Publications Specialist 2

PCI Productions LLC; McLean (VA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

PCI Federal (PCIF) seeks a Publications Specialist II - Magazine Editor to lead the complete lifecycle of a quarterly magazine, ensuring timely delivery, rigorous quality, and alignment with strategic communications objectives. The role requires advanced editing, version control, and cross-team coordination with authors, reviewers, and legal counsel.

The candidate will manage production schedules, implement QA processes, and ensure compliance with the GPO and Chicago style guides, as well as

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, English, journalism or closely related field.
• Master’s degree or equivalent certification is highly desirable.
• 7–10 years of progressive editorial/publication management experience.
• Experience overseeing production of a periodical, preferably technical or scholarly.
• Strong editing, copyediting and proofreading capabilities.
• Deep knowledge of Section 508 accessibility and federal publishing standards.

Responsibilities

• Manage the magazine lifecycle, production schedules and article versions through approvals.
• Provide high-level editorial support and content development; prepare promotional materials.
• Liaise between writing teams and layout/design; coordinate multi-stakeholder reviews.
• Ensure articles comply with GPO Style Manual and Chicago Manual of Style; secure sign-offs.
• Oversee distribution logistics and format specifications for professional release.

Skills

Editorial proficiency

Copyediting

Proofreading

Project management

Stakeholder coordination

Section 508 compliance

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Communications/English/Journalism

Master’s degree or equivalent

Job description

Position Summary

The Publications Specialist II - Magazine Editor is responsible for the comprehensive lifecycle management and editorial excellence of the agency’s magazine. This senior-level role requires expertise in the logistical administration of a quarterly publication cycle and high-level editorial services. The Editor ensures that the magazine is produced on time, follows rigorous quality standards, and effectively meets strategic communication objectives from initial content intake through final distribution.

Job Description

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Logistical Oversight: Manage the administrative aspects of distribution and formatting specifications to ensure the final product meets all organizational standards for professional release.

Education and Experience

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Communications, English, Journalism, or a closely related field. A Master’s degree or equivalent advanced professional certification is highly desirable.
• Experience: A minimum of 7 to 10 years of progressively responsible experience in editorial and publication management.
• Proven track record of overseeing the production of a periodical, preferably a technical or specialty publication (e.g., transportation or research journal).
• Expertise in project management for recurring publication cycles.
• Advanced proficiency in substantive editing, copyediting, and proofreading.
• Deep understanding of Section 508 compliance and federal publishing standards.
• Ability to manage complex approval workflows and coordinate between technical and creative teams.

PCI Federal (PCIF) and its subsidiaries are an equal-opportunity employer. PCIF does not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, race, national origin, religion, marital status, sexual orientation or identity, Veterans or Disability status.

Preference may be extended to qualified Native American Indian candidates in accordance with applicable federal law.