Head of Corporate Strategy

Upwork Inc.’s (Nasdaq: UPWK) family of companies connects businesses with global AI-enabled talent across every contingent work type including freelance fractional and payrolled. This portfolio includes the Upwork Marketplace which connects businesses with on-demand access to highly skilled talent across the globe and Lifted which provides a purpose-built solution for enterprise organizations to source contract manage and pay talent across the full spectrum of contingent work. From Fortune 100 enterprises to entrepreneurs businesses rely on Upwork Inc. to find and hire expert talent leverage AI-powered work solutions and drive business transformation. With access to professionals spanning more than 10000 skills across AI & machine learning software development sales & marketing customer support finance & accounting and more the Upwork family of companies enables businesses of all sizes to scale innovate and transform their workforces for the age of AI and beyond.

Since its founding Upwork Inc. has facilitated more than $30 billion in total transactions and services as it fulfills its purpose to create opportunity in every era of work. Learn more about the Upwork Marketplace at upwork.com and follow on LinkedIn Facebook Instagram TikTok and X ; and learn more about Lifted at go-lifted.com and follow on LinkedIn .

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 34 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 to learn more about opportunities 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.

The annual base salary range for this position  is displayed below. The range displayed reflects the minimum and maximum salary for this position and individual base pay will depend on your skills qualifications experience and location. Additionally this position is eligible for the annual bonus plan or sales incentive plan and eligibility to participate in our long term equity incentive program.

Annual Base Compensation

$195000—$308000 USD