Upwork ($UPWK) is the world’s work marketplace. We help connect companies large and small with top independent talent from around the world. Simply put, our mission is to create economic opportunities so people have better lives.

Every year, more than $2 billion of work is done through Upwork by skilled independent professionals who want the freedom of working anytime, anywhere.

The Sr. Director Business Continuity Management role is responsible for developing, implementing and leading the strategies, operational and tactical plans to ensure the continuous improvement of Business Continuity Management (BCM) across Upwork businesses and all functions globally. This leader will support our CISO and Upwork’s global crisis management through ensuring business continuity plans are in place and by collaborating across teams globally.

This Senior Director will also act as the key business partner in crafting and supporting functions in developing a BCM metrics, awareness program, supervising/conducting drills/exercises and delivering training including providing standards, policies, plan templates and training materials.

If you are leader looking to join a growing team and make a direct impact then this is the role for you!

Your Responsibilities:

• Responsible for recommending strategies, frameworks, standards, and managing the BCM process for the Upwork enterprise. Acts as a key driver and ensures completion of all associated BCM requirements including risk based Business Impact Assessments (BIAs) and Business Continuity Plans (BCPs).

• Develop and direct the implementation of the framework outlining the requirements and the engagement for all Upwork sites. Engage in BCM discussions and ad hoc interactions to support in the ongoing implementation at Upwork.

• Collaborate and develop the Upwork Ransomware Response Plan including determining a plan for a simulation exercise.

• Find opportunities for continuous improvement by reviewing, recommending and seeking leadership endorsement to implement required tools and technologies to enable effective process of BCM. Keeps up to date with ‘standard methodologies’ and emerging trends in the external environment that may impact Upwork.

• Leads the development and directs execution of comprehensive business continuity drills/exercises, scenario planning and simulation testing at the function and site levels. Collaborate closely with the CISO to gain efficiencies in conducting exercises as part of emergency response and crisis management.

What it takes to catch our eye:

• Prior experience within large global and matrix organizations i.e. across regions/countries, functions, multiple jurisdictions preferable

• Experience designing and effectively implementing business continuity management frameworks including experience in leading and implementing drill/exercise plans

• Experience in designing and leading large-scale business continuity exercises

• Proven experience in writing and implementing effective and risk based BIAs and BCPs

• Strong Program Development Leadership experience at Senior Management level

Come change how the world works.

At Upwork, you’ll shape talent solutions for how the world works today. We are a remote-first organization working together to create exciting remote work opportunities for a global community of professionals.  While we have physical offices in San Francisco and Chicago, currently we also support hiring of corporate full-time employees in 15 states in the United States. Please speak with a member of our recruitment team to determine whether you are located in a state in which we are hiring corporate full-time employees. 

Our vibrant culture is built on shared values and our mission to create economic opportunities so that people have better lives. We foster amazing teams, put our community first, and have a bias toward action. We encourage everyone to bring their whole selves to work and grow together through development opportunities, mentorship, and employee resource groups. Oh yeah, we’ve also got amazing benefits.

Check out our Life at Upwork page to learn more about the employee experience.   

Upwork is proudly committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse and inclusive workforce. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we never discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical condition), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.