Engagement Manager

The Role: As an Engagement Manager on Handshake AI's Engagement Management team, you own the day-to-day relationship for a large frontier AI lab, working under the close guidance of the VP, Engagement Management and partnering with Strategic Project Leads as you build toward full account ownership. You're a reliable, responsive point of contact for your accounts, translating client needs into clear requirements and flagging risks early — developing the judgment and executive presence to grow into ownership of strategic accounts over time. Own the day-to-day relationship for a portfolio of frontier AI lab accounts, serving as a dependable, responsive point of contact for client needs. Translate client requests and feedback into clear requirements, partnering with Strategic Project Leads & Operations to keep delivery on track. Flag risks and tradeoffs early, escalating to the VP of Engagement Management when a client ask calls for a strategic decision. Support Sales and the VP, Engagement Management on expansion conversations, helping surface signals of growth or risk within your accounts. Track and report on account health metrics (SLAs, delivery milestones, satisfaction) to keep your team aligned on status. You Have 5+ years in customer-facing, high-ownership roles — engagement management, customer success, consulting, or strategy & ops — ideally with some exposure to AI, data, or complex operational products Meaningful time at a top-tier consulting firm or another elite, fast-paced customer-facing environment, including experience gained post-MBA or equivalent graduate program (pre-manager/pre-partner level is fine) Currently in an external, customer-facing role, or have held one within the last two years Genuine, demonstrated curiosity about AI — excited to learn from frontier researchers and build deep technical fluency in the space, not just drawn to the opportunity A track record of managing multiple workstreams or accounts with reliability and strong attention to detail Comfort communicating with mid- to senior-level client stakeholders and internal cross-functional partners Strong organizational skills and follow-through — you keep things moving without needing to be chased Eagerness to learn client management and executive communication from more senior team members Genuine energy for high-intensity, fast-changing environments — this isn't a fixed-hours, narrow-scope role

Bonus Points: Technical or STEM background (engineering, computer science, or related) alongside your consulting or strategy experience Prior experience in AI, data, or frontier model development Exposure to enterprise account management or complex, multi-stakeholder delivery Interest in growing into a Senior Engagement Manager role over time We Offer 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, $500 wellness stipend Growth: $2,000 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.

Compensation Range: $225K