Head of AI Research, Canva
$284-432k
+ equity
Publishing and design platform
Be an early applicant
Publishing and design platform
1001+ employees
Be an early applicant
$284-432k
+ equity
1001+ employees
Company mission
To empower businesses to design anything, and publish it anywhere.
Role
Who you are
- You have led a large research team in a high growth tech company before
- You have developed leaders at all levels, from fresh managers to those running teams in their own right
- You are able to provide your team with a healthy mix of challenges and support that enables them to perform at their best
- You have proven experience in setting out and executing on a vision, strategy, and roadmap for research, covering everything from tooling and processes to the strategic value of data
- You have the ability to work across the business, not just within research, but partnering with everyone from engineering to operations to founders
- You are able to constructively resolve problems involving complex groups of stakeholders with competing priorities
- You have previous experience at a tech company and are familiar with the way tech companies operate and some of the concepts particular to our industry (e.g. growth accounting, product funnels, designing analytic events, etc.)
- You are a great communicator, with the ability to break down complex topics into simple solutions and ideas
- You have a proven record of influencing the business with data and directly contributing to company goals
- Deep understanding and experience in Multimodal AI (image, video, audio)
- Advanced degree in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, or a related field, with expertise in generative AI and image generation technologies
- Strong technical acumen, comfortable engaging in discussions with experts across disciplines
- Analytical and strategic thinker, adept at solving challenges and driving impactful outcomes
- Advocate for ethical AI practices, ensuring responsible and thoughtful implementation
What the job involves
- As Head of AI Research, you’ll lead Canva’s efforts in developing and applying world-class generative AI capabilities. Working at the forefront of multimodal research, your leadership will bridge teams across Canva and Leonardo.AI to ensure groundbreaking discoveries are integrated into our products. This is a unique opportunity to collaborate with Leonardo.AI’s cutting-edge team while driving Canva’s innovation forward
- This role combines technical expertise, strategic leadership, and a collaborative spirit to create products that enhance the creativity of millions globally
- Drive the strategic vision and execution of Canva’s generative AI research in close partnership with Leonardo.AI
- Oversee and mentor a multidisciplinary team of researchers, fostering a high-performing, innovative, and inclusive environment
- Develop and manage a roadmap of AI initiatives, ensuring alignment with Canva’s and Leonardo.AI’s strategic goals
- Lead collaborative research into multimodal intelligence (video, imagery, 3D, text), turning cutting-edge research into real-world applications
- Translate research outcomes into actionable insights for Brendan (CTO), Paul Thompson (Gen AI Lead), and cross-functional teams
- Work closely with Canva’s leadership, product, engineering, design, and marketing teams to seamlessly integrate AI solutions
- Champion ethical AI practices, ensuring responsible development that aligns with Canva’s values
- Stay ahead of the latest trends in generative AI, bringing fresh insights and opportunities to the collaboration
Application process
- We make hiring decisions based on your experience, skills and passion, as well as how you can enhance Canva and our culture. When you apply, please tell us the pronouns you use and any reasonable adjustments you may need during the interview process
- Please note that interviews are conducted virtually
Our take
Launched in 2013, Canva is a free online visual communications and collaboration platform. It features a vast range of templates including presentations, websites, and social media graphics, plus a huge library of fonts, stock photography, illustrations, video footage, and audio clips.
With the aim to empower 100% of the world to communicate in ways that were once limited to the 1%, Canva was founded on the belief that people shouldn’t need to understand complex software to unlock their creativity. Simplicity is central to Canva’s offering, its straightforward drag-and-drop user interface avoiding complex tools that require training. This approach has been hugely popular and has been key in setting the company apart in the market, with 85% of the Fortune 500 now using the site.
More recently, Canva has broadened its offerings through a number of acquisitions and now offers a full visual communications platform, featuring stock content, innovative editing features, and data visualization. Zeetings, Pexels & Pixabay, Kaleido, Smartmockups and Flourish have all joined Canva, and the business is well set to continue leading and innovating in the space.
Freddie
Company Specialist at Welcome to the Jungle
Insights
Company
Employee endorsements
Flexible working
"There is plenty of flexibility when it comes to the exact time I can start and finish work on any given day as long as I deliver on my..."
Funding (last 2 of 12 rounds)
May 2024
$400m
GROWTH EQUITY VC
Sep 2021
$200m
LATE VC
Total funding: $968.6m
Company benefits
- Flexible hours and a hybrid working model which values work-life balance and gives you the option to choose how you best work
- Equity options to be truly a part of the Canva journey Unique and flexible leave so you can recharge, give back, support others or focus on your own professional development
- Our very own Canva University, internal coaching and Employee Assistance Programs to help you be your best self
- An annual Vibe & Thrive allowance for you to spend as you choose on personal education, wellbeing, home office and social connection. You know better than anyone how to Vibe & Thrive!
- Virtual and in-office clubs, events and celebrations for you to connect with your teammates
- Canva For Good program matching your not-for-profit donations, Force for Good leave (3 paid volunteering days) and a range of sustainability and ethical initiatives to get involved in
- Support for family and carers including a parental leave policy that prioritises inclusivity recognises the diverse representations of modern families
Company values
- Make complex things simple - You aim for the most simple, intuitive and effective solution to any problem.
- Set crazy big goals and make them happen - If you like to dream big, and take on challenges that both scare and excite you, you’ll love uniting with a team to achieve a common goal.
- Be a force for good - You want to make Canva and the world a better place through positive actions.
- Empower others - Learning to share your lego is key to the Canva experience. Change is constant, so we all need to be able to adapt, pass on our knowledge, and learn new skills.
- Pursue excellence - Leading by example and maintaining a high bar is how you can pursue excellence at Canva.
- Be a good human - Respect, kindness and open minds drive this value. We appreciate and accept everyone for who they are, as they are. This counts for you too!
Company HQ
Surry Hills, NSW
Articles
Leadership
Cameron Adams
(CPO)Cameron studied at the University of Melbourne before working as a Developer and Designer for Eclipse and Google for a combined 5 years. They then founded Fluent.io in 2011, and Canva in July 2012.
Melanie Perkins
(CEO)Having studied at the University of Western Australia, Melanie first founded Fusion Books in 2007 and and co-founded Canva in 2012. Melanie is now CEO of Canva.
Cliff Obrecht
(COO)Having studied at the University of Western Australia, Cliff spent 5 years as Managing Director of Fusion Books. They left this role in 2013, having co-founded Canva with Melanie and Cameron the previous year.
Salary benchmarks
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Diversity, Equity & Inclusion at Canva
Jennie Rogerson (Head of People)
- https://www.canva.com/newsroom/news/The-importance-of-diversity-at-Canva/
- https://www.canva.com/newsroom/news/cultural-appreciation-day-2023/
- Https://www.canva.com/newsroom/news/celebrating-sydney-worldpride-2023/
- https://www.canva.com/newsroom/news/sydney-worldpride-partnership-2023/
- https://www.canva.com/newsroom/news/meet-the-makers-pride-edition/
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