Editor in Chief

Job summary

A hands-on editorial leadership role spanning journalism, conferences and new product development. Vanguard (vanguardcanada.com) is Canada's longest-running defence and security publication, serving senior audiences across the Department of National Defence, the Canadian Armed Forces and the defence industry through a bi-monthly magazine, weekly newsletter and four annual conferences. We are entering a new stage of growth. We are relaunching our website and newsletter, strengthening our conference programming and investing in the platform. We are looking for an Editor-in-Chief to lead our g…

Job details

A hands-on editorial leadership role spanning journalism, conferences and new product development. Vanguard (vanguardcanada.com) is Canada's longest-running defence and security publication, serving senior audiences across the Department of National Defence, the Canadian Armed Forces and the defence industry through a bi-monthly magazine, weekly newsletter and four annual conferences. We are entering a new stage of growth. We are relaunching our website and newsletter, strengthening our conference programming and investing in the platform. We are looking for an Editor-in-Chief to lead our growth and help build what comes next. The Role This is a senior but genuinely hands-on position. You will set editorial direction and lead day-to-day execution across digital, print and live events. You will commission and edit contributors, write and report original stories, develop conference agendas, recruit speakers, moderate discussions with senior government, military and industry leaders, and cultivate relationships across DND, CAF, government and the defence industry. You will work directly with the Publisher on strategy but own the execution day to day. You will have the autonomy to shape the editorial direction, set the agenda and take the platform where you think it should go. Who We Are Looking For We are open to candidates from several backgrounds, including: Journalists and editors who have covered Canadian defence, national security, government or public policy. Defence policy analysts, researchers or think tank professionals with strong writing and communications skills. Former CAF officers or DND officials with demonstrated writing, communications or public engagement ability. Defence industry professionals with the judgment, independence and credibility to lead editorial work. Across all backgrounds, we are looking for an excellent writer and rigorous editor with a deep understanding of Canadian defence, the confidence to moderate senior panels, the discipline to manage overlapping deadlines and the ambition to help build Vanguard well beyond what it is today. What We Offer Competitive compensation based on experience. Significant editorial autonomy. The opportunity to grow with the platform, take on greater responsibility as we expand, and be rewarded meaningfully for what you help build. How to Apply Send your resume, a brief note explaining why the role interests you and two or three examples of relevant writing, editing, research, speaking or conference work to editor@vanguarddefence.ca. Applications will be reviewed as they are received.

What you’ll do

The Editor in Chief will set editorial direction and lead day-to-day execution across digital, print, and live events. Responsibilities include commissioning and editing contributors, writing original stories, developing conference agendas, and cultivating relationships across various sectors.

Requirements

Candidates should have a strong background in journalism, defence policy, or related fields, with excellent writing and editing skills. The role requires confidence in moderating discussions and managing overlapping deadlines.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation based on experience. • Significant editorial autonomy. • Growth opportunity with meaningful rewards.

Listed skills

• independence · Preferred
• Organization · Preferred
• Leadership · Preferred
• Attention to detail · Preferred
• responsibility · Preferred
• Execution · Preferred
• Public engagement · Preferred
• discipline · Preferred

Other relevant skills

Identified from the job description. Confirm important requirements above.

• Editorial Leadership
• Journalism
• Conference Development
• Writing
• Editing
• Public Engagement
• Defence Policy
• Communications
• Relationship Building
• Moderation
• Research
• Story Development
• Strategic Planning
• Deadline Management
• Content Creation
• Public Policy