Creative Lead / Design Director (Middle East, North Africa and Pakistan)

Location: Team Content

Team: Country Dubai / United Arab Emirates

About the Role

Join Canva's International Content Team as the Creative Lead / Design Director for Middle East, North Africa, and Pakistan (MENAP), based in our dynamic Dubai hub. In this pivotal role, you'll shape the creative direction for a world-class content library that powers Canva's growth in one of our most exciting emerging markets. Collaborating with the Region Lead, Country teams, Marketing, SEO, and Community, you'll deliver 'Truly Local' templates, graphics, photos, and videos that resonate deeply with MENAP users—driving engagement, retention, and revenue through culturally authentic design. You'll lead a talented team of local creatives and freelancers, fostering Canva's collaborative, innovative culture while upholding our uncompromising standards of design craft. From developing hyperlocal strategies and creator briefs to conducting performance audits and championing AI-enhanced workflows, you'll turn cultural insights into high-impact content that differentiates Canva in competitive landscapes. Expect to experiment boldly, iterate rapidly, and celebrate wins in a supportive environment that values creativity as much as results. This is more than a leadership role—it's a chance to empower millions in MENAP to design with confidence, reflecting diverse voices and global perspectives. If you're passionate about blending local nuance with Canva's empowering mission, bring your expertise to our hybrid Dubai team and help build the most valuable content library in the world.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a creative vision for MENAP content that aligns with Canva's global standards and local cultural relevance
• Lead a team of local creatives in producing templates, graphics, photos, and videos for social media, presentations, and print
• Collaborate with Country Leads, Marketing, SEO, and Community teams to translate strategies into actionable content plans
• Conduct market research, content audits, and performance analysis to identify gaps and drive innovation
• Manage freelance creators and partnerships, ensuring briefs, feedback, and outputs meet excellence standards
• Monitor competitors and trends to keep Canva's MENAP content competitive and fresh
• Oversee quality control, brand adherence, and project timelines across all creative outputs
• Report on content ROI and insights to senior leadership, advocating for MENAP-specific needs
• Champion hyperlocal, inclusive design perspectives in cross-functional initiatives
• Foster a culture of experimentation, agility, and collaboration within the International Content Team

Required Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in creative direction, design leadership, or art direction, with at least 5 years in the MENAP region
• Proven track record leading content creation teams in delivering culturally resonant design assets for digital platforms
• Deep understanding of MENAP cultural nuances, consumer behaviors, and design trends across Middle East, North Africa, and Pakistan
• Experience managing freelance creators, partnerships, and cross-functional stakeholders in fast-paced environments
• Strong portfolio showcasing high-quality templates, graphics, photos, videos, and campaigns tailored to local markets
• Bachelor's degree in Design, Visual Arts, or related field (or equivalent professional experience)
• Fluency in English and Arabic (preferred for MENAP markets)

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in content libraries for design platforms like Canva, Adobe, or similar
• Background in SEO-optimized content creation and performance analytics for design assets
• Knowledge of AI-generated content (AICG) and its application in localized design workflows
• Previous leadership in multicultural teams with a focus on DEI and inclusive storytelling
• Familiarity with Canva's product ecosystem and content-driven growth strategies

Required Skills

• Expertise in design tools (Canva, Figma, Adobe Creative Suite)
• Cultural fluency in MENAP design aesthetics and storytelling
• Strategic creative visioning and trend forecasting
• Content performance analysis and data-driven decision making
• Team leadership and freelance management
• Cross-functional collaboration and stakeholder negotiation
• Project management with agile methodologies
• Quality assurance and editorial judgment
• SEO and discoverability optimization for design assets
• AI content generation (AICG) familiarity
• Competitive analysis and market research
• Inclusive design practices and DEI advocacy
• Exceptional communication and presentation skills
• Adaptability in dynamic, high-growth environments
• Portfolio of culturally relevant campaigns

Benefits

• Competitive salary and equity package reflective of Canva's market-leading compensation
• Hybrid work model in vibrant Dubai, blending collaboration with flexibility
• Comprehensive health insurance, wellness programs, and family support benefits
• Generous parental leave and flexible working arrangements for life balance
• Learning stipend for professional growth, including design conferences and courses
• Canva for Teams subscription and unlimited design resources
• Quarterly offsites, team-building events, and global Canva Connect opportunities
• Relocation support for top talent joining our MENAP expansion
• Volunteer leave and community impact programs aligned with Canva's mission

Canva is an equal opportunity employer.