THE ORGANIZATION

For more than a decade, Observer Media Group has led the digital re-invention of Canadian media, driven the national conversation on energy and climate change, and made history as the first all-digital publication to win a National Newspaper Award and a Michener Award citation. Our Democracy and Integrity Reporting Project has placed us at the centre of Canada’s battle against online misinformation and electoral manipulation. Observer Media Group owns Canada's National Observer (CNO). 

CNO is a trusted national news source for progressives in Canada. CNO publishes investigative reporting, political columns, in-depth analysis, solutions journalism, multimedia features, opinion and daily news coverage. We pursue stories that seek to identify and explore problems in society. We also cover success and innovation to ensure that decision makers and members of the public are empowered to make informed choices. We have a special focus on how governments and industry make decisions as well as the factors that influence their policies.

THE POSITION

The Director of Engagement & Subscriptions (Director) is responsible for leading growth by converting CNO’s award-winning journalism into increased subscriptions. Building on the team’s 5 years of subscription growth and excellence, the new Director will achieve ambitious goals, applying their consumer-facing expertise to drive engagement and grow our strong base of subscribers. This is a centralized position that is a high-visibility, high-impact opportunity to help CNO retain and develop digital subscribers and grow revenue.

You will take our solid track record to a new level by increasing site traffic, expanding our newsletter lists and converting those readers into subscribers. You will manage our acquisition and retention strategies for digital-only subscribers. CNO enjoys a high rate of subscriber conversions through email communications that exceed average news industry levels. You will take this to a new level of success.

You will also be responsible for selling group subscriptions to large organizations, building on our current group which includes the federal government, libraries, universities and civil society groups, as well as businesses. As you meet your targets and create additional revenue, you will expand your team and be responsible for hiring and managing all contractors and new employees who will be working with you on engagement.

The Director of Engagement & Subscriptions is an ideal role for a metrics-driven leader who is proficient at deriving compelling insights and analytics, and collaborating with internal stakeholders. You are keen to deliver on-time, on-brand, and on-budget results when it comes to pricing, engagement, and retention.

For more information, please see the attached full position specification.