Responsibilities

• Run Canva for Startups end to end across the startup ecosystem, working with accelerators and VCs
• Own the program mechanics that get startups from sign-up to activation fast, including tiered offers, coupon administration, startup verification, cohort onboarding and partner-specific experiences
• Track program performance across the startup lifecycle, from portfolio penetration and offer redemption through to activation and conversion, using the data to decide where we invest next
• Be a visible ambassador for Canva in the startup ecosystem, hosting founder events and workshops, showing up at demo days and accelerator cohorts, and building relationships with VC and Accelerator teams
• Source, structure, negotiate, and launch distribution partnerships across Banks & Fintechs, Telcos and OEMs, balancing near-term revenue with longer-term distribution opportunities
• Own channel outcomes with clear targets, tracking and an operating cadence tied to MAU and revenue
• Ship partner launches by working cross-functionally with Product, Marketing, Legal, Finance, Growth and Strategy teams

Requirements

• 5+ years in partnerships, business development, growth, or ecosystem roles within a startup or consumer/B2B tech environment.
• Deep understanding of the startup ecosystem —you know how founders operate and have experience working with VCs, accelerators, startup communities, and other ecosystem partners.
• Proven deal ownership. You’ve sourced opportunities, built the partnership strategy and business case, negotiated terms, and driven distribution or strategic deals through close—not just managed established relationships.
• Strong cross-functional operator who can bring Product, Marketing, Legal, Finance, and other teams together to move partnerships forward and make decisions.
• Able to build and run programs at scale. You can set clear goals, establish an operating cadence, measure results, and manage a broad portfolio while still knowing when to jump in personally.
• Comfortable building from 0→1. You’re scrappy, self-directed, and able to move quickly without perfect information, established processes, or someone telling you what to do next.

Preferred

• Bonus: You’ve been a founder, worked at a VC or accelerator, built a startup/ecosystem program from scratch, or closed consumer/SMB distribution partnerships.