Senior Operations Program Manager, Central Operations

Job DescriptionAbout Handshake AIHandshake 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 RoleThe 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 functionsAnalyze performance data to identify trends, gaps, and opportunities for improvementBuild and optimize processes to improve efficiency, quality, and scalabilityPartner cross-functionally to launch and iterate on operational initiativesTrack and report on key metrics, ensuring programs meet performance targetsDrive continuous improvement through structured problem-solving and experimentationDesired Capabilities4-6 years of experienceStrong analytical skills, with the ability to use data to inform decisionsExperience using SQL (or similar tools) to pull and analyze dataDemonstrated ability to manage cross-functional projects and influence stakeholdersComfort operating in ambiguous environments and driving clarityStrong organizational skills and attention to detailExtra CreditExperience in Trust & Safety, Payments, or Contractor OperationsStrong problem-solving skills with a structured approach to complex challengesExcellent communication skills, with the ability to clearly articulate insights and recommendationsExperience operating in fast-paced, metrics-driven environmentsPerksHandshake 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 companyFinancial Wellness: 401(k) match, competitive compensation, financial coachingFamily Support: Paid parental leave, fertility benefits, parental coachingWellbeing: Medical, dental, and vision, mental health support, wellness stipendGrowth: Learning stipend, ongoing developmentRemote & Office: Internet, commuting, and free lunch/gym in our SF officeTime Off: Flexible PTO, 15 holidays + 2 flex daysConnection: Team outings & referral bonusesExplore our mission, values, and comprehensive US benefits at joinhandshake.com/careers.Compensation Range: $172K - $215K