Managing Director, Research Institute

<p>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.</p> <p>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<a target=""_blank""> Upwork.com</a> and follow us on<a target=""_blank""> LinkedIn</a>,<a target=""_blank""> Facebook</a>,<a target=""_blank""> Instagram</a>,<a target=""_blank""> TikTok</a>, and<a target=""_blank""> X</a>; and learn more about Lifted at<a target=""_blank""> Go-Lifted</a> and follow on<a target=""_blank""> LinkedIn</a>.</p> <hr> <p>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.</p> <p>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. </p> <p><strong>Responsibilities</strong></p> <ul> <li>Set the research vision and strategic agenda for the Upwork Research Institute, ensuring alignment with business objectives and emerging macroeconomic trends.</li> <li>Serve as the primary spokesperson for the Institute across national media, op-eds, events, and social platforms—translating technical findings into compelling, accessible stories.</li> <li>Lead a team of researchers to produce data-rich insights and media-ready narratives.</li> <li>Develop flagship research reports, media campaigns, and editorial calendars that drive consistent, high-impact thought leadership.</li> <li>Build and scale partnerships with external academics, think tanks, trade groups, and research institutions to amplify our credibility and reach.</li> <li>Collaborate with internal stakeholders across sales, marketing, product, and analytics to embed research into Upwork’s growth and engagement strategies.</li> <li>Use AI tools to accelerate insight development, summarize large data sets, and enhance storytelling formats.</li> </ul> <p><strong>What it takes to catch our eye</strong></p> <ul> <li>Proven track record leading teams responsible for large scale research programs. Bonus if related to economics, labor, or related fields.</li> <li>Background in economics, math, statistics or other highly quantitative field.</li> <li>Exceptional communicator with excellent written and verbal skills. Proven ability to translate complex economic concepts into compelling narratives for C-s ... (truncated, view full listing at source)