Head of Corporate Strategy

Position Overview

• Location Type: Remote
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Salary: Not specified

Upwork 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.

Requirements

• Not specified

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.