Director, Corporate Strategy

Upwork ($UPWK) is the world’s largest work marketplace, connecting businesses with highly skilled professionals worldwide. From entrepreneurs to Fortune 100 enterprises, companies trust Upwork’s platform to access expert talent, leverage AI-powered work solutions, and drive meaningful business outcomes.

Upwork’s AI-powered platform has facilitated over $20 billion in economic opportunity for professionals worldwide. With professionals spanning 10,000+ skills, including AI and machine learning, software development, sales and marketing, customer support, finance and accounting, and more, Upwork empowers businesses of all sizes to scale, innovate, and build agile teams.

As a Director, Corporate Strategy, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future direction of Upwork. Reporting to the Head of Corporate Strategy, this highly-ambitious leader will be responsible for working closely with Upwork leadership to identify, develop, and execute strategic initiatives that enhance Upwork’s market position, drive growth and increase shareholder value. This position requires a versatile leader with excellent analytical and communication skills and a proven track record in strategic planning and/or product strategy, competitive analysis, and market evaluation. 

The Corporate Strategy team is part of a broader strategy and growth function responsible for end-to-end execution of Upwork’s strategy creation, M&A and investment activity, business development and channel and financial services/payment partnerships. This will be a highly visible and impactful position that will offer the opportunity to drive long-term value creation for the company.

Your Responsibilities:

• Develop corporate and product strategy, driving research and communicating learnings about the landscape with leaders throughout the company.
• Be a strategic thought partner to Upwork’s senior leadership team by developing and articulating Upwork’s position on short, medium and long-term strategic issues and driving towards decisions.
• Evaluate and size market and customer segments, preparing competitive analysis and identifying growth areas for the company.
• Form strategies and business cases to pursue high potential opportunities raised by yourself and other Upwork leaders.
• Lead quantitative and qualitative research, illuminating key trends affecting our business, laying out options and recommending potential plans for addressing them. 
• Help with the preparation of the strategic components of quarterly board materials.
• Provide direction, mentorship, and development opportunities to other members of the corporate strategy team.

What it takes to catch our eye:

• Proven track record with experience in corporate or product strategy, management consulting or a related field requiring a high degree of analytical and strategic rigor.
• Experience in technology, marketplaces and/or Human Capital Management-related areas preferred.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to translate complex or ambiguous ideas into structured, actionable strategies and initiatives.
• In-depth knowledge of market trends, industry best practices with a deep understanding of competitive strategy, market sizing and opportunity evaluation.
• Exceptional leadership and interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate across departments.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to convey complex ideas in a clear and compelling manner.
• Organized, structured “doer” with a willingness to roll up sleeves, take initiative independently and have ownership accountability. 
• Ability to navigate and thrive in a fast-paced, changing environment.

Come change how the world works.

At Upwork, you’ll shape the future of work for a global, remote-first workforce, creating economic opportunities for professionals worldwide. While we have a physical office in Palo Alto, we currently hire full-time employees in 21 U.S. states, making it easier than ever to join our mission from wherever you call home.

Our culture is built on trust, risk-taking, customer focus, and excellence, all in service of our core mission: to create economic opportunities so people have better lives. We embrace authenticity and inclusion, encouraging everyone to bring their whole selves to work. Personal and professional growth is a priority here, supported through development programs, mentorship, and our Upwork Belonging Communities.

We’re proud to offer benefits that go beyond the basics, including comprehensive medical coverage for you and your family, unlimited PTO, a 401(k) plan with matching, 12 weeks of paid parental leave, and an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. Visit our Life at Upwork page to learn more about our values, working principles, and the overall employee experience.

Ready to help shape the future of work? Check out our Careers page and follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and X. to learn more about life at Upwork.

Upwork is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse and inclusive workforce. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, genetic information, or other legally protected characteristics under federal, state, or local law.

Please note that a criminal background check may be required once a conditional job offer is made. Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered in accordance with applicable law, including the California Fair Chance Act and local Fair Chance ordinances.