Senior Employment Legal Counsel (Americas)

Location: Hybrid role located in San Francisco, California, United States. Candidates must currently be based in San Francisco or be willing to relocate to San Francisco.

Salary: USD 190,000–280,000 yearly.

Company

Canva is a global technology company building products that redefine how people experience design.

What you will do

• Partner with People, business leaders, and cross-functional stakeholders on employment matters across the Americas.
• 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 and review workplace policies, guidance, templates, and training initiatives, and liaise with external counsel in the US and other jurisdictions.

Requirements

• 8+ years of relevant experience gained in a respected law firm and/or in-house, ideally supporting a rapidly growing international technology company.
• Admission to and good standing with a US state bar.
• Strong working knowledge of employment law across multiple US states.
• Ability to apply legal knowledge pragmatically in a commercial environment and provide clear, risk-aware advice.
• Good judgment and a collaborative, flexible approach to problem-solving.
• Strong ownership, a can-do attitude, stakeholder-navigation skills, and the ability to drive projects forward.

Culture & Benefits

• Collaborative, close-knit, and global legal team focused on thoughtful judgment, ownership, and pragmatic problem-solving.
• Flexible hybrid working model with a San Francisco hub.
• Equity packages and health benefits plans.
• 401(k) retirement plan with company contribution.
• Inclusive parental leave, flexible leave options, and an annual Vibe & Thrive allowance.

Hiring process

• Interviews are conducted virtually.
• Hiring decisions consider experience, skills, passion, and performance throughout the hiring process.