Head of AI Research, Canva
$284-432k
+ equity
Publishing and design platform
Job no longer available
Publishing and design platform
1001+ employees
Job no longer available
$284-432k
+ equity
1001+ employees
Company mission
To empower the world to design.
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 design 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 over 90% 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
56% employee growth in 12 months
Company
Funding (last 2 of 12 rounds)
May 2024
$400m
GROWTH EQUITY VC
Sep 2021
$200m
LATE VC
Total funding: $968.6m
Company benefits
- Equity packages — we want our success to be yours too
- Inclusive parental leave policies supporting all parents & carers
- An annual Vibe & Thrive allowance supporting wellbeing, social connection, and office setup
- Flexible leave options empowering you to recharge and thrive
Company HQ
Surry Hills, NSW
Leadership
Cameron Adams
(Co-Founder & 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
(Co-Founder & 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
(Co-Founder & 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.
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