- Job Title: Growth Operations Lead, Handshake AI
- Company: Handshake AI
- Location: San Francisco, CA (on-site)
- Job Type: Full-time, Hybrid (5 days on-site per week)
- Category: Growth, Operations
- Date Posted: April 21, 2025
- Experience Level: 2-5 years
- Remote Status: On-site
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Driving high-impact initiatives to accelerate Handshake AI's growth in the generative AI space.
- Collaborating cross-functionally with Engineering, Operations, and Go-to-Market teams to design, optimize, and scale growth strategies.
- Overseeing growth operations end-to-end, ensuring flawless execution and alignment with business goals.
- Regularly presenting progress, insights, and recommendations to Handshake AI's executive leadership.
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strategic and hands-on individual who can thrive in a dynamic and fast-evolving market. Strong collaboration and communication skills are essential to succeed in this role.
📋 Key Responsibilities
- 🌟 Lead critical growth projects by working closely with cross-functional partners to design and execute high-impact initiatives that drive revenue, adoption, and overall business growth.
- 📈 Oversee growth operations end-to-end, ensuring flawless execution and strong alignment with business goals. Own the full growth funnel—from acquisition through activation—for key generative AI initiatives.
- 📊 Regularly present progress, insights, and recommendations to Handshake AI's executive leadership, helping shape the company's growth strategy and long-term vision.
- 💡 Tackle high-priority growth challenges and set new benchmarks for expanding Handshake AI's presence in domain-specific AI applications.
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a proactive and results-driven individual who can balance strategic thinking with hands-on execution. A strong data-driven approach is crucial for success in this role.
🎯 Required Qualifications
- Education: Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (e.g., Business, Economics, or a related discipline). Advanced degrees are a plus but not required.
- Experience: 2+ years of experience in growth, product, or operations, with a background in strategy-heavy environments such as marketplaces, logistics, or on-demand services.
- Required Skills:
- Strong technical acumen, including proficiency in data analysis using SQL or Python.
- Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with a data-first approach to testing and decision-making.
- An entrepreneurial mindset, comfortable with ambiguity, fast execution, and building from zero to one.
- Proven experience in Business Operations, Strategy, or Growth teams at a tech company.
- Preferred Skills:
- Experience in the generative AI space or a related industry.
- Familiarity with growth hacking techniques and tools.
- Strong communication and presentation skills.
ASSUMPTION: Candidates with experience in the generative AI space or a related industry may have a competitive advantage in this role. Familiarity with growth hacking techniques and tools is a plus but not required.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
- Salary Range: $125,000 - $200,000 per year (based on experience and qualifications)
- Benefits:
- Equity and ownership in a fast-growing company.
- 16 weeks of paid parental leave for birth-giving parents and 10 weeks for non-birth giving parents.
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision policies, including LGBTQ+ coverage.
- Generous learning and development opportunities, with an annual $2,000 stipend for skill growth.
- Financial coaching through Origin to help you through your financial journey.
- Monthly internet stipend and a brand new MacBook to allow you to do your best work.
- Monthly commuter stipend for travel to the office (for on-site employees).
- Free lunch provided 3x a week across all offices.
- Referral bonus to reward you when you bring great talent to Handshake.
- (US-specific benefits) 401k match: Handshake offers a dollar-for-dollar match on 1% of deferred salary, up to a maximum of $1,200 per year.
- (US-specific benefits) Flexible time off policy, including 13 standardized holidays, 2 additional days of flexible holiday time off, and a one-week Winter #ShakeBreak.
- (US-specific benefits) $500 home office stipend during the first 3 months to create a productive and comfortable workspace at home.
- (US-specific benefits) Family support: Parental leave coaching and support provided by Parentaly, and lifetime coverage up to $15K for expenses related to fertility and family forming through Maven Clinic.
- (US-specific benefits) Lifestyle Savings Account: An annual stipend of $500 to use for purchases such as fitness classes, gym memberships, work-from-home setup, and more.
- (UK-specific benefits) Pension Scheme: Handshake will provide a workplace pension, where you will make contributions based on 5% of your salary. Handshake will pay the equivalent of 3% towards your pension plan, subject to qualifying earnings limits.
- (UK-specific benefits) Up to 25 days of vacation, in addition to 8 bank holidays throughout the year.
