Editor-in-Chief

Editor-in-Chief REF#: JG35068 Maclean's Magazine

Location: Toronto, Ontario

Posted: October 19, 2026

Salary: $100,000 to $140,000

Description

For 121 years, Maclean’s has been one of Canada’s most influential and respected national publications, chronicling the people, ideas and moments shaping the country through fact-based, independent journalism. Over the past five years, the magazine has undergone a transformation, bringing renewed ambition and energy to the legacy brand. Today, Maclean’s is a vital part of the national conversation, a home to some of the best writing in the country and relevant to a new generation of Canadians.

The brand reaches its audience across print, digital, social, newsletters, live events and Maclean’s Education, the country’s leading platform for university and college rankings and guides. Named Best Magazine, News, Business and General Interest at the 2026 National Magazine Awards, Maclean’s is published by SJC Media, Canada’s largest publisher of trusted media brands, reaching more than 23 million Canadians.

About The Role

We are looking for an accomplished editorial leader to guide Maclean’s into its next chapter. The ideal candidate brings exceptional editorial instincts, a deep understanding of Canada's political, cultural and social landscape, and a passion for telling stories that matter to Canadians.

As Editor-in-Chief, you will shape the editorial vision and future direction of Maclean’s, building on its reputation for outstanding journalism while finding new ways to grow its audience and strengthen its relevance with the next generation of Canadians.

You will lead a talented team of editors, writers and designers, champion original storytelling and uphold the editorial independence and integrity that have defined Maclean’s for generations. As the brand's primary ambassador, you will represent Maclean’s in the media, at public events and across the broader Canadian cultural landscape.

This is an opportunity to lead one of Canada's most influential media brands at an exciting moment in its history and help define what Maclean’s becomes next.

Key Responsibilities

Editorial Vision & Strategy

• Set the editorial direction and content strategy for Maclean’s across all platforms.
• Commission, edit and oversee high-impact journalism, including investigative features, in-depth profiles and incisive political commentary.
• Identify emerging trends, fresh voices and diverse perspectives that reflect modern Canada.
• Explore new approaches to storytelling, formats and distribution, finding creative ways to reach and engage audiences.
  
  

Team Leadership & Management

• Lead, mentor and inspire a high-performing editorial team, fostering a collaborative, inclusive and innovative newsroom culture.
• Attract and develop exceptional editorial talent, including staff, freelancers and contributing editors.
• Lead regular editorial meetings, guiding pitch processes, commissioning and story development.
  
  

Digital Growth & Audience Engagement

• Partner with audience and digital teams to grow Maclean’s reach, build loyal audiences and expand subscriptions across newsletters, digital, social and emerging platforms.
• Leverage data and analytics to inform editorial decisions, identify opportunities and optimize digital distribution without sacrificing editorial quality.
  
  

Operations

• Work in partnership with the Publisher and sales and marketing teams to identify revenue opportunities, establish appropriate sponsored content guidelines and support brand initiatives while maintaining editorial independence.
• Manage the editorial budget, ensuring resources are allocated efficiently and targets are met.
  
  

Brand Stewardship

• Serve as a leading voice for Maclean’s in Canadian media and public life, contributing to national conversations, hosting events and building relationships with influential voices across the country.
• Lead signature Maclean’s franchises, including University Rankings and the Maclean’s Ideas Summit, while identifying opportunities to develop new editorial franchises.
• Uphold Maclean’s reputation for journalistic integrity, accuracy and editorial independence.
  
  

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in journalism, with at least 5 years in a senior editorial leadership role (Managing Editor, Executive Editor, or Editor-in-Chief) at a major publication.
• Exceptional knowledge of Canadian politics, business, culture and national affairs.
• Proven track record of producing engaging content across print and digital, with a strong understanding of audience development, social media and digital subscription models.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, motivate and manage a diverse team of journalists and creative professionals.
• Strong relationships across Canadian journalism and media, with the ability to attract exceptional contributors and develop new editorial opportunities.
• Experience managing editorial budgets and collaborating across departments, including sales, marketing and audience development.
• Bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications, political science or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
• Bilingualism (English/French) is a strong asset.
  
  

Benefits At SJC

• SJC is committed to the well-being and professional development of its employees. Our comprehensive benefits package includes:
• Health and Dental Benefits
• Employee & Family Assistance Program (EFAP) and access to online health & wellness resources through Homewood Health.
• Scholarship program available for employees’ children.
• Exclusive employee subscription rates for SJC publications.
• A complimentary 1-year Toronto Life Insider membership.
• Discounted annual GoodLife membership.
• Participation in the Perkopolis Perk Program, offering employee pricing at a wide range of retailers.
  
  

A Workplace Built For Everyone

SJC Values

• Amaze our customers: We put our customers’ evolving needs at the heart of the business and inspire through our ideas, quality and service.
• Be relentlessly curious: We take the initiative to learn, try new things and brainstorm the next big idea.
• Respect every individual as equal: We value diversity as the means to creativity and cultivate a collaborative environment where everyone belongs.
• Innovate and adapt with urgency: Forward-thinking and flexible, we react quickly and boldly to change.
• Contribute to our community: We apply our resources and passions to make a difference – for people and our planet
  
  

Accommodations at SJC

SJC is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer, where everyone feels welcome and has the opportunity to thrive. We're committed to creating inclusive and barrier-free recruitment processes and work environments. If you're contacted for an interview and require any accommodations to ensure a fair and equitable experience, please let our Human Resources team know. We'll handle any information you share with complete confidentiality.

Inclusion at SJC

Equality and respect for all is one of our founding values and core beliefs at SJC. We are a diverse group with associates of all ages, orientations, races and talents. We celebrate this diversity and we draw strength from it. Inclusivity at SJC means fostering a culture that welcomes and respects each individual as equal – both inside our walls and within the larger community.

Interested candidates should apply online here - stating in their application that they found this job on Jeff Gaulin's Journalism Job Board.