Taxonomist

Join the team redefining how the world experiences design.

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Thanks for stopping by. We know job hunting can be a little time-consuming and you're probably keen to find out what's on offer, so we'll get straight to the point.

Where and how you can work

Our flagship campus is in Sydney, Australia but we engage our Contractors and Freelancers all over the world to help us meet our crazy big goals. As a Contractor or Freelancer at Canva, you can work remotely in the country listed on this job ad, meaning you have ultimate flexibility. Wherever works for you, works for us.

What you’d be doing in this role

The Content Review team, operating within the Design Review sub-specialty, is in need of a skilled Taxonomist to assist with several important projects that the Content Enrichment team is currently undertaking. This position entails supporting various improvements to Canva's Content Library metadata and concept hierarchy. Tasks involve annotating and labeling to improve metadata tagging automation for the Concept Dictionary, as well as hands-on metadata enhancements to ensure precise tagging of all content in the Canva Content Library. The Canva Content Library is an essential component of user experience, and ensuring the discoverability of content is crucial for Canva's long-term success.

At the moment, this role is focused on:

• Assisting improving automated machine learning and artificial intelligence tagging solutions by working closely with engineering teams;
• Maintaining hierarchical taxonomies or classification systems for various types of digital media, such as photos, graphics, videos, audio files, etc;
• Conducting quality assurance checks to verify the completeness and accuracy of automated metadata solutions;
• Leading projects to leverage the taxonomy for innovations in content management and delivery, aiming to improve user engagement and satisfaction;
• Conducting metadata annotations aimed at enhancing automated concept tagging systems for more accurate and efficient content classification and retrieval;
• Ensuring metadata quality for Canva’s content library is exceptional and constantly improving;
• Staying up-to-date on industry standards, best practices, and emerging technologies related to digital media taxonomy and annotation;
• Collaborating with Product, Design and Content Teams to improve metadata annotations systems and processes, and enhance search functionality and Canva user navigation;
• Maintaining a thorough understanding of contemporary events, cultural shifts, and news updates to drive continuous refinement and relevance in metadata;
• Performing regular audits of Canva’s public library metadata - specifically Titles and Keywords - and make recommendations, adjustments to ensure the safety and accuracy of the metadata;
• Gathering and analysing feedback from users and stakeholders to continually improve the taxonomy and metadata systems.

You're probably a match if

• You have experience maintaining metadata, controlled vocabularies, and taxonomies;
• You possess hands-on experience with library systems, content management systems, or preferred, digital asset management (DAM) systems;
• You have experience with cross functional department processes;
• You have strong analytical, prioritisation, interpersonal and problem-solving skills;
• You have excellent written and oral communication skills, with attention to detail;
• You’re excited about improving Canva’s public library metadata for all Canva users;
• You’re good at analysing metadata through multiple lenses and understanding the ambiguity and nuances of keywords & terms.

About the team

The Content and Discovery Super Group consists of 5 groups, 30+ teams and 300+ individuals who work together towards two common goals:

• To bring every ingredient needed to create any design into Canva’s platform by working with a diverse range of template designers, illustrators, photographers and other content producers. This includes templates, photos, illustrations, videos, audio, graphics and more.
• To surface this content strategically to maximise engagement in the Canva platform, and to surface this content selectively through Google to acquire new users searching for design and template solutions. This means building search and discovery features in the app, building SEO marketplaces and scaling these products internationally. 

This position requires high attention to detail, ability to problem solve and ability to work autonomously. We’re looking for someone who is passionate about maintaining high standards in content review, moderation, and process knowledge.

Other stuff to know

We make hiring decisions to engage contractors based on your experience, skills and passion. When you signify interest in the Project, please tell us the pronouns you use and any reasonable adjustments you may need during the contractor-accreditation interview process. 

Please note that contractor-accreditation meetings are conducted virtually.

We celebrate all types of skills and backgrounds at Canva so even if you don’t feel like your skills quite match what’s listed above - we still want to hear from you!

Check out lifeatcanva.com for more info.

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