- (UK-specific benefits) Regular offsites each year to bring the team together and opportunity to travel to Handshake's HQ in San Francisco.
- (UK-specific benefits) Discounts across various high street retailers, cinemas, and other social activities exclusively for Handshake UK employees.
- (Germany-specific benefits) 25 days of annual leave, plus 5 days of a winter #ShakeBreak.
- (Germany-specific benefits) Regular offsites each year to bring the team together and opportunity to travel to Handshake's HQ in San Francisco once a year.
- (Germany-specific benefits) Urban sports club membership offering access to a diverse network of fitness and wellness facilities.
- (Germany-specific benefits) Discounts across various high street retailers, cinemas, and other social activities exclusively for Handshake Germany employees.
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is based on Handshake AI's standard ranges for U.S.-based roles, benchmarked against similar stage growth companies. Final offer amounts are determined by multiple factors, including geographic location, candidate experience, and expertise.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
- Industry: Handshake AI operates in the generative AI space, focusing on creating innovative solutions for strategic customers and the broader market.
- Company Size: Handshake AI is a small but rapidly growing company, with a current team of 2 employees.
- Founded: Handshake AI was founded in 2023.
- Company Description: Handshake AI is a career platform for Gen Z, connecting students, alumni, employers, and career educators. With a community of over 17 million students, alumni, employers, and career educators, Handshake's network is where career advice and discovery turn into first, second, and third jobs. Nearly 1 million companies use Handshake to build their future workforce, from Fortune 500 to federal agencies, school districts to startups, healthcare systems to small businesses.
- Company Specialties: Handshake AI specializes in career development, job matching, and employer branding.
📊 Role Analysis
- Career Level: This role is a mid-level position, requiring 2+ years of experience in growth, product, or operations.
- Reporting Structure: The Growth Operations Lead will report directly to Handshake AI's executive leadership and collaborate closely with cross-functional partners across Engineering, Operations, and Go-to-Market teams.
- Work Arrangement: This role follows a hybrid work arrangement, with employees working on-site five days per week and remotely two days per week.
- Growth Opportunities: As Handshake AI continues to grow, there will be opportunities for the Growth Operations Lead to take on more responsibility and potentially move into a leadership role within the growth team or across the organization.
ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant growth potential as Handshake AI continues to expand its presence in the generative AI space.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
- Office Type: Handshake AI's offices are vibrant and collaborative spaces, designed to foster teamwork and innovation.
- Office Location(s): Handshake AI's headquarters are located in San Francisco, with additional offices in New York, London, and Berlin.
- Geographic Context: San Francisco is a major tech hub, offering a dynamic and fast-paced work environment with ample opportunities for professional growth and networking.
- Work Schedule: Employees benefit from collaboration and shared team experiences three days per week in the office and enjoy the flexibility of remote work two days per week.
ASSUMPTION: The hybrid work arrangement offers the best of both worlds, allowing employees to collaborate and build relationships in the office while also enjoying the flexibility of remote work.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
- Typical Process: Handshake AI's interview process typically includes an initial phone or video screen, followed by on-site interviews with cross-functional team members and stakeholders. The final round may include a presentation or case study component.
- Key Assessment Areas: Candidates will be assessed on their strategic thinking, analytical skills, problem-solving abilities, and cultural fit with Handshake AI's values and work environment.
- Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role.
- Be prepared to discuss your experience with growth, product, or operations, and how it has equipped you to succeed in this role.
- Familiarize yourself with Handshake AI's mission, values, and company culture to demonstrate your fit and enthusiasm for the role.
ASSUMPTION: Handshake AI's interview process is designed to assess candidates' technical skills, strategic thinking, and cultural fit with the company's values and work environment.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- SQL or Python for data analysis
- Growth hacking tools and techniques
- Presentation software (e.g., PowerPoint, Google Slides)
- Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, JIRA)
- Collaboration and communication tools (e.g., Slack, Microsoft Teams, Google Workspace)
ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with the tools and technologies listed above is preferred but not required. Candidates should be comfortable learning and adapting to new tools as needed.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
- Company Values: Handshake AI values collaboration, innovation, and continuous learning. The company fosters a culture of trust, shared purpose, and continuous growth.
