Publication Specialist Level 2 Magazine Editor

Kinsley Power Systems; McLean (VA); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Kinsley Power Systems in McLean, VA seeks a Senior Editor to manage a technical magazine lifecycle onsite with author teams and reviewers.

The role requires 7–10 years of editorial experience, deep knowledge of 508 accessibility, and ability to coordinate complex approvals while ensuring compliance with GPO and Chicago style standards. Travel CONUS may be required. A strong background in producing high-quality, accessible content and coordinating cross-functional groups is essential.

Qualifications

• 7 to 10 years of editorial and publication management experience.
• Experience overseeing production of a periodical, preferably a technical or specialty publication.
• Proficiency in substantive editing, copyediting, proofreading, and publication-cycle management.
• Deep understanding of Section 508 accessibility and federal publishing standards.
• Ability to manage complex approval workflows between technical and creative teams.
• Master’s degree or equivalent advanced professional certification (desired).

Responsibilities

• Provide Lifecycle & Production Management: oversee the complete magazine lifecycle, including establishing production schedules and managing the publication cycle.
• Provide Editorial & Writing Support: provide high-level editorial support and assist with content development and promotional materials; ensure strict version control and QA.
• Act as Stakeholder Liaison: coordinate between writers, authors, layout/design teams, and legal reviewers through multi-stakeholder reviews.
• Ensure Compliance & Quality Control: ensure articles and magazine adhere to style manuals and Section 508 accessibility; secure sign-offs.
• Provide Logistical Oversight: manage distribution and formatting specs to meet organizational standards.

Skills

Editorial management

Publication management

Copyediting

Proofreading

Stakeholder liaison

508 accessibility

Editing standards (GPO/Chicago)

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Communications/English/Journalism

Master’s degree or advanced certification (desirable)

Job description

Level: Senior

Location: McLean, VA / Washington, DC (onsite and offsite support as authorized by the customer).

Clearance: No Clearance Required. However the agency will conduct a National Agency Check and Inquiries (with fingerprinting), which consists of searches of records covering specific areas of a person's background during the past five (5) years. Those inquiries are sent to current and past employers, schools attended, references, and local law enforcement authorities.

Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Communications, English, Journalism, or a closely-related field. A Master’s degree or equivalent advance professional certification is highly desirable.

Outcomes:

• Deliver accurate, high-quality, accessible, and timely products and services that meet FHWA requirements and support positive Government performance feedback.
• Identify and resolve quality, coordination, schedule, or technical issues early enough to prevent customer or mission impact.

Responsibilities:

• Provide Lifecycle & Production Management: Oversee the complete magazine lifecycle, including establishing production schedules, managing the publication cycle, and systematically tracking article versions through a comprehensive approval chain.
• Provide Editorial & Writing Support: Provide high-level editorial support, assisting with content development and the creation of promotional materials. Implement strict version control and quality assurance protocols throughout the editing and document production process.
• Act as Stakeholder Liaison: Act as the primary liaison between writing/author teams and the layout/design teams. Manage complex review processes involving multiple stakeholders, including authors, technical reviewers, and legal counsel.
• Ensure Compliance & Quality Control: Ensure all final articles and the complete magazine adhere to the GPO Style Manual, Chicago Manual of Style, and Section 508 accessibility requirements. Confirm all necessary sign-offs and approvals are secured before public release.
• Provide Logistical Oversight: Manage the administrative aspects of distribution and formatting specifications to ensure the final product meets all organizational standards for professional release.

Qualifications:

• 7 to 10 years of progressively responsible experience in editorial and publication management.
• Proven track record overseeing the production of a periodical, preferable a technical or specialty publication (e.g., transportation or research journal).
• Advanced proficiency in substantive editing, copyediting, proofreading, and recurring publication-cycle management.
• Deep understanding of Section 508 accessibility and Federal publishing standards.
• Ability to manage complex approval workflows and coordinate effectively between technical and creative teams.

The following qualifications are desired:

• Master’s Degree or equivalent advanced professional certification.
• Experience with a transportation, research, scientific, or technical periodical.
• Federal publication-management experience.

Travel:

Continental U.S. (CONUS) travel may be required to attend customer meetings, program reviews, stakeholder engagements, training events, conferences, production activities, or mission-related activities as directed.