Strategic AI Data Programs Lead

Handshake; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity

401(k) match

Parental leave

Medical, dental, vision

Learning stipend

SF office lunch/gym

Flexible PTO

Team outings

Job summary

Handshake is seeking a Strategic Projects Lead (SPL) to own the execution of large-scale human data programs powering frontier AI model training and evaluation. You will work hands-on with leading AI labs and tech companies, making real-time decisions affecting revenue, margins, delivery quality, and long-term customer relationships.

This role demands high ownership, comfort with ambiguity, and rapid decision-making to scale outcomes.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience in STEM.
• Strong analytical and first-principles problem-solving skills.
• Exceptional communication and stakeholder management with senior customers.
• High ownership mindset with end-to-end accountability.
• Curiosity and ability to quickly learn technical AI concepts.

Responsibilities

• Own end-to-end execution of multi-week to multi-month AI data programs to deliver double-digit millions in ARR-equivalent impact.
• Lead and coordinate hundreds to thousands of expert Fellows to meet aggressive delivery timelines while maintaining quality and cost targets.
• Design and adapt staffing models, incentives, and workflows to improve throughput, margins, and delivery reliability.
• Partner directly with frontier AI labs and senior stakeholders to shape scope, resolve issues, and expand programs through execution.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Communication

Ownership mindset

Learning AI concepts

Education

STEM degree

Job description

Handshake is seeking a Strategic Projects Lead (SPL) to own the execution of large-scale human data programs powering frontier AI model training and evaluation. You will work hands-on with leading AI labs and tech companies, making real-time decisions affecting revenue, margins, delivery quality, and long-term customer relationships.

This role demands high ownership, comfort with ambiguity, and rapid decision-making to scale outcomes.