Communications Manager, Southeast Asia

Location: Team Marketing

Team: Country Makati / Philippines

About the Role

Join the team redefining how the world experiences design. Hey, g’day, mabuhay! At Canva, we're passionate about empowering everyone to design anything and publish anywhere. As Communications Manager, Southeast Asia, you'll play a pivotal role in elevating Canva's presence in priority markets like the Philippines and Indonesia. Based in our vibrant Manila office in a hybrid model, you'll craft resonant communications that blend global strategy with local heart, driving awareness, adoption, and love for Canva's intuitive design platform. You'll elevate Canva's brand through creative PR strategies, overseeing agencies to localize global campaigns, and partnering with the SEA Regional Head on media relations and thought leadership. From industry events to emerging media, you'll adapt messaging that speaks authentically to diverse audiences while staying true to Canva's innovative, collaborative spirit. Working closely with the APAC Communications Lead, you'll ensure our stories unlock creativity for millions in SEA. Our Global Communications team is a group of passionate storytellers who thrive in Canva's fast-paced, design-focused culture. If you have proven SEA PR expertise, love navigating cultural nuances, and are excited to amplify Canva's mission, you'll fit right in. We value innovation, collaboration, and fun – expect equity, flexible leave, wellbeing allowances, and moments of magic as we build the future of visual communication together.

Key Responsibilities

• Elevate Canva's awareness, adoption, and understanding in priority SEA markets (Philippines and Indonesia) through impactful communication strategies
• Adapt key business messaging to resonate with local audiences while aligning with global strategy
• Oversee SEA PR agencies, ensuring effective localization and execution of global initiatives
• Collaborate with APAC Communications Lead to implement strategies and lead key programs
• Serve as strategic PR partner to SEA Regional Head, driving media relations and thought leadership
• Build Canva's profile through industry events and partnerships
• Manage media relations, reputation, and storytelling for B2B/B2C audiences
• Develop regional communications strategies that amplify Canva's design mission
• Navigate cultural nuances to create authentic, localized content
• Measure and report on communication campaign impact and ROI

Required Qualifications

• Proven communications experience across Southeast Asia, with expertise in both corporate and consumer PR
• Deep knowledge of Philippine and Indonesian markets
• Experience localizing global strategies for regional impact and measurable results
• Track record of managing PR agencies and partnerships
• Ability to manage multiple deadlines, stakeholders, and work independently
• Thrives in dynamic, fast-paced environments
• Passion for Canva's mission to empower creativity through design

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience driving thought leadership through industry events
• Background in tech or creative industry communications
• Fluency in English and Tagalog/Indonesian
• Proven success in blending traditional and emerging media strategies
• Experience collaborating with regional leadership teams

Required Skills

• Corporate and consumer PR expertise
• SEA market knowledge (Philippines, Indonesia)
• Global strategy localization
• Agency management and partnership building
• Media relations and crisis communications
• Thought leadership development
• Cultural nuance navigation
• Stakeholder management
• Deadline-driven project management
• Creative storytelling and content adaptation
• Traditional and digital media strategies
• Data-driven campaign measurement
• Fast-paced environment adaptability
• Collaborative team player mindset
• Passion for design and creativity

Benefits

• Equity packages to share in Canva's success
• Inclusive parental leave policy for all parents and carers
• Annual Vibe & Thrive allowance for wellbeing, social connection, and home office setup
• Flexible leave options to recharge and pursue passions
• Hybrid work model with vibrant Manila office and remote flexibility
• Delightful moments of magic, connection, and fun in Canva culture
• Professional development opportunities in a creative, innovative environment
• Global team collaboration with Canva's design-forward tools and resources

Canva is an equal opportunity employer.