Head of 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 the Head of Corporate Strategy, you will play a pivotal role in shaping Upwork’s long-term strategic direction. Reporting to the Vice President of Strategy, Corporate Development, and Partnerships, this leader will partner with Upwork’s senior and executive leadership to develop and execute initiatives that enhance Upwork’s market position, drive growth, and increase shareholder value.

The Corporate Strategy team is part of a broader strategy and growth function responsible for strategy creation, M&A and investment activity, business development, and financial/payment partnerships. This high-visibility role provides the opportunity to directly impact Upwork’s long-term success and value creation.

Responsibilities

• Corporate Strategy Development
  • Drive the development of Upwork’s corporate strategy, focusing on 3–5 year horizons, annual planning, and addressing key business challenges.
  • Partner with senior leaders across business units to identify and align on strategic priorities that drive growth and enhance market competitiveness.
  • Support strategic planning by conducting scenario analyses and recommending actionable initiatives.
• Thought Leadership
  • Provide actionable insights and recommendations to senior leadership on emerging trends, technologies, and opportunities that align with Upwork’s goals.
  • Act as a strategic advisor to leaders across the organization, offering guidance on critical decisions and initiatives.
  • Contribute to a culture of innovation by identifying and advocating for new business opportunities and go-to-market strategies.
• Research & Analysis
  • Conduct rigorous qualitative and quantitative analyses to address key strategic questions, uncover insights, and inform decision-making.
  • Lead efforts to analyze market dynamics, competitive positioning, and emerging opportunities to ensure Upwork remains a market leader.
  • Own addressable market (TAM) analyses, identifying growth potential and strategic areas for investment.
• Project Management & Execution
  • Manage cross-functional initiatives that align corporate strategy with operational execution and financial planning.
  • Work closely with FP&A, Analytics, and Business Units to integrate strategy into long-term planning and ensure alignment with company goals.
  • Prepare materials for key stakeholders, including quarterly board presentations, to communicate progress and insights.
• Team Leadership
  • Manage and mentor a team of strategy professionals, fostering a collaborative environment that drives high-quality outputs and professional growth.
  • Encourage cross-functional collaboration to ensure strategic initiatives are well-informed and executable.
  • Act as a role model for Upwork’s values, promoting a results-driven, innovative, and inclusive culture.

What it takes to catch our eye

• 12+ years of experience in corporate strategy, management consulting, investment banking or a related field
• A proven track record of strategic development in a fast-paced, dynamic environment, preferably in technology, marketplaces, or Human Capital Management.
• Exceptional analytical and strategic thinking skills, with the ability to translate complex ideas into actionable strategies.
• Strong leadership and team management skills, with experience building and mentoring high-performing teams.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate across all levels of the organization.
• Organized, structured, and highly proactive with a strong sense of ownership and accountability.
• MBA or quantitative degree from a top school is preferred.

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.