Senior Director, Corporate Development

Senior Director, Corporate Development

Location: San Francisco Bay Area (Remote)

Type: Full-time

Salary: $195K–$362K/year

About the Role:

Lead Upwork’s mergers, acquisitions, investments, and strategic growth initiatives. Partner closely with executive leadership and the Board to identify, evaluate, execute, and integrate high-impact deals that accelerate growth and innovation. You’ll manage the full deal lifecycle and a high-performing corporate development team.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead end-to-end M&A, investments, joint ventures — sourcing, valuation, due diligence, negotiations, and integration.
• Build financial models, ROI analyses, and business cases to support investment decisions.
• Prepare presentations and memos for executives and the Board.
• Drive post-deal integration with cross-functional leaders to realize value and scale acquisitions.
• Develop market and competitive intelligence to identify emerging opportunities and white spaces.
• Lead and mentor the corporate development team.
• Cultivate relationships with bankers, VCs, advisors, and entrepreneurs for deal flow.

Required Experience & Skills:

• 12+ years in corporate development, investment banking, consulting, or private equity, with strong technology sector exposure.
• Proven track record in leading complex, high-value deals and cross-functional teams.
• Deep financial modeling, valuation, negotiation, and analytical skills.
• Experience engaging and influencing senior executives, including C-suite and Board members.
• Familiarity with marketplaces, AI, or HR/labor tech is a plus.
• Strategic thinker with excellent communication and executive presence.
• Comfortable working in fast-paced, ambiguous environments with a bias for action and growth mindset.

Benefits & Culture Highlights:

• Remote-first flexibility with a physical office in Palo Alto.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• 401(k) with matching.
• Paid parental leave (maternity and paternity).
• Unlimited PTO and employee stock purchase plan.
• Inclusive and diverse work environment focused on growth and authenticity.