Chief of Staff, CEO
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 world's 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 Chief of Staff to the CEO is Garrett Lord's closest execution partner - the person who helps him get things done at extraordinary speed across Handshake's mutually reinforcing business lines: our network, recruiting platform, and AI data work. You'll turn his priorities into structured action, run the operating rhythm that keeps a fast-growing organization aligned, and pick up whatever needs to move - owning the systems-building and follow-through that a founder-led company needs but doesn't run on its own. It's a high-trust, high-leverage seat and a proven springboard into senior operating roles at Handshake.
Run the operating cadence - board prep, executive staff, planning, and KPI reviews - so decisions get made and priorities stay clear across the company
Drive high-stakes cross-functional initiatives, from GTM alignment and org design to M&A and AI adoption, from idea to executed outcome with clear owners
Build the analytical foundation behind key decisions by interrogating data, modeling scenarios, and distilling crisp, actionable recommendations for the CEO and board
Produce world-class communications - board decks, investor memos, and all-hands narratives - that represent the CEO's thinking with precision
You Have
5+ years of standout performance and rapid progression in a high-bar environment - top-tier consulting, investing (PE/VC/IB), or high-growth operating
Has been the right-hand person to a senior leader and personally owned initiatives end to end - not just supported a team
Exceptional horsepower and work ethic - you move fast, outwork the problem, and get things done without being asked
AI fluency and enthusiasm - you actively use AI to create leverage in your work and are excited about where it's headed (formal AI experience not required)
Intellectual humility and coachability - you learn fast, update your views, and take direct feedback in stride
Calm under pressure and highly collaborative - you build trust fast and work well with everyone amid chaos
Sharp analytical and written communication - fluent with data and models; decks and memos that don't need editing
Energized by Handshake's mission to expand access to opportunity in the AI economy
Bonus points:
Experience across company stages, from early-stage to scaled
Familiarity with marketplaces, multi-sided platforms, or AI/SaaS go-to-market
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.
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: Internet, commuting, and free lunch/gym in our SF office
Time Off: Flexible PTO, 15 holidays + 2 flex days
Connection: Team outings & referral bonuses
Explore our mission, values, and comprehensive US benefits at joinhandshake.com/careers.