Director, Corporate Strategy

Summary

Join Upwork as a Director, Corporate Strategy and play a key role in shaping the company's future. Reporting to the Head of Corporate Strategy, you will collaborate with leadership to develop and execute strategic initiatives that enhance Upwork's market position and drive growth. This leadership position demands strong analytical and communication skills, a proven track record in strategic planning, and experience in competitive analysis and market evaluation. You will be a strategic thought partner to senior leadership, conducting research, evaluating market segments, and formulating strategies for high-potential opportunities. The role also includes mentoring other team members and contributing to board materials. Upwork offers a remote-first work environment with benefits including comprehensive medical insurance, unlimited paid time off, a 401(k) plan, paid parental leave, and an employee stock purchase plan.

Requirements

• 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
• 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

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

Preferred Qualifications

Experience in technology, marketplaces and/or Human Capital Management-related areas preferred

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical insurance coverage for both you and your family
• Unlimited paid time off
• A 401(k) plan with matching contributions
• 12 weeks of paid parental leave
• An Employee Stock Purchase Plan
• Annual bonus plan or sales incentive plan
• Eligibility to participate in our long term equity incentive program