Technical Program Manager, Central Operations

Edtech.com's Summary

Handshake is hiring a Technical Program Manager, Central Operations. The role requires driving operational programs across key functions such as Trust & Safety, Pay Operations, and Contractor Management, focusing on designing, improving, and scaling processes through program management, technical fluency, and data-driven decision making. The position collaborates with Legal, Finance, Product, Engineering, Analytics, and Delivery teams to translate needs into clear execution plans and measurable outcomes.

Highlights

Drive execution of operational programs in Trust & Safety, Pay Operations, and Contractor Management.
Design, improve, and scale operational processes using strong program management and data-driven decision making.
Collaborate cross-functionally with Legal, Finance, Product, Engineering, Analytics, and Delivery teams.
Requires strong SQL and data analysis skills to investigate operational data and generate actionable insights.
Manage multiple programs or workstreams simultaneously with attention to detail.
Translate complex operational workflows into structured plans.
Preferred skills include strong communication, ability to influence without authority, and continuous improvement mindset.
Benefits include equity, 401(k) match, paid parental leave, fertility benefits, medical/dental/vision coverage, wellness stipend, $2000 learning stipend, flexible PTO, and team outings.
Offers financial coaching, mental health support, commuting and internet reimbursements, and free lunch/gym access in the San Francisco office.

Technical Program Manager, Central Operations Full Description

About Handshake

Handshake is the career network for the AI economy. 20 million knowledge workers, 1,600 educational institutions, 1 million employers (including 100% of the Fortune 50), and every foundational AI lab trust Handshake to power career discovery, hiring, and upskilling, from freelance AI training gigs to first internships to full-time careers and beyond. This unique value is leading to unparalleled growth; in 2025, we tripled our ARR at scale.

Why join Handshake now:

Shape how every career evolves in the AI economy, at global scale, with impact your friends, family and peers can see and feel
Work hand-in-hand with world-class AI labs, Fortune 500 partners and the worldâs top educational institutions
Join a team with leadership from Scale AI, Meta, xAI, Notion, Coinbase, and Palantir, among others
Build a massive, fast-growing business with billions in revenue

The Role

The Technical Program Manager (TPM), Central Operations will be an individual contributor responsible for driving the execution of operational programs across key central ops functions, including Trust & Safety, Pay Operations, and Contractor Management. This role is highly hands-on and focused on designing, improving, and scaling operational processes through strong program management, technical fluency, and data-driven decision making.

The TPM will work closely with partners in Legal, Finance, Product, Engineering, Analytics, and Delivery to translate business and operational needs into clear requirements, execution plans, and measurable outcomes. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, comfortable working deeply within operational workflows, and energized by turning complex, cross-functional problems into scalable solution

You Have

Experience in technical program management, operations, or a similar IC role supporting cross-functional initiatives.
Strong SQL and data analysis skills; ability to independently investigate operational data and surface actionable insights.
Proven ability to manage multiple programs or workstreams simultaneously with strong attention to detail.
Comfort working âin the weedsâ of operational workflows and translating messy real-world processes into structured plans.

Bonus Points

Strong written and verbal communication skills, especially in documenting requirements and communicating status, risks, and tradeoffs.
Ability to influence cross-functional partners and drive progress without formal authority.
A bias toward execution and continuous improvement.

We Offer

Handshake delivers benefits that help you feel supported and thrive at work and in life.

The below benefits are for full-time US employees.

ð¯ Ownership: Equity in a fast-growing company

ð° Financial Wellness: 401(k) match, competitive compensation, financial coaching

ð¼ Family Support: Paid parental leave, fertility benefits, parental coaching

ð Wellbeing: Medical, dental, and vision, mental health support, $500 wellness stipend

ð Growth: $2,000 learning stipend, ongoing development

ð» Remote & Office: Internet, commuting, and free lunch/gym in our SF office

ð Time Off: Flexible PTO, 15 holidays + 2 flex days

ð¤ Connection: Team outings & referral bonuses

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

Original Job Description