Head of Strategic Projects, India

Handshake is building the career network for the AI economy - a next-generation platform where opportunity, talent, and intelligence converge. Today, we connect 20M+ students and early-career professionals with 750K+ employers across more than 1,500 universities, creating one of the largest and most diverse talent ecosystems in the world.

Our platform brings every part of the career journey together: the network generates high-quality recruiting matches, which in turn produce rich, real-world career data. That data then powers AI systems that make the experience even smarter and more personalized. Each component strengthens the others, creating a continuous cycle of compounding value for students, employers, and institutions.

You will be the founding leader responsible for standing up and scaling Handshake AI’s Strategic Projects organization in India. This role operates as a GM for a critical delivery function, owning execution, systems, and culture as we expand our global AI operations. Your leadership will directly determine our ability to scale high-quality AI data and evaluation work with the speed, reliability, and accuracy the frontier labs demand.

• Build and lead a multi-layered Strategic Projects team in India to deliver high-stakes human data and evaluation programs with consistent quality and on-time execution

• Operate end-to-end delivery systems (staffing, workflows, metrics, reviews) to increase throughput, utilization, and cost efficiency across strategic initiatives

• Establish scalable processes and operating norms that enable seamless collaboration across India and US teams with minimal dependency and handoffs

• Develop managers and SPLs into strong operators and people leaders to support rapid headcount growth and long-term organizational durability

Must-Haves:

• 8+ years in execution-heavy operational environments (e.g., AI/data operations, marketplaces, large-scale services, strategy & operations)

• 4+ years managing managers and frontline teams with clear accountability for delivery and outcomes

• Proven ability to build systems, workflows, and operating cadence in ambiguous, fast-changing environments

• Hands-on leadership style with willingness to step into execution when projects or teams are at risk

• Strong people management skills, including coaching, performance management, and career development

• Experience working across time zones with globally distributed teams

• Track record of building strong team culture and operating discipline from the ground up

Bonus Points:

• Experience standing up or scaling an offshore or international operations hub

• Background in AI, data labeling, evaluation, or technical services organizations

• Exposure to high-growth startups or zero-to-one team builds

• Generous Equity Grant vested over 4 years

• Housing Bonus: 1.3 Lakhs spread throughout the first year

• Well Defined Performance Bonus ranging between 10 - 100% of base

• Medical Insurance Coverage

• Food credit for every in person day