REF#: JG34978

The Free Press
Location: Winnipeg, Manitoba
Posted: May 13, 2026
Deadline: June 13, 2026
Salary:

Description

The Free Press is Canada’s largest independent newspaper, committed to delivering trusted news and information to its subscribers. Supported by a strong team of more than 350 employees, we strive for excellence in journalism, communications, and marketing. Our focus is on fostering connection, building trust, and strengthening informed communities through accessible journalism, local storytelling, and meaningful engagement. We believe vibrant communities are built on shared voices, and our work reflects the people, events, and issues that shape everyday life across Manitoba.

Summary

We are looking for an experienced editorial leader to champion the strategic direction, integrity, and day-to-day operation of The Free Press newsroom across all platforms. At a time of rapid change in media, the Editor is central to delivering high-quality, independent journalism that serves the public interest, strengthens community trust, and ensures The Free Press remains a trusted, relevant, and sustainable news organization for generations to come.

Key Responsibilities

Editorial Leadership and Vision

• Define and execute the editorial vision aligned with the organization’s role in the Winnipeg community.
• Uphold the highest standards of journalistic integrity, ethics, and independence.
• Set newsroom priorities, including investigative reporting, local coverage, and audience-relevant content.
• Serve as the public face of the newsroom on matters of editorial credibility and community trust.

Newsroom Management

• Lead, mentor, and develop a multidisciplinary newsroom.
• Foster a high-performance, inclusive, and collaborative culture.
• Oversee hiring, performance management, and succession planning.
• Ensure alignment across print, digital, video, and emerging platforms.
• Drive a digital-first publishing strategy, including real-time news, newsletters, social media, and multimedia storytelling.
• Partner with product, analytics, and audience teams to grow subscriptions, engagement, and reach.
• Leverage data insights to inform editorial decisions without compromising journalistic values.
• Build strong relationships with readers, community leaders, and stakeholders.
• Promote transparency, accountability, and responsiveness to audience feedback.
• Lead initiatives that enhance diversity, equity, and inclusion in coverage and staffing.
• Work closely with advertising, marketing, and circulation teams while maintaining a clear separation between editorial and commercial interests.
• Collaborate with senior leadership on organizational strategy, revenue growth, and brand positioning.

Qualifications

Qualifications & Experience

• 10+ years of progressive newsroom leadership experience, preferably in a daily or digital news organization.
• Proven ability to lead high-performing editorial teams and deliver impactful journalism.
• Deep understanding of digital media trends, audience behavior, and subscription-based business models.
• Strong editorial judgment and commitment to ethical journalism standards.
• Experience managing newsroom operations, budgets, and organizational priorities
• Exceptional communication and people leadership skills.

Leadership Competencies

• Visionary and collaborative leadership with operational discipline
• Sound decision-making under pressure
• Digital fluency and innovation mindset
• Audience-focused strategic thinking
• Commitment to accountability, inclusion, and newsroom culture
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion
• Ability to lead change in a fast-evolving media environment

What Success Looks Like

• Growth in digital readership and audience engagement

• A trusted, high-performing newsroom producing impactful local journalism (awards, investigations, community influence)

• A collaborative newsroom culture with strong staff development and retention

• Strength of public trust and brand reputation Continued innovation in storytelling and platform development

The Free Press offers a competitive total rewards package; remuneration will be dependent upon qualifications and experience.

We thank all applicants for applying; however, only those under consideration will be contacted.

If you are searching for an exciting career challenge, we invite you to submit your resume and cover note - stating you found this job on Jeff Gaulins' Journalism Job Board - quoting the job title and your name in subject line to the attention of Human Resources.

Human Resources
The Winnipeg Free Press
1355 Mountain Avenue
Winnipeg , MB

R2X 3B6 , Canada

Tel: (204) 697-7359

E-mail: resumes@freepress.mb.ca
Web address: http://www.winnipegfreepress.com