[Hiring] Managing Director, Research Institute @Upwork

Role Description

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.

Qualifications

• 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.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical coverage for you and your family
• Unlimited PTO
• 401(k) plan with matching
• 12 weeks of paid parental leave
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Company Description

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.

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.