Upwork

Lead Product Designer, Ads & Monetization

Remote

Not SpecifiedCompensation
Expert & Leadership (9+ years)Experience Level
Full TimeJob Type
UnknownVisa
Online Marketplaces, Biotechnology, Freelance PlatformsIndustries

Requirements

Candidates should have experience designing for monetization, advertising platforms, or performance marketing, preferably in a marketplace or search-heavy environment. Strong product thinking is required, with a demonstrated ability to align design decisions with business metrics and growth goals. A portfolio showcasing user-first monetization design across web and/or mobile, with clarity on the candidate's role, thought process, and results, is essential. Proficiency in tools like Figma and comfort with rapid prototyping, experimentation frameworks, and working with data-rich interfaces are necessary. Familiarity with AI-powered systems, relevance models, or surfacing logic is a plus.

Responsibilities

The Lead Product Designer will lead the design strategy and execution for the Ads & Monetization space, delivering high-quality product experiences that balance business goals with user value. They will partner with product managers, engineers, and data scientists to identify opportunities to enhance visibility, promote relevance, and drive conversions through ads and sponsored placements. The role involves translating complex monetization goals into intuitive, ethical, and user-centered design flows and prototyping and testing new ad formats, surfacing strategies, and placement mechanics. Responsibilities also include leveraging data and user insights to continuously improve performance-focused features and workflows, collaborating across functions to ensure design consistency, and contributing to Upwork’s design culture by mentoring peers, sharing best practices, and advocating for quality and customer impact.

Skills

Product Design
UX Design
UI Design
Monetization Strategy
Advertising Ecosystem Design
Discovery
Search
Performance-Based Design
Cross-functional Collaboration
User Value
Business Goals

Upwork

Online platform connecting freelancers and clients

About Upwork

Upwork connects freelancers with clients looking for various services in the gig economy, which focuses on short-term contracts instead of permanent jobs. The platform allows freelancers to create profiles that showcase their skills, while clients can post job listings for specific projects. Freelancers bid on these projects, and clients choose the best candidates based on proposals and reviews. Upwork earns revenue through service fees charged to freelancers based on their earnings, with a tiered structure that rewards long-term client relationships. The platform also offers premium memberships and additional services for enhanced visibility and access to job listings. Upwork provides tools for time tracking, invoicing, and project management, making it easier for both freelancers and clients to manage their work and payments. The goal of Upwork is to facilitate successful project completion by bridging the gap between freelancers and clients.

San Francisco, CaliforniaHeadquarters
2015Year Founded
$143.8MTotal Funding
IPOCompany Stage
Consulting, Enterprise SoftwareIndustries
10,001+Employees

Benefits

Health Insurance
Unlimited Paid Time Off
401(k) Retirement Plan
401(k) Company Match
Parental Leave
Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Risks

Increased competition from Fiverr and Toptal threatens Upwork's market share.
The new Fiverr-style Project Catalog may commoditize services, reducing freelancers' perceived value.
Strategic shifts under new management may not align with current client expectations.

Differentiation

Upwork connects freelancers with clients across diverse industries, enhancing global work opportunities.
The platform offers tools like time tracking and invoicing for efficient project management.
Upwork's tiered fee structure incentivizes long-term client relationships, differentiating it from competitors.

Upsides

Upwork's acquisition of Objective AI enhances its AI capabilities for better talent matching.
The introduction of Featured Jobs increases visibility for job posts, attracting more candidates.
Upwork's recognition as the top job posting site boosts its credibility among employers.

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