Job Description

The Editor-in-Chief is responsible for the overall editorial strategy of The Walrus, both online at thewalrus.ca and in print. This full-time role reports to the Publisher/Executive Director, and is responsible for managing the editorial and art departments at the organization.

The Editor-in-Chief sits on the management team, and works closely with the Executive Director, as well as departments across The Walrus including digital, development, marketing, audience development, and revenue. The Walrus is governed by a national board of directors and Education Review Committee. We are committed to fact-based journalism, and to creating forums for conversations vital to Canadians on a variety of platforms from coast to coast to coast.

This leadership role is key to audience and revenue growth at The Walrus at a time when the media and digital landscape (and even this role) is ever-changing. This year is the 20th anniversary of The Walrus. This is an exciting opportunity to help lead the organization, and a dynamic team, into the next 20 years.

Requirements:

Responsibilities

• Is responsible for the overall editorial direction of The Walrus and all its offerings, within our educational mandate.
• Oversees all editors and editing responsibilities across platforms, including daily publishing at thewalrus.ca and the print edition (currently at eight issues a year).
• Works closely and collaboratively with the senior editorial team including the Managing Editor, Digital Editor, Senior Editors, Design Director, and Head of Research.
• Ensures The Walrus features a diversity of writers from across the country and national stories of interest including long form features, investigative journalism, fiction, poetry, and interactive stories.
• Manages the editorial schedule and oversees the editorial and art budgets ensuring spends are within the financial capacity of The Walrus.
• Conducts story meetings, oversees assignments, and manages deadlines.
• Is responsible for audience growth and annual strategic growth goals with the management team. This includes growing our digital audience and membership while continuing to offer a strong print publication.
• Works with the Executive Director, CFO, and Development Director to identify new opportunities for revenue and financial sustainability.
• Sets annual objectives with the Executive Director, editorial, and art staff, reflecting the current strategic plan, and is responsible for human resources management including performance reviews.
• Supports audience engagement, fundraising, and the organization\xe2\x80\x99s media profile by appearing at social functions, fundraising outreach, The Walrus Gala, The Walrus Talks, awards ceremonies, and industry events. Some travel and off hours required, as well as letters and messages from the editor.
• Is involved in strategic planning and, on occasion, presents to the Board of Directors, the Educational Review Committee, and other stakeholders.
• Supports the Head of Research in mentoring Editorial Fellows in our Fellowship program.

Qualifications

• A minimum of 10 years editorial experience, and 5 years managing content. A university degree is an asset, but not required.
• Excellent leadership skills including managing staff, mentoring early career members of the team, working across departments, problem solving, and breaking through departmental silos in a remote work environment.
• Demonstrated commitment to journalistic quality and integrity and the important role of independent news media in a democratic society.
• Experience growing a digital media brand (web, social, and/or podcasts).
• Knowledge of Canada from coast to coast to coast.
• Training and experience working on inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility in an organization.
• Strong sense of journalism trends, digital, publishing, Canadian politics and media, and what makes a great story.
• Strong relationship skills: able to foster effective, collaborative working relationships at all levels, including with Board members, Educational Review Committee members, donors, partners and sponsors, staff, and contributors.
• Effective budgeting and cost management skills with the ability to creatively adapt the same to changing media, digital, and economic landscapes.
• Ability to prioritize objectives and numerous simultaneous demands, and help the team in doing the same.
• Ability to run the editorial department and editorial staff efficiently, strategically, administratively.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills and the ability to deliver presentations with an innovative and collaborative point of view.
• High-energy, hard-working, and caring self-starter who is committed to making an impact in an entrepreneurial environment.

Additional Info: Compensation and benefits
The compensation package for this full-time role includes a competitive base salary ($95,000-$120,000) and a full benefits package consisting of medical, dental, vision, prescription, and paid vacation as well as flexible remote or hybrid work, including a collaborative office environment in downtown east Toronto. We also have half-day summer Fridays and a week off over the winter holiday break.

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