Managing Editor/Editorial Specialist

Grain Farmers of Ontario; Guelph; On-site; CAD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

A provincial agricultural organization in Guelph is seeking a Managing Editor / Editorial Specialist to lead the Ontario Grain Farmer magazine's production. The role requires exceptional editorial skills and collaboration with diverse teams. Applicants should have a strong educational background in communications and relevant editorial experience, including managing freelance writers. The position offers competitive pay, a benefits package, and opportunities for professional growth.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Robust benefits package

Minimum of 3 weeks’ vacation

Learning and development opportunities

Qualifications

• 4+ years of experience in an editorial role.
• 3+ years of experience writing for a professional publication.
• 2+ years of experience managing freelance writers.

Responsibilities

• Lead the planning and execution of the Ontario Grain Farmer magazine’s nine annual issues.
• Collaborate with communications team members to build relevant content for member communications.
• Champion editorial excellence by writing for the magazine and executives.

Skills

Excellent written and verbal English communication

Proofreading and copy review

Collaborative mindset

Critical thinking

Education

College diploma in communications, journalism, English, or marketing

Tools

Microsoft Office 365

Adobe Creative Suite

Job description

Managing Editor / Editorial Specialist

Grain Farmers of Ontario is looking for a collaborative professional to join the Communications team as the Managing Editor / Editorial Specialist. The ideal candidate brings proven experience in editorial leadership, exceptional writing and editing skills, and a keen eye for detail. If you are a strategic thinker with a passion for clear communication, a strong command of language, and the ability to work seamlessly with cross‑functional teams, we invite you to apply for this opportunity!

The Role

The Managing Editor / Editorial Specialist plays an important role in delivering GFO’s messaging to farmer‑members, industry, and consumers by leading the execution of the Ontario Grain Farmer magazine. They also provide editorial services to the organization to develop additional publication pieces and ensure copy is concise, easy to read, error‑free, is consistently messaged, and follows the organization's style and publication standards.

Your day‑to‑day

• Lead the planning and execution of the Ontario Grain Farmer magazine’s nine annual issues, including managing the editorial calendar, writing, collaborating with the Creative Specialist on layout and visual design, and distribution, meeting or exceeding timelines and goals
• Collaborate with communications team members to build relevant content for member communications across all GFO communication channels
• Champion editorial excellence by writing for the magazine, CEO, Executives, and other teams as needed
• Work with each internal department to identify editorial opportunities for story‑sharing with farmer‑members through the magazine and e‑newsletter
• Manage the sourcing and coordination of GFO’s preferred freelance writers to ensure high‑quality contributions to the Ontario Grain Farmer magazine
• Provide editorial services to the organization and ensure copy is concise, easy to read, error‑free, is consistently messaged, and follows the organization's style and publication standards
• Actively contribute innovative ideas to improve the effectiveness of internal and external communications and add value for our farmer‑members
• Collaborate with industry partners by attending conferences and events to stay up to date on industry activity and build a network of subject‑matter experts to inform and generate story ideas
• Ensure appropriate levels and layout of advertising for the print and online version of the Ontario Grain Farmer magazine in collaboration with GFO’s Advertising Sales & Sponsorship Consultant and Creative Specialist

What you will bring

Education & Experience

• College diploma in communications, journalism, English, or marketing
• 4+ years of experience in an editorial role
• 3+ years of experience writing for a professional publication
• 2+ years of experience managing freelance writers
• Experience in the Ontario agricultural industry in a member‑focused organization is considered an asset

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Excellent written and verbal command of the English language with a strong sense of tone needed for various audiences and communication channels (e.g. online, print, news/media, government, speeches, presentations, reports, etc.)
• Demonstrated excellence in proofreading and copy review, ensuring grammatical accuracy, consistency, and adherence to editorial standards and organizational style
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively across teams, using strong interpersonal and communication skills to build trust, foster respect, and ensure editorial content aligns with organizational goals and messaging
• Capacity to contribute fresh ideas to improve communication effectiveness and align editorial content with broader organizational goals and communication strategies
• In‑depth knowledge of the Canadian Press Style Guide, best practices for web and digital communication, and print publications
• Collaborative mindset and willingness to work independently and as part of a team
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office 365 (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint etc.)
• Sound judgment, critical thinking, and integrity in all actions
• Willingness to work extended hours and evenings, as required
• Working knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite, photography, videography, audio, and visual editing skills is considered an asset

What we offer

Grain Farmers of Ontario is a team of passionate, hardworking individuals focused on using teamwork and collaboration to bring the greatest value to our farmer‑members. We offer a competitive salary and a robust benefits package including medical, dental, life insurance and a pension program with employer contributions. All staff receive 10 sick days per year, 5 of which are paid, and a minimum of 3 weeks’ vacation to start. We value supporting our team members to reach their full potential by offering every employee the opportunity for learning and development through our development‑focused performance management system. We also like to have a little fun! We have an active social committee that organizes engaging events throughout the year.

About Grain Farmers Of Ontario

Grain Farmers of Ontario is the province’s largest commodity organization, representing Ontario’s 28,000 barley, corn, oat, soybean and wheat farmers. The crops they grow cover 6 million acres of farmland across the province generate over $27 billion in economic output, and support over 92,000 jobs in the province.

Grain Farmers of Ontario is an organization that values teamwork, honesty, integrity, kindness, and a strong work ethic. We pride ourselves on our team atmosphere and work together to create a business atmosphere that allows for the highest returns for our farmer‑members.

Learn more about us at www.gfo.ca.

Submissions must be in the form of a resume with an accompanying cover letter detailing your experience and qualifications related to the position. Applications without a cover letter listing detailed information regarding relevant qualifications and experience will be deemed incomplete and will not be considered.

Location: Guelph, ON

Hours of work: Full‑time, permanent (35 hours/week)

Application Deadline: Wednesday, November 19, 2025 @ 11:59 p.m.

Grain Farmers of Ontario is committed to a fair and inclusive work environment. We will endeavor to accommodate the needs of qualified applicants in all parts of the hiring process. If you require accommodation during the hiring process, please reach out to Human Resources at [e-mail].

All resume information is received in confidence. While we appreciate and thank all applicants, we will only directly contact those candidates selected for an interview.