- Work Style: Handshake AI's work environment is fast-paced, dynamic, and collaborative. Employees are expected to be self-starters, comfortable with ambiguity, and able to thrive in a rapidly evolving market.
- Self-Assessment Questions:
- How do you align with Handshake AI's values, and how have you demonstrated these values in your previous roles?
- How comfortable are you working in a fast-paced, dynamic, and collaborative environment, with a strong focus on growth and innovation?
- How do you approach learning and adapting to new tools and technologies, and how have you demonstrated this in your previous roles?
ASSUMPTION: Candidates who are a strong cultural fit with Handshake AI's values and work environment will be more likely to succeed in this role and contribute to the company's continued growth and success.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Role-specific challenges: This role requires a strong balance between strategic thinking and hands-on execution. Candidates should be comfortable working on multiple projects simultaneously and prioritizing their time and resources effectively.
- Company-specific challenges: As a small but rapidly growing company, Handshake AI may face growing pains and challenges related to scaling its operations and maintaining its unique company culture.
- Industry-specific challenges: The generative AI space is a dynamic and fast-evolving market, with constant changes and innovations. Candidates should be comfortable working in a rapidly changing environment and adapting to new technologies and trends.
- Location-specific challenges: San Francisco is a competitive job market, with a high cost of living. Candidates should be prepared to navigate these challenges and demonstrate their value to potential employers.
ASSUMPTION: Candidates who are proactive, adaptable, and comfortable working in a dynamic and fast-paced environment will be better equipped to overcome these challenges and succeed in this role.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- How this role differs from related positions: This role is unique in its focus on growth operations and strategic initiatives within the generative AI space. While similar roles may exist in other industries or companies, this role offers a unique opportunity to drive growth and innovation in a rapidly evolving market.
- Industry-specific context: The generative AI space is a fast-growing and highly competitive market, with constant innovation and disruption. Candidates should be prepared to work in a dynamic and ever-changing environment.
- Career path comparison: This role offers significant growth potential, with opportunities to take on more responsibility and potentially move into a leadership role within the growth team or across the organization. Candidates should be prepared to take on new challenges and expand their skill set as the company continues to grow.
ASSUMPTION: Candidates who are strategic thinkers, comfortable with ambiguity, and eager to take on new challenges will be well-suited to this role and the growth opportunities it offers.
📝 Sample Projects
- Project example 1: Design and execute a targeted marketing campaign to drive adoption and revenue for a new generative AI product, tailored to the evolving needs of strategic customers and the broader market.
- Project example 2: Analyze market trends and customer feedback to identify growth opportunities and optimize existing growth strategies for key generative AI initiatives.
- Project example 3: Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop and implement a data-driven approach to measuring and optimizing growth funnel performance, ensuring strong alignment with business goals.
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the strategic and hands-on nature of this role, requiring candidates to balance data-driven decision-making with creative problem-solving and collaboration.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Role-specific questions:
- How do you approach balancing strategic thinking with hands-on execution in this role?
- Can you describe a time when you had to prioritize multiple projects simultaneously, and how did you ensure the success of each initiative?
- How do you stay up-to-date with the latest trends and innovations in the generative AI space, and how have you applied this knowledge in your previous roles?
- Company-specific questions:
- How does Handshake AI maintain its unique company culture as it continues to grow and scale its operations?
- What are some of the challenges Handshake AI has faced as a small but rapidly growing company, and how have you addressed these challenges in your previous roles?
- Work environment questions:
- How do you prefer to work in a hybrid environment, balancing collaboration and teamwork with remote work?
- What strategies do you use to stay organized and productive when working remotely, and how have you applied these strategies in your previous roles?
ASSUMPTION: Asking these questions will help candidates better understand the role, the company, and the work environment, enabling them to make an informed decision about their fit for the position.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this [link](https://joinhandshake.com/careers/job?gh_jid=6821591).
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role, emphasizing your strategic thinking, analytical skills, and problem-solving abilities.
- Prepare for the interview process by familiarizing yourself with Handshake AI's mission, values, and company culture, and be ready to discuss your experience with growth, product, or operations.
- Follow up with the hiring manager after your interview, expressing your enthusiasm for the role and reiterating your qualifications.
- If you are selected for the position, be prepared to provide references and complete any additional background checks or assessments as required by Handshake AI's hiring process.
⚠️ Disclaimer: This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
