Strategic Projects Associate (New Grad), Handshake AI

Everyone is welcome at Handshake. We know diverse teams build better products and we are committed to creating an inclusive culture built on a foundation of respect for all individuals. We strongly encourage candidates from non-traditional backgrounds, historically marginalized or underrepresented groups to apply.

Start your career at the intersection of AI, strategy, and operations.

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 motivated Strategic Projects Associates to 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 execution of high-visibility, high-impact customer data collection pipelines, ensuring steady progress and measurable outcomes.
• Translate customer needs into well-structured data sets that enhance model performance and align with strategic objectives.
• Develop and optimize infrastructure for data pipelines to ensure quality, scalability, and operational efficiency.
• Support and manage globally distributed teams of expert LLM contributors through training, coaching, and hands-on guidance.
• Design and implement analytics to inform decision-making and improve pipeline and team performance.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Engineering, Product, Operations, and Go-to-Market teams to solve complex challenges that accelerate advancements in leading LLMs.

• A recent graduate (or graduating soon) with a strong academic record.
• You’ve completed internships in tech, consulting, banking, financial services, or startups.
• A strategic thinker with strong analytical and organizational skills.
• A self-starter who thrives in fast-moving environments and enjoys building from the ground up.
• An excellent communicator who can work effectively across teams and with external partners.
• Proficient in productivity tools such as Google Sheets or Excel, Google Docs, and Google Drive for organizing and sharing information.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills across channels such as email, Slack, and virtual meetings.

Bonus: You majored in a STEM field (a degree in engineering or computer science is ideal) or have exposure to technical concepts (e.g., data, software, or AI).

• You'll get to work on meaningful AI projects that impact real-world applications.
• You’ll be part of a small, dynamic team where your ideas and work matter from day one.
• You’ll gain exposure to multiple business functions and grow into a high-impact operator.
• You’ll work directly with leaders in AI, tech, and data strategy.

• Curiosity 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 forward
• Ability to learn complex concepts quickly and think critically under pressure
• A thoughtful, data-driven decision maker who’s comfortable navigating ambiguity

$100,000-$115,000

For cash compensation, we set standard ranges for all U.S.-based roles based on function, level, and geographic location, benchmarked against similar stage growth companies. In order to be compliant with local legislation, as well as to provide greater transparency to candidates, we share salary ranges on all job postings regardless of desired hiring location. Final offer amounts are determined by multiple factors, including geographic location as well as candidate experience and expertise, and may vary from the amounts listed above.

Handshake is building the future of human data for AI.

We partner directly with top AI labs to power large language model (LLM) training and evaluation with high-quality, expert-generated data. As AI models become more sophisticated, the demand for specialized human input continues to grow—and Handshake is uniquely positioned to meet it. We power career platforms at 92% of the top U.S. universities, giving us direct access to verified expert talent across a wide range of domains.

Our AI team is rapidly building a new generation of human data products—from expert annotation platforms to AI interviewers and seamless payout infrastructure—all designed to accelerate research and improve model performance.

We’ve assembled a world-class team from YC, Notion, Scale, Coinbase, Palantir, and more, and we’re working directly with many of the world’s leading AI research labs. 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.

At Handshake, we'll give you the tools to feel healthy, happy and secure.

Benefits below apply to US employees in full-time positions.

• 💰 Equity and ownership in a fast-growing company.
• 🍼 16 Weeks of paid parental leave for birth giving parents & 10 weeks of paid parental leave for non-birth giving parents.
• 💝 Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision policies including LGTBQ+ Coverage. We also provide resources for Mental Health Assistance, Employee Assistance Programs and counseling support.
• 📚 Generous learning & development opportunities and an annual $2,000 stipend for you to grow your skills and career.
• 💰 Financial coaching through Origin to help you through your financial journey.
• 🛜 Monthly internet stipend and a brand new MacBook to allow you to do your best work.
• 🚃 Monthly commuter stipend for you to expense your travel to the office (for office-based employees).
• 🥗 Free lunch provided 5x a week.
• 🏋️ Free gym access in San Francisco office building.
• 🤝 Referral bonus to reward you when you bring great talent to Handshake.
• 🧗🏼Team outings throughout the year to stay connected to each other.

• 🏦 401k Match: Handshake offers a dollar-for-dollar match on 1% of deferred salary, up to a maximum of $1,200 per year.
• 🏝 All full-time US-based Handshakers are eligible for our flexible time off policy to get out and see the world. In addition, we offer 13 standardized holidays, and 2 additional days of flexible holiday time off. Lastly, we have a Winter #ShakeBreak, a one-week period of Collective Time Off.
• 💻 Handshake offers $500 home office stipend for you to spend during your first 3 months to create a productive and comfortable workspace at home.
• 🍼 Family support: Parental leave coaching and support provided by Parentaly. We partner with Maven Clinic to provide a lifetime coverage up to $15K for expenses related to fertility and family forming!
• 💰 Lifestyle Savings Account: We offer you an annual stipend of $500 to use for purchases such as fitness classes, gym memberships, work-from-home setup, and more.

Looking for more? Explore our mission, values and comprehensive US benefits at joinhandshake.com/careers.

Handshake is committed to providing reasonable accommodations in our recruitment processes for candidates with disabilities, sincerely held religious beliefs or other reasons protected by applicable laws. If you need assistance or reasonable accommodation, please let your recruiter know during initial communications.