Director, Internal and CEO Communications

Upwork

Experienced communications professional leading internal communications and partnering with the CEO at Upwork. Drive strategy and engagement for a global, remote-first workforce.

Posted 4/16/2026full-timeRemote • 🇺🇸 United StatesLead💰 $163,000 - $274,000 per yearWebsite

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

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
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
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

Requirements

What you’ll need

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

Comp & perks

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

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills & Tools

internal communications strategyexecutive communicationscontent developmentmetrics evaluationstorytellingmessagingeditorial judgmentAI tools for communication

Soft Skills

leadershipstrategic thinkinginfluenceadaptabilityprioritizationcollaborationcoaching