Head of Strategic Projects, Handshake AI

Your impactHandshake is expanding into AI research and development, building a world-class network of expert Fellows - PhDs, researchers, and subject matter specialists - who contribute to cutting-edge AI through specialized research, model evaluation, and domain-specific applications. We’re looking for an entrepreneurial, systems-minded operator to serve as a Head of Strategic Projects - owning a delivery pod within Handshake AI. You’ll lead a 8+ person team, including managers and individual contributors, to drive execution across some of our highest-priority, high-velocity AI data initiatives.Each pod operates like its own mini-business within Handshake AI - you’ll be responsible for aligning cross-functionally with Product, Growth, and Research, running Weekly Business Reviews, and scaling operational excellence in a fast-changing, high-stakes environment.This is a high-impact, multi-dimensional leadership role where you’ll combine strategic thinking with hands-on operational rigor to unlock quality, throughput, and innovation at scale.This position is based in San Francisco or New York and this team is in the office five days a week.Your roleOwn and lead an AI Delivery Pod consisting of 8+ team members (managers + individual contributors) across complex, high-stakes data projectsRun Weekly Business Reviews tracking pod-level performance, driving alignment on metrics, and setting clear prioritiesOperate as a GM of your pod, responsible for business outcomes, throughput, quality, and operational P&LPartner cross-functionally with Product, Growth, and Research teams to execute against evolving data strategiesEnsure high quality delivery of AI training datasets by scoping projects, designing systems,Drive systems-level improvements to increase pod efficiency, quality, and scalabilityExperiment, iterate, and problem-solve in ambiguity, bringing structure and clarity to complex operational challengesDevelop the team through active coaching, building upon strengths and providing developmental feedback and opportunities to advance their professional careersFoster a high-performing culture built on close collaboration, transparency, and a commitment to operational excellence that elevates team standardsYour experience7+ years of professional experience in operationally intensive or execution-heavy environmentsAt least 2+ years of leadership experience managing teams; ideally including managing multi-layered teams (managers + ICs)Proven success driving cross-functional outcomes in ambiguous, fast-paced settingsMetrics-driven operator who can scale systems, improve throughput, and maintain high-quality standards at speedAbility to zoom in and out - comfortable with hands-on operational detail as well as strategic, systems-level thinkingStrong cross-functional fluency - you’ve worked closely with product, engineering, or growth teams to deliver on shared business goalsEntrepreneurial mindset, with experience either as a founder, early-stage startup operator, or someone who has taken ownership of end-to-end outcomes in a high-growth environmentTechnical fluency or a STEM background is a strong plusTraits we are looking forExcellent written and verbal communication skillsStrong sense of ownership and pride in their workTechnical background with fluency in programming languages and/or SQLHigh degree of agency - ideal candidate can thrive in ambiguityPassionate about / interested in AI (super user of LLMs, up-to-date on latest AI trends)Critical thinker / first principles approach to solving problemsData driven decision makerThoughtful about making decisions - doesn’t jump to conclusions without considering all potential variables/curve ballsThe drive and competitiveness to win in a rapidly growing marketPotential BackgroundsWe’ve seen success with candidates who have:Managed high-velocity data operations at AI companies or marketplace businessesFounded a company that achieved meaningful traction, network growth, or early revenue scaleWo ... (truncated, view full listing at source)