IP & Partnerships Lead, Japan

About the Role
We're on the lookout for a passionate IP & Partnerships Lead, eager to fuel Canva's growth by teaming up with intellectual property (IP) and content partners. Your mission, if you choose to accept it, is to work with us to create a partnership strategy for Japan. This isn't just about adding IP and content to Canva’s library, it's about unlocking the full potential of Japanese IPs across a range of areas, from marketing to product development. You'll be the captain of this ship, turning creative concepts into real-world results. And we look forward to expand the power of IP to global market!

What you’ll do (responsibilities)

• Design and implement a comprehensive partnership strategy tailored for Japan, aligning with the broader business goals and objectives
• Identify and prioritize key local IP and content partners that can drive significant value and growth, evaluate potential partners based on their strategic fit, potential impact, and alignment with Canva’s brand values
• Oversee the integration of IP and content into Canva’s platform, working closely with product, engineering and creative / design teams.
• Collaborate with the marketing team to develop and execute marketing campaigns that highlight new partnerships and IP content, utilize partnerships to enhance brand visibility and user engagement within the Japanese market, and potentially expand to global market.
• Lead negotiations with prospective partners to secure mutually beneficial agreements, ensure that all partnerships are structured to maximize value for both Canva and its partners.
• Build and maintain strong, long-term relationships with key partners, serve as the primary point of contact for all partnership-related communications and activities.
• Track the performance of partnerships using data and analytics to measure success.
• Keep abreast of industry trends, competitor activities, and emerging opportunities in the IP and content space, continuously explore new ways to innovate and enhance Canva’s partnership strategy.
• Ensure that all partnerships and IP content comply with legal requirements and brand guidelines and maintain the integrity and reputation of the Canva brand through thoughtful and strategic partnership management.

What we're looking for

• 3+ years of experience in partnership management, business development, or a related field, preferably within the IP, content or creative industry in Japan.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and implement strategic partnership initiatives from the ground up, including identifying potential partners, negotiating terms, and executing agreements.
• Deep understanding of the Japanese market and its unique characteristics, including cultural nuances, consumer behavior, and regulatory environment.
• Ability to think creatively, innovatively and be willing to take an unconventional approach to negotiations—someone who isn’t afraid to think outside the box, challenge norms, and take calculated risks to unlock unique, high-impact opportunities for Canva, its partners, and users.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with a proven track record of building and maintaining strong, long-term relationships with key stakeholders and partners.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to assess partnership opportunities and their potential impact on the business.
• Comfortable working with digital tools and platforms, with a good understanding of Canva’s product and the broader tech landscape.
• Fluent in both Japanese and English, with excellent written and verbal communication skills in both languages.