PUBLICATIONS SPECIALIST II – MAGAZINE EDITOR

T White Parker; McLean (VA); Hybrid; USD 75,000 - 105,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Unlimited PTO

401(k) with employer match

Paid time off

Commuter benefits

Life insurance

Long-term disability insurance

Job summary

T. White Parker in McLean, VA is seeking a Publications Specialist II – Magazine Editor to manage the magazine lifecycle from content intake through final distribution, ensuring on-time delivery and quality standards.

You will coordinate between writers, reviewers, and design teams, implement strict editing, version control, and proofread to ensure accuracy and brand consistency. A strong editorial background is essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Communications, English, Journalism, or a closely related field. A Master’s degree or equivalent advanced professional certification is highly desirable.
• 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.
• 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 obtain a public trust clearance.
• Must be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident.
• Ability to work in the U.S. without sponsorship.

Responsibilities

• Lifecycle & Production Management: Oversee the complete magazine lifecycle and production schedules.
• Editorial & Writing Support: Provide high-level editorial support and content development.
• Stakeholder Liaison: Coordinate between authors, reviewers, design, and legal teams.
• Compliance & Quality Control: Ensure adherence to style guides and accessibility requirements.
• Logistical Oversight: Manage distribution and formatting specifications.

Skills

Editorial management

Project management

Copyediting

Proofreading

Section 508 compliance

Chicago Manual of Style

GPO Style Manual

Public trust clearance

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Communications, English, Journalism, or related field

Master’s degree or equivalent certification (desirable)

Job description

JOB TITLE: PUBLICATIONS SPECIALIST II – MAGAZINE EDITOR

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION

Preventing Failures. Delivering Outcomes.

T. White Parker is a results-focused information technology (IT) and management solutions firm that has helped private sector companies and U.S. federal agencies do business better for over 20 years. From delivering critical data and information to assist senior leaders in making critical decisions to providing operational support to enable a mission, our professionals are natural problem solvers, critical thinkers, masters of execution, and have a passion for superior quality. We hire for careers, not just for contracts and offer competitive benefits … including unlimited PTO!

POSITION DESCRIPTION

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.

PRIMARY DUTIES AND 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.

MINIMUM POSITION REQUIREMENTS

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree in Communications, English, Journalism, or a closely related field. A Master’s degree or equivalent advanced professional certification is highly desirable.
• 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.
• Ability to obtain a public trust clearance.
• Must be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident.
• Ability to work in the U.S. without sponsorship.

PREFERED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Transportation experience, especially in surface transportation research
• Knowledge of safety and operations, autonomous vehicles, human factors, roadway design, materials, and bridge engineering.

CORE COMPETENCIES

Expert command of the GPO Style Manual, with strong working knowledge of the Chicago Manual of Style and Section 508 accessibility requirements. Skilled in substantive editing, copyediting, and proofreading, with a sharp eye for style, consistency, and accuracy. Proven ability to manage a recurring publication cycle end to end, from content intake and production scheduling through final distribution, while tracking versions and securing every required approval. Experienced at coordinating complex review chains across authors, technical reviewers, design teams, and legal counsel. Strong quality and version control discipline applied throughout the editing and production process.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

This is a hybrid role: roughly two days per week onsite in McLean, VA (Monday–Thursday), with occasional work in SW/SE Washington, DC, and remote work the rest of the week. Candidates should be flexible with telework to meet client needs.

BENEFITS

T. White Parker offers a competitive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision coverage; 401(k) with employer match; paid time off, including eligibility for unlimited PTO; federal holidays; flexible spending and dependent care benefits; commuter benefits; employer-paid life and long-term disability insurance; and additional voluntary benefits. Benefit eligibility and plan terms are subject to applicable plan documents.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

T. White Parker is an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any characteristic protected by applicable law.

OTHER POSITION DETAILS

Location: Hybrid

Reports To: Engagement Manager

Employment Type: Full-Time