Publications Specialist II

Bln24, Llc.; McLean (VA); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision plans

Remote work opportunities

Job summary

BLN24 in McLean, VA is seeking a Publications Specialist II to manage the full lifecycle of the Public Roads magazine, from content intake through final distribution. The role requires seasoned editorial judgment and proven experience guiding quarterly publication processes in a collaborative environment.

You will coordinate between writers and layout teams, enforce strict quality standards, and ensure compliance with the GPO and Chicago style guides plus Section 508 accessibility.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, English, Journalism, or a closely related field.
• 7 to 10 years of progressively responsible experience in editorial and publication management.
• Proven track record overseeing production of a periodical, preferably a technical or specialty publication.
• Master's degree or equivalent advanced professional certification is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Lifecycle & Production Management: oversee the magazine lifecycle, set production schedules, and track the publication cycle.
• Editorial & Writing Support: provide high-level editorial support, assist content development, and ensure QA protocols.
• Stakeholder Liaison: coordinate between writers and layout teams and manage reviews.
• Compliance & Quality Control: ensure all articles comply with GPO Style Manual, Chicago Manual of Style, and Section 508 accessibility; secure sign-offs.
• Logistical Oversight: manage distribution and formatting specs to meet standards.

Skills

Editorial management

Publication lifecycle

Stakeholder liaison

Quality assurance

Education

Bachelor's degree in Communications/English/Journalism

Master's degree or equivalent certification desirable

Job description

Job Title: Publications Specialist II

Location: McLean, VA (Hybrid/On-Site)

Company: BLN24

About Us:

We find strength in teamwork-a better you is a better us BLN24 is an award-winning Management Consulting Firm that supports the U.S. Federal Government in successfully achieving their mission and goals. Our service and solutions delivery start with understanding each client’s end-state, and then seamlessly integrating within each Agency’s organization to improve and enhance strategic and technical operations and deployments.

Position Overview

The Publications Specialist II - Magazine Editor is responsible for the comprehensive lifecycle management and editorial excellence of the agency's Public Roads 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.

Key Responsibilities

• 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.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, English, Journalism, or a closely related field.
• 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).
• A Master's degree or equivalent advanced professional certification is highly desirable.

What BLN24 Brings To The Game

BLN24 benefits are game changing. We like our team to play hard and that means they need to be taken care of - physically, financially, and emotionally. We make sure to keep them in the game by giving them access to generous medical, dental, and vision plans.

• You can join one of the fastest growing companies headquartered in the Washington DC Metro Area. We give you the opportunity to work in different sectors, so you have the chance at variety while maintaining stability.
• Flexibility at BLN24 allows each individual the opportunity to balance quality work and their personal lives. Depending on projects, we allow remote working opportunities so you can always be in the game no matter where you call home.

BLN24 is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We believe people are our strength and understand diverse talents are key to our success. We are an equal opportunity employer and place a high value on diversity and inclusion at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of any protected attribute, including race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital or veteran status, pregnancy or disability, or any other basis protected under applicable law. In accordance with applicable law, we make reasonable accommodations for applicants' and employees' religious practices and beliefs, as well as any mental health or physical disability needs.