Managing Director, Research Institute

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 10,000 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 us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and X; and learn more about Lifted at Go-Lifted and follow on LinkedIn.

As Managing Director of Upwork’s Research Institute, you will lead a team that translates data and economic insights into compelling stories that shape the public discourse around the future of work. You will design and drive a research strategy that produces influential content across media platforms, supports our brand and sales motions, and engages audiences ranging from policy influencers to business leaders to the broader public. This is a rare opportunity to combine deep intellectual rigor with storytelling impact, amplifying Upwork’s voice as a leading source of thought leadership on work, talent, and economic transformation.

This role reports to the VP of Communications and is a greenfield opportunity to harness your understanding of research and your eye for editorial to establish Upwork as the trusted source to tell the data-backed workforce stories that matter. 

Responsibilities

• Set the research vision and strategic agenda for the Upwork Research Institute, ensuring alignment with business objectives and emerging macroeconomic trends.
• Serve as the primary spokesperson for the Institute across national media, op-eds, events, and social platforms—translating technical findings into compelling, accessible stories.
• Lead a team of researchers to produce data-rich insights and media-ready narratives.
• Develop flagship research reports, media campaigns, and editorial calendars that drive consistent, high-impact thought leadership.
• Build and scale partnerships with external academics, think tanks, trade groups, and research institutions to amplify our credibility and reach.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders across sales, marketing, product, and analytics to embed research into Upwork’s growth and engagement strategies.
• Use AI tools to accelerate insight development, summarize large data sets, and enhance storytelling formats.

What it takes to catch our eye

• Proven track record leading teams responsible for large scale research programs. Bonus if related to economics, labor, or related fields.
• Background in economics, math, statistics or other highly quantitative field.
• Exceptional communicator with excellent written and verbal skills. Proven ability to translate complex economic concepts into compelling narratives for C-suite executives, media, policymakers, and general audiences.
• Keen analytical and editorial eye—you have a strong DNA for designing compelling research/studies, synthesizing data-driven stories, and an innate understanding of what makes a good story.
• Experience with statistical analysis, data access & manipulation tools, and data visualization toolkits/software.
• Experience preparing reports and/or providing thorough analysis, findings and predictions for report inclusion.
• Experience serving as spokesperson and comfortable representing research findings to media, policymakers, industry groups, and at conferences. Experience as a published author, regular columnist, or public intellectual a strong plus.
• Experience in fast-paced, high-growth environments; strong executive presence; proven track record of influencing and securing buy-in from stakeholders, particularly across Sales, Marketing, and Product.
• Experience working with media, trade groups, think tanks, regulatory and legislative bodies a plus.
• Passion for the future of work. 

Come change how the world works.

Upwork is establishing an operational hub in Toronto, Canada. The new office is expected to be fully operational by Q4 2026. This role will require 3 days in office once we have an office open.

This position will initially be employed through a partner to ensure a seamless hiring process while we establish the hub. Once the hub is established, there may be opportunities to transition to employment with Upwork, depending on business needs and other requirements. While employed by the partner, you’ll work as part of Upwork’s team, with access to our resources, culture, and growth opportunities.

Our partner will offer competitive benefits. When Upwork’s hub is established, we will be excited to offer employment and benefits directly as business needs require. 

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 Company is committed to conducting an individualized assessment and giving all individuals a fair opportunity to provide relevant information or context before making any final employment decision.

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