Canada's History Seeks Editorial Director

The Editorial Director is responsible for the overall editorial strategy of Canada’s History magazine, both in print and online.  This full-time role reports to the President & CEO and is responsible for managing the editorial and art departments of the organization.

The Editorial Director is part of the management team, along with Digital Media Director, Programs Director, and Finance & Administration Director. The successful candidate will work closely with the President & CEO, and collaborate with team members on digital, fundraising, marketing, audience development, and revenue to deliver on our educational mission.

This is a leadership role at Canada’s National History Society, and requires excellent management and collaborative skills.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Responsible for the overall editorial direction of Canada’s History print and digital platforms, in accordance with our strategic plan.
• Manages editorial and art department teams, including direct reports for Senior Editor, Associate Editor, Art Director and Graphic Designer.
• Creates the editorial calendar, manages the editorial schedule; assesses story pitches; commissions stories; writes display copy; and recruits freelance writers for story assignments, ensuring a diversity of writers. The Editorial Director also occasionally writes features, shorter content pieces, and works on special projects where appropriate.
• Works with the Finance and Administration Director to ensure compliance with annual budget.
• Works collaboratively with the Digital Media Director to develop best practices for content and audience development strategy, including monitoring KPIs.
• Ensures the magazine and online platforms include a wide range of contributors, reflecting the diverse nature of Canadian history.
• Collaborates on the strategic plan, and works with team to set and fulfill strategic objectives.
• Supports organization profile by appearing at Society events (some travel required), and represents Canada’s History Society to the broader public. 
• Mentors early-career staff members, including interns.

CANDIDATE QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum 8 years magazine editorial experience including digital content. 
• Leadership skills: managing staff, planning, working across departments, problem solving, collaborating in a hybrid work environment. 
• Interpersonal skills: developing collaborative relationships with staff, board, donors, partners, contributors.
• Editorial skills: story acquisition, substantive and copy editing, strong display writing skills.
• Organizational skills: ability to prioritize objectives and collaborate with colleagues in doing the same.
• Financial skills: tracking editorial expenses
• Understanding of media trends, including digital media best practices.
• Commitment to quality, accuracy, and integrity. 
• Experience working on inclusion, diversity, equity issues, particularly as they relate to historical understanding.
• Passionate about Canadian history and a willingness to learn and explore more about our country’s past.
• A university degree in history or related field is an asset.
• French an asset, but not required.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

The compensation package for this full-time role includes a competitive base salary and a full benefits package consisting of medical, dental, vision, extended health and paid vacation as well as flexible remote or hybrid work environment.  

HOW TO APPLY

Canada’s History Society supports diversity and inclusion in our work. We value employment equity and strongly encourage applications from Indigenous, Black, and other racialized people; people with disabilities; people of all genders; and the LGBTQ2+ community. If you require any accommodation in the recruitment process, please let us know by email at hr@canadashistory.ca.

Our office, and the majority of our staff, is based in Winnipeg. Though this position will be remote or hybrid for the foreseeable future, applicants must be eligible to work in Canada to qualify.

To apply, please send a cover letter and a résumé to hr@canadashistory.ca. Please include Editorial Director in the subject line. The deadline for applications is end of day Wednesday, April 3, 2024. Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.  

ABOUT CANADA’S HISTORY

Established as a national charitable organization in 1994, Canada’s National History Society strengthens understanding about the complex and diverse stories of Canada’s past. 

Headquartered in Winnipeg with a 16-member staff, the Society is governed by a national, volunteer board of directors.  It has an annual budget of $3 million with revenue derived from charitable gifts, publishing, and government contributions. 

The Society’s work includes Canada’s History magazine (formerly The Beaver), Kayak: Canada’s History Magazine for Kids / Navigue dans l’histoire du Canada, CanadasHistory.ca and HistoireCanada.ca. The Society oversees the Governor General’s History Awards, annually recognizing the outstanding work of teachers, academics, museums, community groups and popular storytellers. Our education and youth programs support teachers and students in the classroom.