Associate Privacy Counsel

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.

We’re looking for an Associate Privacy Counsel to join our award-winning legal team and play a key role in advancing our global privacy and information security program. In this position, you will partner closely with stakeholders across the business to provide practical, solution-oriented legal guidance in a fast-paced, innovative environment. You'll monitor evolving global data privacy laws and help ensure our products, practices, and policies align with regulatory requirements and user expectations.

This is a remote-first role with the opportunity to shape the future of privacy at Upwork—recognized as Law.com’s “Most Innovative Legal Department” in the U.S.

Responsibilities

• Provide day-to-day, risk-based legal counsel on privacy and information security issues in clear, actionable terms that enable business outcomes

• Monitor U.S. and global privacy regulations (e.g., GDPR, CCPA/CPRA) and lead internal alignment to ensure ongoing compliance

• Draft and negotiate data processing agreements and other privacy-related provisions with clients, vendors, and partners

• Review and advise on privacy considerations in product features, tools, and technologies, offering guidance to mitigate risk while enabling innovation

• Manage and refine the Data Subject Request (DSR) process, driving efficiency and compliance improvements

• Develop internal resources such as training materials, FAQs, and guidance documents to enable scalable legal support

• Support responses to user complaints and regulatory inquiries, representing Upwork with external stakeholders and privacy regulators

What it takes to catch our eye

• 1–3 years of legal experience in a law firm or in-house role with a focus on privacy and information security compliance

• Demonstrated knowledge of regulatory frameworks such as GDPR, CCPA/CPRA, and other international privacy laws

• Proven experience negotiating data processing agreements and drafting legal documentation

• Strong research and communication skills with the ability to distill complex legal concepts into practical business guidance

• Licensed to practice law and in good standing in at least one U.S. state

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.