Senior Operations Program Manager, Central Operations

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.

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 offic…