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.

　　We are seeking a Senior Director of Strategy and Operations for our Marketplace Business Unit. This pivotal role sits at the intersection of innovation and execution, requiring a senior individual contributor that is skilled at formulating transformative business strategies but also excels in steering teams towards their successful implementation. This role is crafted for an individual with a robust analytical toolkit, a strategic mindset, and the leadership capabilities necessary to navigate complex business landscapes.

　　We are looking for someone who is not only comfortable in dealing with ambiguity but thrives in it, leveraging their strategy experience and broad operational expertise to drive sustained performance and competitive advantage. This role will report to the General Manager, Marketplace.

　　Your Responsibilities: Lead the development and execution of comprehensive strategies to facilitate growth, health, and relative market positioning of the Upwork marketplace. Conduct and monitor analysis to identify emerging trends, evaluate competitive standing, and recommend strategic responses. Work with leads to adjust plans to proactively manage and mitigate risks while capitalizing on opportunities for growth and innovation. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to align strategy with execution, ensuring that each department's efforts cohesively contribute to the company's strategic goals. Drive strategic planning processes within the business unit, including the formulation of annual and long-term strategic plans. Ensure that strategies are clearly communicated and understood and aligned with the broader company processes and cadences. Champion innovation across the company by fostering a culture of continuous improvement and being open to new ideas and transformative approaches that can propel the business forward. What is Takes to Catch Our Eye: A proven track record of developing and implementing strategies that have substantially increased a company's market presence and profitability, particularly within digital marketplaces or similar platforms. Exceptional leadership and interpersonal skills, with experience in building, mentoring, and retaining high-caliber strategic and operational teams. Strong analytical and decision-making abilities paired with a willingness to dive into the details and drive material business improvements through hands-on strategy execution. Experience in helping teams turn strategies into plans and execution, working within the appropriate budget, schedule, and scope constraints. Demonstrated capacity for creative and critical thinking in the face of fast-paced, dynamic industry changes, with an emphasis on innovative solutions and strategic risk-taking.  

　　The annual base salary for this position in California and Washington ranges from $218,000 - $300,000. The range displayed reflects the minimum and maximum salary for this position in California and Washington, 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.

　　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 support hiring of corporate full-time employees in 19 states in the United States. Please speak with a member of our recruitment team to determine whether you are located in a state in which we are hiring corporate full-time employees. 

　　Our vibrant culture is built on shared values and our mission to create economic opportunities so that people have better lives. We foster amazing teams, put our community first, and have a bias toward action. We encourage everyone to bring their whole selves to work and grow together through development opportunities, mentorship, and employee resource groups. And oh yeah, we've also got amazing benefits - including medical insurance for you and your family, unlimited PTO, 401(k) with matching, 12 weeks of paid parental leave, and a generous Employee Stock Purchase Plan. Check out our Life at Upwork page to learn more about our benefits and the employee experience.

　　Check out our Life at Upwork 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.

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