People Operations Lead

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.

We’re looking for a hands-on, operationally excellent People Operations leader to build, scale, and run the systems that make our team thrive. This is a high-impact, roll-up-your-sleeves role for someone who loves building structure in fast-moving environments, thrives in ambiguity, and can lead a small but mighty team while still diving into the work.

You’ll own the end-to-end employee experience — from onboarding to offboarding — and partner closely with HRBPs, Talent, Finance, and IT to ensure our people programs are seamless, compliant, and scalable as we grow.

• Lead and scale People Ops: Manage and develop a small team responsible for core people processes (onboarding, offboarding, data, systems, compliance, payroll/benefits ops).

• Drive execution: Own the day-to-day operations that keep the People function running — ensuring accuracy, speed, and great employee experience.

• Build systems: Improve and optimize our HRIS (Workday, Ashby, others) and connected systems for automation, efficiency, and data accuracy.

• Partner cross-functionally: Collaborate with Finance, IT, Legal, and business leaders to align people processes with company goals.

• Ensure compliance: Maintain compliance with employment laws and regulations across states/countries, while keeping our approach simple and scalable.

• Scale programs: Support rollout and execution of key People programs — performance cycles, engagement surveys, compensation reviews, etc.

• Be a builder: Spot process gaps and fix them fast. Implement lightweight, tech-enabled solutions that grow with us.

• 5+ years of experience in People Operations or HR, ideally in a fast-scaling tech company.

• Strong operational mindset — you get stuff done, anticipate needs, and streamline chaos into clarity.

• Experience owning and improving HR systems and data flows (Workday, Ashby, Lattice, etc.).

• Proven ability to lead small teams and work cross-functionally with senior stakeholders.

• Deep understanding of core HR processes, compliance, and employee lifecycle management.

• Comfort operating in ambiguity — you build as you go and don’t wait for perfect.

• A bias for action, systems thinking, and a healthy dose of scrappiness.

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: Stipends for home office setup, internet, commuting, and free lunch/gym in our SF office

🏝 Time Off: Flexible PTO, 15 holidays + 2 flex days, winter #ShakeBreak where our whole office closes for a week!

🤝 Connection: Team outings & referral bonuses

Explore our mission, values, and comprehensive US benefits at joinhandshake.com/careers.