Upwork ($UPWK) is the world’s work marketplace. We serve everyone from one-person startups to large, Fortune 100 enterprises with a powerful, trust-driven platform that enables companies and talent to work together in new ways that unlock their potential.

Last year, more than $3.8 billion of work was done through Upwork by skilled professionals who are gaining more control by finding work they are passionate about and innovating their careers.

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 talent solutions for how the world works today. We are a remote-first organization working together to create exciting remote work opportunities for a global community of professionals. While we have physical offices in San Francisco and Chicago, currently we also hire full-time employees in 19 states in the United States.

At the core of our vibrant culture are shared values that form the foundation of our organization. These values revolve around trust, risk-taking, customer focus, and excellence. Our overarching mission is to create economic opportunities so that people have better lives. We foster an environment where individuals are encouraged to bring their authentic selves to work, nurturing personal and professional growth through development opportunities, mentorship programs, and participation in Upwork Belonging Communities.

We take pride in providing exceptional benefits to our employees. These include 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, and an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. To explore these benefits in detail, as well as gain insights into our company values, working principles, and the overall employee experience, we invite you to visit our Life at Upwork page.

Check out our Careers page to learn more about the employee experience.

Upwork is proudly committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse and inclusive workforce. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we never discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical condition), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.

Additionally, a criminal background check may be run on a candidate after a conditional offer of employment 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.