FP Newspapers Inc., publisher of the Winnipeg Free Press and a portfolio of respected regional and community titles across Manitoba, seeks a distinguished editorial leader to assume the role of Editor-in-Chief at a defining moment for both the organization and the broader media landscape. With roots dating back to 1872, the Winnipeg Free Press stands among Canada’s most influential and enduring journalistic institutions, recognized for its commitment to public-interest reporting, civic engagement, and the amplification of diverse community voices.

 

This appointment represents a compelling opportunity to shape the future of one of Western Canada’s most prominent media brands. The Editor-in-Chief will lead a modern, integrated newsroom spanning print and digital platforms, guiding the evolution of a trusted legacy institution toward a digitally enabled, audience-centric future. At the core of the mandate is the responsibility to safeguard editorial excellence and independence while advancing growth, relevance, and impact in an increasingly complex and competitive information environment.

 

Reporting to the CEO and operating as a key member of the executive team, the Editor-in-Chief will define and execute a clear and ambitious editorial vision that reflects both the enduring public-service mission of the Free Press and the changing dynamics of how audiences consume news. This leader will set the standard for journalistic integrity, ensuring the delivery of rigorous, accurate, and compelling content that informs public discourse and strengthens community trust across Manitoba and beyond.

 

The successful candidate will bring a demonstrated ability to lead high-performing editorial teams, fostering a newsroom culture that is collaborative, inclusive, and accountable. They will be equally adept at managing day-to-day operations and inspiring innovation—aligning talent, workflows, and resources to deliver impactful journalism across platforms, while cultivating the next generation of editorial leaders.

 

Critically, this role extends beyond traditional editorial leadership. The Editor-in-Chief will operate as a strategic business partner, working closely with colleagues across product, audience development, and commercial functions to unlock sustainable growth. This includes expanding digital readership and subscriptions, enhancing engagement with younger and more diverse audiences, and advancing new forms of storytelling and content monetization. The ability to navigate the intersection of editorial integrity and commercial realities—while maintaining a clear and principled separation between the two—will be essential.

 

The Editor-in-Chief will serve as a visible and credible ambassador for the organization. Building meaningful relationships with civic leaders, institutions, and communities across the province, they will champion the role of trusted journalism in strengthening democratic engagement and social cohesion. A deep commitment to reflecting the diversity of Manitoba, including Indigenous and multicultural perspectives, will underpin this external leadership.

 

The ideal candidate is a highly respected editorial executive with significant experience leading complex newsrooms in either traditional or digital-first environments. They will bring a strong track record of delivering impactful journalism while driving audience growth and transformation. Combining intellectual rigour with commercial acumen, they will demonstrate an intuitive understanding of audience behaviour, data-informed decision-making, and emerging media technologies. Personally, they will be recognized as an authentic, low-ego leader with exceptional interpersonal skills, capable of engaging broadly, building trust, and inspiring confidence at all levels of the organization.

 

This is a rare opportunity to lead a storied media institution with deep community roots and significant platform for influence. Based in Winnipeg—a city defined by its cultural richness, affordability, and strong sense of community—the role offers both professional impact and quality of life in equal measure.

 

Odgers does not use artificial intelligence (AI) to screen, assess, or select applicants for a position.

 

Reason for Posting: Existing Vacancy

 

To Apply

 

To fill this position, FP Newspapers has partnered with leadership advisory firm Odgers. Applications are encouraged immediately and should be submitted online ideally by July 22^nd, 2026 at https://careers.odgers.com/en-ca/31278.

 

We would like to thank all applicants but regret that we are only able to personally contact those individuals whose backgrounds best match the requirements for the role.

 

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

 

FP Newspapers is an equal opportunity employer. In accordance with the Accessible Canada Act, 2019 and all applicable provincial accessibility standards, upon request, accommodation will be provided by both Odgers and FP Newspapers throughout the recruitment, selection and/or assessment process to applicants with disabilities.

 

Odgers is deeply committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in all the work that we do. As part of our efforts to better understand our ability to reach as broad a pool of candidates as possible for our searches, our DEI team would like to encourage you to take a moment and access our Self-Declaration Form.