Job description
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’re looking for an Associate Privacy Counsel to join our award-winning legal team and play a key role in advancing our global privacy and information security program. In this position, you will partner closely with stakeholders across the business to provide practical, solution-oriented legal guidance in a fast-paced, innovative environment. You’ll monitor evolving global data privacy laws and help ensure our products, practices, and policies align with regulatory requirements and user expectations.
This is a remote-first role with the opportunity to shape the future of privacy at Upwork—recognized as Law.com’s “Most Innovative Legal Department” in the U.S.
Responsibilities
Provide day-to-day, risk-based legal counsel on privacy and information security issues in clear, actionable terms that enable business outcomes
Monitor U.S. and global privacy regulations (e.g., GDPR, CCPA/CPRA) and lead internal alignment to ensure ongoing compliance
Draft and negotiate data processing agreements and other privacy-related provisions with clients, vendors, and partners
Review and advise on privacy considerations in product features, tools, and technologies, offering guidance to mitigate risk while enabling innovation
Manage and refine the Data Subject Request (DSR) process, driving efficiency and compliance improvements
Develop internal resources such as training materials, FAQs, and guidance documents to enable scalable legal support
Support responses to user complaints and regulatory inquiries, representing Upwork with external stakeholders and privacy regulators
What it takes to catch our eye
1–3 years of legal experience in a law firm or in-house role with a focus on privacy and information security compliance
Demonstrated knowledge of regulatory frameworks such as GDPR, CCPA/CPRA, and other international privacy laws
Proven experience negotiating data processing agreements and drafting legal documentation
Strong research and communication skills with the ability to distill complex legal concepts into practical business guidance
Licensed to practice law and in good standing in at least one U.S. state
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.
The annual base salary range for this position is displayed below. The range displayed reflects the minimum and maximum salary for this position, and individual base pay will depend on your skills, qualifications, experience, and location. Additionally, this position is eligible for the annual bonus plan or sales incentive plan and eligibility to participate in our long term equity incentive program.
Annual Base Compensation
$151,500—$190,000 USD
To learn more about how Upwork processes and protects your personal information as part of the application process, please review our Global Job Applicant Privacy Notice
