Senior Legal Counsel, Americas

Location: San Francisco, CA, United States; hybrid workplace. The position is located in San Francisco, with relocation possible for suitable candidates who advise this in their application.

Salary: USD 190,000–280,000 yearly.

Company

Canva is a global technology company developing a design platform and products used by a worldwide community.

What you will do

• Partner with People teams, business leaders, and stakeholders across Canva’s Americas region on employment legal matters.
• Provide practical advice on performance management, disciplinary processes, grievances, contingent workers, global mobility, and employee relations.
• Prepare and negotiate employment documentation, including separation agreements.
• Support and manage employment disputes, litigation, classification reviews, and compliance initiatives.
• Lead complex regional and Canva-wide employment projects with internal stakeholders and external advisers.
• Develop workplace policies, guidance, templates, and training while liaising with external counsel in the US and other jurisdictions.

Requirements

• Currently based in San Francisco or willing to relocate there.
• 8+ years of relevant experience in a respected law firm and/or in-house legal team.
• Admission to and good standing with a US state bar.
• Strong knowledge of employment law across multiple US states.
• Commercial judgment, collaborative problem-solving skills, and the ability to communicate complex legal matters clearly.
• Strong ownership, stakeholder management, and project leadership abilities.

Culture & Benefits

• Hybrid work with flexibility in how and where work is performed.
• Equity package and health benefits plans.
• 401(k) retirement plan with company contribution.
• Inclusive parental leave for all parents and carers.
• Annual allowance supporting wellbeing, social connection, and office setup.
• Flexible leave options and virtually conducted interviews.

Hiring process

• Interviews are conducted virtually.
• Hiring decisions consider experience, skills, passion, and overall interview assessment.