Senior Operations Program Manager, Central Operations

Apply; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity in a fast-growing company

401(k) match

Paid parental leave

Medical, dental, and vision

Flexible PTO

Team outings

Job summary

Handshake in San Francisco is seeking a Senior Operations Program Manager to own and drive operational programs across Trust & Safety, Pay Operations, and Contractor Management. You will enhance operational efficiency and ensure processes are scalable while collaborating with various teams.

The ideal candidate has 4-6 years of experience, strong analytical skills, and thrives in fast-paced environments. Handshake offers competitive benefits, promoting both professional and personal growth.

Qualifications

• 4-6 years of experience in Operations Program Management.
• Strong ability to analyze data to inform decisions.
• Comfortable in ambiguous environments with strong organizational skills.

Responsibilities

• Own and execute operational programs across Central Ops functions.
• Analyze performance data to identify trends and gaps.
• Build and optimize processes for efficiency and scalability.

Skills

Analytical skills

Cross-functional project management

SQL proficiency

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 careers 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:

• 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, just to name a few.

• 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.

• 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

Explore our mission, values, and comprehensive US benefits at joinhandshake.com/careers.