Remote VP of Design

Summary

Join us at Upwork in shaping talent solutions for a global community of professionals. We're seeking a Vice President of Design to lead and shape the future of product experience through innovative interaction models, conversational UX, and modern design systems.

Requirements

• 15+ years of experience in product and UX design, with at least 7 years in a leadership role, ideally at the executive level
• Expertise in designing for emerging technologies, including conversational UX, voice interfaces, multi-modal experiences, and AI-driven systems
• Strong understanding of human-computer interaction models, particularly in voice and video interfaces
• Experience working on products that span multiple interaction modes (visual, voice, touch (mobile), video)
• Proven ability to collaborate effectively with engineering and product teams, aligning design vision with technical capabilities and business needs
• Strong portfolio demonstrating leadership in innovative design and forward-thinking product development
• Experience in growing and leading design organizations, fostering a scalable and inclusive design culture
• Experience with AI and machine learning-driven UX design
• Familiarity with augmented and virtual reality interfaces
• Track record of creating accessible and inclusive design systems
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to articulate design vision and strategy to both technical and non-technical stakeholders

Responsibilities

• Define and evolve Upwork’s design strategy and systems, focusing on innovative interaction models such as voice, gesture, real-time video, and AI-driven conversational interfaces
• Champion new interaction models, including voice-recognition and input systems, and video, ensuring our product experiences are modern, easy to use, highly performant, and engaging
• Lead the design of multi-modal systems that integrate visual, auditory, and tactile interactions, creating seamless user experiences beyond traditional screen-based design
• Oversee the design and development of conversational UX, focusing on AI-driven interactions, natural language processing (NLP), and dialogue management to enhance user engagement
• Collaborate with product, engineering, marketing, business development, and operations teams to ensure design strategies are anchored on solving customer problems and closely aligned with business goals, promoting a user-centered approach to product development
• Advocate for behavioral data-driven insights to inform design decisions and create meaningful, accessible experiences for a diverse, global user base
• Establish and maintain a modern, comprehensive design system, with guidelines and governance to ensure consistency across all platforms and interaction modes
• Build, mentor, and inspire a world-class design team, fostering a culture of creativity, inclusivity, and continuous learning

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical insurance coverage for both you and your family
• Unlimited paid time off
• 401(k) plan with matching contributions
• 12 weeks of paid parental leave
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan