[Hiring] Director, Internal and CEO Communications @Upwork

Role Description

We're looking for an experienced communications professional to lead our internal communications function and partner closely with our CEO on messaging and thought leadership. This is a rare dual-mandate role: you'll own the internal communications function that keeps our people informed, connected, and engaged, while also serving as a trusted strategic advisor and communications partner to our CEO.

You'll report to the VP of Communications and work closely with the People and Leadership teams. As Head of Internal Communications, you'll support the entire Leadership Team on internal communications while serving as a dedicated communications partner to the CEO on both internal and external messaging. This is a high-visibility, high-impact position for someone who is equally comfortable crafting a company-wide all-hands narrative and developing content that captures an executive's authentic voice.

Responsibilities

• Internal Communications
  • Define and lead the company’s internal communications strategy, ensuring employees are informed, aligned, and connected to company priorities and how their work connects to the broader mission.
  • Build and evolve communication channels, cadences, and formats to improve reach, engagement, and clarity across a distributed organization.
  • Support the broader Leadership Team on internal communications, helping leaders communicate clearly and consistently with their teams.
  • Partner with HR/People to develop communications around talent programs, benefits, and organizational changes.
  • Establish metrics and feedback loops to evaluate effectiveness and continuously improve internal communications strategy.
  • Own the planning and execution of regular company meetings and all-hands, delivering informative and compelling connection moments both virtually and in person.
  • Shape and reinforce company culture, values, and mission through consistent, meaningful storytelling.
• CEO Communications
  • Partner with the VP of Communications and external communications team to develop content that supports the CEO's communications strategy across both internal and external channels, including company-wide messages, speeches, board materials, LinkedIn, and media bylines.
  • Serve as a steward of the CEO's editorial voice and point of view, ensuring consistency and authenticity across all content.
  • Anticipate communications needs tied to business milestones, industry moments, and cultural conversations.
  • Support prep for the CEO for all-hands meetings, town halls, and key internal moments with messaging, talking points, and Q&A prep.
• Team Leadership
  • Manage and develop an internal communications team, setting priorities and alignment to teams, building processes and standards, providing coaching, and ensuring high-quality execution across workstreams.

Qualifications

• Experience leading internal and/or executive communications strategies with clear impact on employee alignment and leadership effectiveness.
• Proven ability to partner with senior executives and translate vision into authentic, compelling messaging across audiences and channels.
• Exceptional writing and editorial judgment, with the ability to adapt voice and tone while maintaining consistency and credibility.
• Strong strategic instincts and the ability to navigate ambiguity, prioritize effectively, and influence cross-functional stakeholders.
• Experience using AI tools to draft, refine, and scale communications, while critically evaluating outputs for accuracy, tone, and intent.

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

At Upwork, you’ll shape the future of work for a global, remote-first workforce, creating economic opportunities for professionals worldwide. Our culture is built on trust, risk-taking, customer focus, and excellence, all in service of our core mission: to create economic opportunities so people have better lives. We embrace authenticity and inclusion, encouraging everyone to bring their whole selves to work. Personal and professional growth is a priority here, supported through development programs, mentorship, and our Upwork Belonging Communities.