Executive Editor for a Military AI Vertical at "War on the Rocks"

War on the Rocks is looking for a detail-oriented, full-time executive editor who is committed to the clear communication of important and novel ideas about defense technology and the 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. If you do not follow these instructions, your application will not be considered. If the job site you are using does not allow you to submit a cover letter, apply using this link instead: https://apply.workable.com/war-on-the-rocks/j/555EF78DCA

APPLICATION DEADLINE: June 29, 2026

About the Vertical

The decisions being made right now inside the Pentagon, across the military services, on Capitol Hill, and throughout the defense industrial base will define how the United States deploys AI in its most consequential contexts, from battlefield command to nuclear deterrence.

To meet this moment, War on the Rocks is launching a vertical to ensure the development and deployments of these technologies serve the needs of the country and warfighters without sacrificing the ethical principles, accountability, and human responsibility that must remain at the heart of decisions about war and peace. This new vertical seek to do this through publishing analysis, engaging content, elevating compelling voices, imagery, and case studies created and co-created with builders, founders, scholars, servicemembers, and civilian national security practitioners.

The Position

This person will be responsible for overseeing writing, editing, production, design, and distribution with support from colleagues and contractors.

The duties are as follows:

• Identify and engage experts to contribute opinion articles, interviews, and case studies relevant to defense technology and industry.
• Host episodes of the vertical's dedicated podcast.
• Ensure content alignment with the vertical's tone, style, and objectives.
• Review and edit all content for clarity, accuracy, and consistency.
• Balance contributions across private sector, academic, and government perspectives.
• Manage and work with junior staff.
• Create and oversee the editorial calendar and production timeline.
• Monitor performance, feedback, and survey responses to assess and enhance audience engagement.
• Ensure that the vertical continues to live up to the best-in-class reputation of War on the Rocks.
• Serve as the vertical's spokesperson and evangelizer.
• Work closely with key stakeholders, including the vertical's sponsor(s) and partner(s).

Please note that this is not a journalism or reporting job.

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.
• Experience working on relevant AI issues OR relevant media experience (not inclusive of university employment or internships).
• Deep understanding of AI, the AI industry, the armed services, the defense industry, and related issues.
• A strong network of relationships in AI, including experts on the same.
• 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.

Benefits

• Fully covered medical, dental, and vision insurance premiums.
• Competitive salary ($120,000 to $190,000 based on depth of relevant experience and expertise).
• Performance based raise after 6 months.
• Annual raises and bonuses.