Senior Operations Program Manager, Central Operations

Handshake; New York (NY); On-site; USD 172,000 - 215,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity in a fast-growing company

401(k) match

Paid parental leave

Medical, dental, and vision

Learning stipend

Flexible PTO

Team outings

Job summary

Handshake is seeking a Senior Operations Program Manager to lead high-impact operational programs across functions including Trust & Safety, Pay Operations, and Contractor Management. The successful candidate will analyze performance data, optimize processes, and work cross-functionally to ensure smooth operations.

With 4-6 years of experience required, this role calls for strong analytical skills, proficiency in SQL, and the ability to manage projects effectively. Benefits include equity, 401(k) match, and flexible PTO.

Qualifications

• 4-6 years of experience in operations.
• Strong analytical skills with data-informed decision making.
• Ability to manage cross-functional projects and influence stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Own and execute operational programs end-to-end across Central Ops functions.
• Analyze performance data to identify trends, gaps, and opportunities for improvement.
• Build and optimize processes to improve efficiency, quality, and scalability.

Skills

Analytical skills

SQL

Cross-functional project management

Problem-solving skills

Organizational skills

Job description

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.

Why Join Handshake

• Leading the AI Career Revolution: Be part of the team redefining work in the AI economy for millions worldwide.
• Proven Market Demand: Deep employer partnerships across Fortune 500s and the world’s leading AI research labs.
• World-Class Team: Leadership from Scale AI, Meta, xAI, Notion, Coinbase, and Palantir.
• Capitalized & Scaling: $3.5B valuation from top investors including Kleiner Perkins, True Ventures, Notable Capital, and more.

About The Role

The Senior Operations Program Manager, Central Ops will own and drive high-impact operational programs across critical functions including Trust & Safety, Pay Operations, and Contractor Management. This role is responsible for designing, executing, and continuously improving processes that support scalable, high-quality operations.

As an individual contributor, you will partner cross-functionally with Legal, Finance, Product, Engineering, Analytics, and Delivery teams to identify opportunities, implement solutions, and track performance against key metrics. You will play a key role in bringing structure to ambiguity, improving operational efficiency, and ensuring programs run smoothly end-to-end.

The ideal candidate is highly analytical, detail-oriented, and thrives in fast-paced environments where strong execution and cross-functional collaboration are essential.

Responsibilities

• Own and execute operational programs end-to-end across Central Ops functions.
• Analyze performance data to identify trends, gaps, and opportunities for improvement.
• Build and optimize processes to improve efficiency, quality, and scalability.
• Partner cross-functionally to launch and iterate on operational initiatives.
• Track and report on key metrics, ensuring programs meet performance targets.
• Drive continuous improvement through structured problem-solving and experimentation.

Desired Capabilities

• 4-6 years of experience.
• Strong analytical skills, with the ability to use data to inform decisions.
• Experience using SQL (or similar tools) to pull and analyze data.
• Demonstrated ability to manage cross-functional projects and influence stakeholders.
• Comfort operating in ambiguous environments and driving clarity.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

Extra Credit

• Experience in Trust & Safety, Payments, or Contractor Operations.
• Strong problem-solving skills with a structured approach to complex challenges.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to clearly articulate insights and recommendations.
• Experience operating in fast-paced, metrics-driven environments.

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, wellness stipend.
• Growth: 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 bonuses.

Compensation Range: $172K - $215K