Join the team redefining how the world experiences design.
Hey, g'day, mabuhay, kia ora, 你好, hallo, vítejte!
Thanks for stopping by. We know job hunting can be a little time consuming and you're probably keen to find out what's on offer, so we'll get straight to the point.
Where and how you can work
This role is based in Sydney or San Francisco, California, and we’re looking for someone who calls it home. Our hybrid way of working gives you the flexibility to work remotely, and to come together on campus for meaningful in-person collaboration and connection when it matters most. We trust our Canvanauts to choose the balance that empowers them and their team to achieve their goals.
What you’d be doing in this role
As Canva scales change continues to be part of our DNA. But we like to think that's all part of the fun. So this will give you the flavour of the type of things you'll be working on when you start, but this will likely evolve.
Canva is a world-leading design platform that empowers millions of people to design anything and publish anywhere. Our mission is to empower the world to design—and we're looking for a visionary creative leader to drive our advertising excellence across the US market.
Position Overview
Reporting to the North America CMO, this role combines strategic creative direction in our largest market. As Executive Creative Director, you’ll lead the creative direction and execution of our advertising efforts across North America. You’ll shape campaigns that are brave, insight-led, rooted in local storytelling and crafted for impact across TV, digital, social, performance, and emerging platforms. You’ll work closely with in-house teams and agency partners to deliver creative that builds brand love, drives growth, and reflects our distinctive voice in-market.
We’re looking for a creative powerhouse with deep advertising and storytelling expertise, and a passion for growing both people and ideas. This role blends strategic vision with hands-on craft, and calls for someone who can inspire teams while delivering work that drives real results.
This is a rare opportunity to help shape a brand with big ambitions.
Key Responsibilities
Team Leadership and Development
Build and lead a high-performing creative team across the US, Australia and Manila
Create a culture and conditions where people feel safe to take risks, grow, and do their best work
Provide mentorship and creative guidance to regional creative teams
Champion inclusion, collaboration, and regional empowerment across Canva’s global creative teams
NA Advertising Creative Leadership
Lead the creative direction for Canva’s advertising and content in the US, our largest and most strategic market
Oversee the development and execution of world-class creative at every level of integrated campaigns: TV, digital, social, OOH, and performance channels
Create bold, culturally relevant campaigns that connect with audiences and drive growth
Build and manage an always-on creative capability that enables rapid testing, iteration, and optimization at scale
Embed insights, trends, and data into creative work to increase impact
Manage in-house teams and agency partners to deliver high-quality execution
Advertising Craft Leadership
Develop and maintain creative standards and frameworks for advertising and content
Partner with regional creative teams to share toolkits, frameworks, and fresh ideas
Facilitate creative reviews and provide hands-on guidance where needed
Foster continuous learning, mentorship, and collaboration across regions to build a culture of feedback, growth, and creative excellence.
Brand and Campaign Excellence
Raise the bar on storytelling and design to help Canva stand out in a competitive market
Shape messaging and creative platforms that resonate locally and stay aligned globally
Encourage experimentation and learning from what works (and what doesn’t)
Drive innovation across formats and platforms, from traditional media to emerging channels
Agency and Production Management
Manage US creative resourcing across in-house, agency, and specialist partners
Shape and evolve our global agency partner model to enable seamless collaboration and top-tier execution
Work closely with central ops to scale creative systems while maintaining quality and speed
Cross-functional Partnership
Collaborate closely with marketing, growth, and product leaders in the US and globally
Translate business goals into creative strategies that deliver results
Align global and regional teams to ensure consistency without losing local nuance
Required Experience & Qualifications
Professional Experience
12+ years in senior creative leadership roles, across both agency and in-house
Proven success leading major advertising campaigns in the US
Experience mentoring and managing creative teams across multiple markets
Strong understanding of consumer tech or direct-to-consumer brands
Expertise across brand and performance creative, across digital and traditional channels
Skills & Attributes
A standout portfolio that shows excellence in storytelling and advertising craft
Strategic mindset with the ability to connect creative ideas to business impact
Empathetic mentor with a collaborative, people-first approach
Confident communicator and presenter, comfortable influencing at all levels
Thrives in fast-paced, global environments
Culturally aware and globally minded, with a passion for creating resonant work across markets
Our Values & Culture
At Canva, we believe success and impact go hand in hand. Our two-step plan is simple: first, build one of the most valuable companies in the world, and then use that success to do the most good we can. From free access for nonprofits and schools to volunteering and global partnerships, we’re driven by empowerment at every level.
We’re building a culture that’s inclusive, collaborative, and deeply ambitious, a place where creative people are encouraged to take risks, push boundaries, and grow together. If you’re excited by the idea of shaping a brand with real purpose, surrounded by curious, creative people who are genuinely in it together, you’ll feel right at home here.
What's in it for you?
Achieving our crazy big goals motivates us to work hard - and we do - but you'll experience lots of moments of magic, connectivity and fun woven throughout life at Canva, too. We also offer a stack of benefits to set you up for every success in and outside of work. Here's a taste of what's on offer:
Equity packages - we want our success to be yours too
Inclusive parental leave policy that supports all parents & carers
An annual Vibe & Thrive allowance to support your wellbeing, social connection, office setup & more
Flexible leave options that empower you to be a force for good, take time to recharge and supports you personally
Fitness membership
In-house chef
Relocation budget for overseas candidates
All visa application processes covered
Check out lifeatcanva.com for more info.
