Executive Editor for Defense Industrial Base Newsletter at War on the Rocks - War on the Rocks

War on the Rocks, the flagship publication of Metamorphic Media, is looking for a detail-oriented, full-time executive editor who is committed to the clear communication of important and novel ideas about the defense industrial base.

This is a full-time role based in Washington, DC. It is not a remote position. We are on a hybrid schedule of three days a week in the War on the Rocks office (T, W, Th) in Washington, DC. We will therefore only consider candidates who live in the Washington metro area or who are willing to relocate there.

A cover letter is required, along with your CV. In your cover letter, please include an amusing story about yourself.

About the Newsletter

War on the Rocks will be launching a free newsletter focused on the connective tissue between industry, talent, technology, the Defense Department, and capital. The purpose is to aid a reimagining of what it means to ensure the superiority of American military power through analysis, engaging content, elevating compelling voices, imagery, and case studies.

The Position

The executive editor for this newsletter will be responsible for overseeing writing, production, design, and distribution with support from colleagues and contractors. The executive editor will report to an editorial manager and will work closely with Ryan Evans, the founder of War on the Rocks.

The duties are as follows:

Writing and Content Development:

• Oversee Content Creation: Lead the writing process for all content, ensuring alignment with the newsletter's tone, style, and objectives.
• Develop Editorial Calendar: Create and maintain an editorial calendar to plan topics, interviews, and content blocks for each installment.
• Commission Articles and Interviews: Identify and engage experts to contribute articles, interviews, and case studies relevant to defense technology and industry.
• Content Editing: Review and edit all content for clarity, accuracy, and consistency with the newsletter’s brand and mission, with the support of War on the Rocks colleagues and contractors.
• Ensure Diversity of Perspectives: Balance contributions across private sector, academic, and government perspectives to ensure diverse and comprehensive coverage.

Production and Design:

• Coordinate with Designers: Work with contract designers to ensure the newsletter’s layout is visually engaging and supports the content, including infographics and features.
• Manage Production Schedule: Oversee the production timeline to ensure that each issue is completed and ready for distribution on time.
• Content Formatting: Ensure that content is formatted correctly for newsletter blocks (e.g., summaries, analyses, interviews) and that images are appropriately integrated.

Distribution and Audience Engagement:

• Oversee Distribution: Manage distribution of the newsletter to all subscribers.
• Test, Track, Analyze, and Iterate: Monitor performance, feedback, and survey responses to assess and enhance audience engagement.

General:

• Build Peerless Brand Identity: Ensure that the newsletter maintains a unique identity, setting a new standard for content on this issue set in line with the best-in-class reputation of War on the Rocks.
• Represent: Serve as the newsletter's spokesperson and evangelizer at public events, on podcasts, and with key stakeholders.

Metamorphic Media is an equal opportunity employer and will not discriminate against any employee or applicant on the basis of age, color, disability, gender, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any classification protected by federal, state, or local law.

Requirements

• Eight years of relevant professional experience, not inclusive of internships or graduate education. This is not a junior role.
• At least four years of experience in managing editorial processes, including content creation, editing, and publication (not inclusive of college newspapers or internships).
• Deep understanding of the defense industry, defense technology, and related issues.
• A strong network of relationships across the defense industrial base and experts on the same.
• Experience working with designers and a good visual sensibility.
• Knowledge of and experience with digital marketing.
• Exceptional and obsessive attention to detail.
• Proven track record of delivering against short-term deadlines.
• Exceptional and elegant written English.
• Ability to work collegially and flexibly as part of a small team.
• Right to work in the United States.
• BONUS: Experience working in the defense industry or on defense industrial base issues as a policy or military practitioner.

Benefits

• Fully covered medical, dental, and vision insurance premiums.
• Competitive salary ($110,000 to $185,000 based on depth of relevant experience and expertise).
• Performance based raise after 6 months.
• Annual raises and bonuses.