, clear plansBonus PointsExperience in one of Central Operations' core functions — Contractor Operations, Marketplace & Allocations, Trust & Safety, or PayStrong problem-solving skills, with a structured approach to complex challengesStrong written and verbal communication skills, particularly in documenting requirements and communicating status, risks, and tradeoffsExperience operating in fast-paced, metrics-driven environments, with a bias toward execution and continuous improvementWe OfferHandshake 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: Internet, commuting, and free lunch/gym in our SF office🏝 Time Off: Flexible PTO, 15 holidays + 2 flex days🤝 Connection: Team outings & referral bonusesExplore our mission, values, and comprehensive US benefits at joinhandshake.com/careers.Compensation Range: $112K - $140K