Briarpatch Incorporated, the non-profit organization that publishes Briarpatch Magazine, is seeking a leftist, progressive, and radical Editor to join our team. Briarpatch Incorporated publishes two publications: Briarpatch Magazine, a national magazine, and the Sask Dispatch, a publication that focuses on Saskatchewan-based issues through a leftist lens. Briarpatch also publishes a regular union newsletter for RWDSU.
As one of two core staff members, the Briarpatch Editor is jointly responsible for managing the affairs of the organization according to the strategic direction set by the Board of Directors. The Briarpatch Editor takes primary responsibility for the creative production of Briarpatch Magazine, website and related materials, the oversight of the Sask Dispatch, and works collaboratively with the Publisher to carry out a number of additional duties. Due to the need for strong collaboration between the Editor and Publisher, the successful candidate is required to work out of the Regina office.
Briarpatch Magazine is an award-winning magazine of politics and culture. Fiercely independent and proudly polemical, Briarpatch offers original reporting, insight, and analysis from a grassroots perspective. As a reader-supported publication, Briarpatch is not just devoted to reporting on social movements – it’s committed to building them.
Since 1973, Briarpatch has been publishing committed journalism and critical commentary from its home in Regina, Saskatchewan. Beholden only to its readers, Briarpatch defies the false consensus of the corporate media, adhering, as Avi Lewis says, to “independence and ferocity in equal measure.”
You should send us your CV and cover letter if:
- You have experience in journalism and editing.
- You enjoy working in small teams and excel best when you’re left to your own devices.
- You regularly rant to friends and family about how the mainstream media harms oppressed communities and poor and working-class people.
- You aren’t terrified at the idea of an overflowing email inbox.
- You understand the importance of journalism that isn’t compromised by corporate interests.
- You’ve participated in, or believe in the power of, grassroots social movements.
About the position
- This position is a unionized role, and based on the Collective Bargaining Agreement, is remunerated at $23.43/hr at 35 hours per week, which is considered a living wage in Regina, SK.
- This position requires that the successful applicant relocate to Regina, Saskatchewan, which is a great place to live. (We can provide references to that effect.)
About Briarpatch Incorporated
- We are a registered, non-profit organization, governed by the Saskatchewan Not-for-Profit Act.
- Our board of directors is composed of volunteers from across Canada.
- Our office is located in Regina, SK.
Qualifications & experience
Minimum qualifications
- At least two to three years of experience in journalism, including student and freelance journalism experience;
- proficiency with journalistic research techniques;
- ability to read and write fluently in English;
- ability to set and meet tight deadlines;
- familiarity and connection with left-wing, radical grassroots politics or communities in Canada;
- basic knowledge of Saskatchewan politics and history;
- comfort working on computers, and proficiency in using word processing software such as Microsoft Word or Google Docs;
- legally permitted to work in Canada.
Preferred qualifications
- At least two years of experience in editing;
- experience using Adobe InDesign and Photoshop;
- experience in supervising other journalists and writers, and/or staff;
- familiarity with labour movements and union politics;
- comfortable updating websites;
- experience in social media management and posting.
We encourage applications from those who feel as though this role is a good fit, but may not meet any or all preferred qualifications.
Responsibilities & Primary Duties
Editorial
- Editorial administration (planning upcoming issues; writing and circulating calls for submissions; evaluating and responding to article queries; assigning articles; overseeing the editorial budget and negotiating rates with contributors; and working with writers and volunteer editors to develop quality editorial content);
- editing the magazine, blog, and related materials;
- writing the Letter from the Editor and contributing other content as required;
- writing the semi-annual donor appeal letters in collaboration with the Publisher.
Design & art direction
- Designing the magazine;
- commissioning illustrators and photographers to produce artwork for Briarpatch Magazine and related materials;
- occasionally designing ads for inclusion in the magazine, as required;
- overseeing the art budget and negotiating rates with contributing illustrators and photographers.
Website and social media
- Maintaining and updating the website;
- assembling and circulating the email newsletter on a monthly basis;
- maintaining and posting to social media accounts.
Staff supervision and volunteer management
- Hiring, disciplining, and terminating any support staff, as needed by the board;
- training, supervising, and delegating duties to support staff, as resources permit;
- mentoring and supervising the Sask Dispatch and RWDSU Defender Editor, as needed;
- assisting the volunteer board of directors to promote board member involvement and ensure the effective management of the organization;
- participating in board meetings and committee meetings as required;
- recruiting and managing editorial, event, and office volunteers.
Professional development
- Researching and participating in opportunities that serve to develop skills relevant to the editorial position, to create a wider supportive network for Briarpatch (writers, artists, etc.), or contribute to material for future issues of the magazine.
The Editor may also assist the Publisher with fundraisers, events, subscriber mailouts, and grant applications.
Recognizing that Briarpatch Inc. is a volunteer-driven organization with limited staff resources, all reasonable efforts will be found to recruit volunteers to assist with or carry out these and other duties, as applicable.
How to apply
Interested candidates should submit a CV and cover letter, along with a published writing sample related to the core values of Briarpatch as soon as possible. Briarpatch’s hiring committee will be engaging in rolling interviews and will accept applications submitted by January 31, 2024.
Please submit applications to chair[at]briarpatchmagazine.com.
We ask that your cover letter be no longer than 1.5 pages and address the following questions:
- What drew you to Briarpatch and why are you applying for this position?
- What work experience do you have that you feel makes you a good fit for this position?
- What is your vision for Briarpatch and where do you see yourself taking the magazine if you are the successful candidate? (Feel free to include ideas for future stories/special issues/etc.)
Equity in Hiring
The following groups are identified as equity-seeking groups under Briarpatch’s Equity in Hiring policy:
- Indigenous people, especially those who are Indigenous to Treaty 4 territory where Briarpatch is based;
- Black people;
- people of colour;
- Two-Spirit, queer, trans, and non-binary people;
- Disabled people, including (but not limited to) those who experience mental illness and those with learning disabilities;
- People who currently experience or have experienced poverty and/or homelessness;
- Women.
We encourage applicants to identify if they belong to any equity-seeking groups, as defined in Briarpatch’s Equity in Hiring policy. The Briarpatch board will be prioritizing all equity-seeking applicants for this position.
If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to the Board at chair [at] briarpatchmagazine.com. We look forward to hearing from you.
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