Everyone is welcome at Handshake. We know diverse teams build better products and we are committed to creating an inclusive culture built on a foundation of respect for all individuals. We strongly encourage candidates from non-traditional backgrounds, historically marginalized or underrepresented groups to apply.
Your impact
Handshake is hiring a Director, Product Management to help us deliver the AI and Data initiatives for our marketplace’s success. More than half of college students in the US have a profile on Handshake but they’re using the platform primarily as a transactional job board. In order to fully realize our mission and goals, we need to better engage students through content and community — and in this role, you will be critical to leading how data and AI can enable this, as well as broader marketplace dynamics.
This role is a unique opportunity to help accelerate Handshake’s growth in a way that drives Handshake’s mission and our business. Ultimately, we believe Handshake can give every student access to the career-defining power of a supportive community and we need your help to make that happen!
You’ll be working closely with our world-class AI/ML team, and across our R&D org, to connect the dots between data and AI capabilities and product experiences for all Handshake users. You will drive marketplace metrics, while also accelerating greenfield AI-based features that leverage Gen AI technologies across multiple product surfaces (e.g., feed, notifications, job search). Your impact will include high-growth revenue streams through multi-channel Promotion strategies, bringing quality initiatives and state-of-the-art AI capabilities to life through new consumer experiences, and connecting the dots with multi-objective AI systems that provide value across our 3-sided marketplace. All while being mindful about making positive societal impact, including improving diversity, equity and inclusion in entry level recruiting
Your role
- Drive the development and implementation of AI-driven features and products using data insights.
- Collaborate with AI engineers, data scientists, designers, and other product managers to create innovative solutions.
- Define product vision, strategy, and roadmap with a focus on leveraging data and AI technologies.
- Utilize data analytics to gather insights, identify trends, and inform product decisions.
- Work closely with cross-functional teams to ensure successful product launches and iterations.
- Conduct market research and competitive analysis to identify opportunities for AI innovation.
- Advocate for data-driven decision-making and educate stakeholders on the potential of AI technologies.
Your experience
- Proven Experience: 8+ years of experience as a Product Manager, preferably with AI background in the technology industry, and having managed other Product Managers directly. You have demonstrated success in delivering innovative products from concept to launch in data or AI.
- Technical Background: You have strong technical acumen and the ability to understand and communicate complex AI-related technical concepts. Experience working closely with engineering teams to develop software products.
- Strong analytical thinker. Can connect the dots, spot challenges and edge cases, integrate multiple considerations.
- Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to articulate product vision, strategy, and requirements to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
- Adaptability: Comfortable working in a rapidly evolving industry and able to adapt quickly to changing priorities and market conditions.
- Experience launching and/or managing a consumer social product with 1M+ active users and are marketplace savvy — you understand different user types and can reason incentives in a marketplace to create successful products.
Bonus areas of expertise
- Deep Data and AI experience, either as a former engineer or product manager, comfortable applying the latest trends, techniques, and tools
Compensation range
- $250,000-$265,000
For cash compensation, we set standard ranges for all U.S.-based roles based on function, level, and geographic location, benchmarked against similar stage growth companies. In order to be compliant with local legislation, as well as to provide greater transparency to candidates, we share salary ranges on all job postings regardless of desired hiring location. Final offer amounts are determined by multiple factors, including geographic location as well as candidate experience and expertise, and may vary from the amounts listed above.
About us
Handshake is the career platform for Gen Z. 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. Handshake is built for where you’re going, not where you’ve been.
When it comes to our workforce strategy, we’ve thought deeply about how work-life should look at Handshake. With our hybrid-work model, employees benefit from collaboration and shared team experiences three days per week in our vibrant offices, and enjoy the flexibility of remote work two days per week. Handshake is headquartered in San Francisco, with offices in New York, London, and Berlin.
What we offer
At Handshake, we'll give you the tools to feel healthy, happy and secure.
Benefits below apply to employees in full-time positions.
- 💰 Equity and ownership in a fast-growing company.
- 🍼 16 Weeks of paid parental leave for birth giving parents & 10 weeks of paid parental leave for non-birth giving parents.
- 💝 Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision policies including LGTBQ+ Coverage. We also provide resources for Mental Health Assistance, Employee Assistance Programs and counseling support.
- 💻 Handshake offers $500/£360 home office stipend for you to spend during your first 3 months to create a productive and comfortable workspace at home.
- 📚 Generous learning & development opportunities and an annual $2,000/£1,500/€1,850 stipend for you to grow your skills and career.
- 💰 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 you to expense your travel to the office (for office-based employees).
- 🥗 Free lunch provided twice a week across all offices.
- 🤝 Referral bonus to reward you when you bring great talent to Handshake.
(US-specific benefits, in addition to the first section)
- 🏦 401k Match: Handshake offers a dollar-for-dollar match on 1% of deferred salary, up to a maximum of $1,200 per year.
- 🏝 All full-time US-based Handshakers are eligible for our flexible time off policy to get out and see the world. In addition, we offer 8 standardized holidays, and 2 additional days of flexible holiday time off. Lastly, we have a Winter #ShakeBreak, a one-week period of Collective Time Off.
- 🍼 Family support: We partner with Milk Stork to provide comprehensive 100% employer-sponsored lactation support to traveling parents and guardians. Parental leave coaching and support provided by Parentaly.
(UK-specific benefits, in addition to the first section)
- 🏦 Pension Scheme: Handshake will provide you with 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.
- 🏝 Up to 25 days of vacation to encourage people to reset, recharge, and refresh, in addition to 8 bank holidays throughout the year.
- 🤝 Regular offsites each year to bring the team together + opportunity to travel to our HQ in San Francisco.
- 🛍️ Discounts across various high street retailers, cinemas and other social activities exclusively for Handshake UK employees.
(Germany-specific benefits, in addition to the first section)
- 🏝 25 days of annual leave + 5 days of a winter #ShakeBreak, a one-week period of Collective Time Off across the company.
- 🤝 Regular offsites each year to bring the team together + opportunity to travel to our HQ in San Francisco once a year.
- 🧘 Urban sports club membership offering access to a diverse network of fitness and wellness facilities.
- 🛍️ Discounts across various high street retailers, cinemas and other social activities exclusively for Handshake Germany employees.
Looking for more? Explore our mission, values and comprehensive US benefits at joinhandshake.com/careers.
Handshake is committed to providing reasonable accommodations in our recruitment processes for candidates with disabilities, sincerely held religious beliefs or other reasons protected by applicable laws. If you need assistance or reasonable accommodation, please reach out to us at [email protected].
Top Skills
What We Do
Handshake is the #1 place to launch a career with no connections, experience, or luck required. The platform connects up-and-coming talent with 650,000+ employers - from Fortune 500 companies like Google, Nike, and Target to thousands of public school districts, healthcare systems, and nonprofits. Earlier this year, we announced our $200M Series F funding round. This Series F fundraise and new valuation of $3.5B will fuel Handshake’s next phase of growth and propel our mission to help more people start, restart, and jumpstart their careers.
Why Work With Us
How someone builds their career is foundational. We believe in working with the higher education community to help students build meaningful careers. We are at the nexus of universities, students and employers— and we’re able to connect the very best pieces of each side. We’re proud to create a community where students can be more successful.
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