Sr. HRBP Director

Upwork ($UPWK) is the world’s largest work marketplace, connecting businesses with highly skilled professionals worldwide. From entrepreneurs to Fortune 100 enterprises, companies trust Upwork’s platform to access expert talent, leverage AI-powered work solutions, and drive meaningful business outcomes.

Upwork’s AI-powered platform has facilitated over $20 billion in economic opportunity for professionals worldwide. With professionals spanning 10,000+ skills, including AI and machine learning, software development, sales and marketing, customer support, finance and accounting, and more, Upwork empowers businesses of all sizes to scale, innovate, and build agile teams.

We are looking for a Sr. HRBP Director to build a culture of engagement and drive business results by delivering measurable and sustained value-added solutions. This role will primarily partner with our Brand & Communications team in addition to the Marketplace Business which is comprised of Design, Marketing, Product and Engineering functions. This business is our largest and core to all that we do at Upwork. It also contains functions that service multiple business units (BU) outside of the Marketplace BU as well. The successful candidate will thrive in fast-paced and challenging environments, operating strategically while also rolling up their sleeves to get things done. This candidate has a passion for delivering impact to the business and is skilled in driving business transformation. They are a strong influencer and relationship builder with senior leaders, cross-functional partners, and employees, and have a passion for championing inclusive cultures.

Your Responsibilities:

• Partner with executives to provide thought leadership on the people strategy (consisting both of corporate employees and the contingent workforce) and organization strategy aligned with the business strategy.
• Assess organizational health metrics and provide insights to leaders and teams to develop strategic people plans that drive business outcomes.
• Act as a trusted advisor and coach to senior leaders, helping them build high-performing teams and enhance overall leadership effectiveness.
• Partner closely with the People team’s COE partners (Total Rewards, Talent Development & Learning, Diversity, Inclusion, and Equity team, etc.) to consult and deliver people programs that directly impact business outcomes.
• Guide and coach on complex HR issues, including but not limited to conflict management, mutual separations, retention, and more.
• Lead and facilitate change management initiatives that impact the culture and business of the organization.
• Anticipate needs, diagnose issues, and design and drive creative people solutions and organizational changes that deliver business results.
• Act as a thought partner and mentor to other HRBPs, sharing expertise and offering informal guidance.

What it Takes to Catch Our Eye:

• 12+ years of progressive HR experience in a high-speed, transformative environment; BA/BS in a related field; MA/MBA is a plus.
• Strong collaboration, communication, and influencing skills.
• Proven ability to connect and influence actions to outcomes with employees and cross-functional partners at all levels in the organization.
• Strong business acumen and understanding of business strategy and operations. 
• Proven track record of strong business partnership within a dynamic, fast-paced, matrixed organization.
• Experience working with and partnering with various functional disciplines, especially Product.
• Experience working with contingent workforces. 
• Extensive HRBP and/or Organization Development leadership experience in the Tech industry, with experience not limited to organizational design, org planning, change management, business advising, coaching and development and data analysis.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to analyze data, understand trends, and develop recommendations for action based on the analysis.
• Demonstrated ability to be flexible and adapt to a company’s evolving stages and needs.
• Willingness to roll up your sleeves, own and drive outcomes - nothing is too big or too small.

Come change how the world works.

At Upwork, you’ll shape the future of work for a global, remote-first workforce, creating economic opportunities for professionals worldwide. While we have a physical office in Palo Alto, we currently hire full-time employees in 21 U.S. states, making it easier than ever to join our mission from wherever you call home.

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.

We’re proud to offer benefits that go beyond the basics, including comprehensive medical coverage for you and your family, unlimited PTO, a 401(k) plan with matching, 12 weeks of paid parental leave, and an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. Visit our Life at Upwork page to learn more about our values, working principles, and the overall employee experience.

Ready to help shape the future of work? Check out our Careers page and follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and X. to learn more about life at Upwork.

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.