VP, Communications

Upwork ($UPWK) is the world’s human and AI-powered work marketplace that connects businesses with highly skilled, AI-enabled independent talent from across the globe. From entrepreneurs to Fortune 100 enterprises, companies rely on Upwork’s trusted platform and its mindful AI companion, Uma, to find and hire expert talent, leverage AI-powered work solutions, and drive business transformation. With on-demand access to professionals spanning more than 10,000 skills across AI & machine learning, software development, sales & marketing, customer support, finance & accounting, and more, Upwork enables businesses of all sizes to scale, innovate, and build agile teams for the age of AI and beyond.

Upwork’s platform has facilitated more than $25 billion in economic opportunity for talent around the world. Learn more at Upwork.com and follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and X.

As the Vice President of Communications, you will be the chief storyteller for Upwork, shaping and driving our integrated communications strategy. You will lead all internal and external efforts to amplify our mission and vision and help drive growth across Upwork. This role is pivotal in forging a cohesive narrative that resonates with a comprehensive range of stakeholders, including customers, investors, the press, analysts, and employees.

Reporting directly to the Chief Operating Officer (COO), you will be responsible for developing and owning a measurable communications strategy, defining the company's voice and uniting all stakeholders around our future vision. You will articulate Upwork's transformative role, especially as the accelerating impact of AI redefines how businesses operate and how talent thrives. 

Core Responsibilities

• Chief Storyteller: Partner with senior leadership to translate our AI-driven innovation into compelling narratives for technical and non-technical audiences, while leading a signature executive visibility program that places C-suite leaders at flagship industry events and in tier-one media.

• Strategic leader: Define and drive an integrated global communications strategy across internal communications, public relations, executive visibility, investor relations, and crisis communications.

• Master at Media relations: Oversee global PR & media outreach, building trusted relationships with tier-one press and industry analysts to elevate Upwork’s brand and thought leadership.

• Growth Driver: Develop and implement a metrics-driven strategy to drive growth across both sides of our marketplace by amplifying Upwork’s position as the global leader in AI-powered work; set measurable goals to evaluate the performance of your growth strategy.

• Strong partner to investor communications: Lead financial-market messaging with Finance and Legal partners, ensuring clarity and consistency across earnings calls, investor days, and other shareholder engagement.

• Driver of employee engagement and alignment: Design internal communications that foster strategic alignment and clarity, to strengthen Upwork’s culture and engagement.

• Team builder: Build and scale a high-performing communications team known for narrative excellence, flawless execution, and strong stakeholder management.

• Data-driven: Measure and optimize communications impact with robust tools, metrics, and insight-based pivots.
   

What It Takes to Catch Our Eye

• Proven change leader: Demonstrated success guiding multi-channel communications through major business shifts, including AI integration and organizational transformation.

• PR/IR expertise: Deep experience in public relations, executive communications, and investor relations within a high-growth, publicly traded tech company.

• Global media network: Existing roster of deep and broad media relationships spanning business, technology, and trade outlets, plus strong analyst connections.

• Talent builder: Inspires high-performing teams of subject-matter experts and attracts top senior-level talent.

• Executive partner: Trusted advisor with a sharp understanding of how to craft and deliver strategic narratives across diverse stakeholder groups.

• Technical storyteller: Outstanding writer who can translate complex technical innovation into accessible narratives—and equip leaders to do the