Publications Specialist II - Magazine Editor

Syms Strategic Group, LLC (SSG); McLean (VA); On-site; USD 75,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Syms Strategic Group, LLC is seeking a Publications Specialist II – Magazine Editor to lead editorial operations for a government-focused magazine. The role covers end-to-end lifecycle management, production scheduling, and rigorous quality standards in alignment with federal guidelines.

The ideal candidate has 7–10 years of editorial and publication management experience, with strong editing and compliance knowledge, and the ability to coordinate between technical and creative teams.

Qualifications

• 7–10 years of progressively responsible experience in editorial and publication management.
• Overseeing the production of a periodical, preferably a technical or specialty publication.
• Project management for recurring publication cycles.
• Advanced substantive editing, copyediting, and proofreading.
• Strong knowledge of Section 508 compliance and federal publishing standards.
• Coordinate between technical and creative teams across workflows.
• U.S. Citizenship required for this position.

Responsibilities

• Provide lifecycle management and editorial excellence of the agency’s magazine.
• Logically administer the quarterly publication cycle and high‑level editorial services.
• Ensure that the magazine is produced on time.
• Follow rigorous quality standards.
• Effectively meet strategic communication objectives from initial content intake through final distribution.
• Oversee the complete magazine lifecycle, including establishing production schedules, managing the publication cycle, and tracking article versions through a comprehensive approval chain.
• 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 the primary liaison between writing/author teams and the layout/design teams.
• Manage complex review processes involving authors, technical reviewers, and legal counsel.
• 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.
• Manage the administrative aspects of distribution and formatting specifications to ensure the final product meets all organizational standards for professional release.

Skills

Editorial management

Publication production

Project management

Substantive editing

508 compliance

Approval workflows

US Citizenship

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Syms Strategic Group (SSG) is seeking a talented Publications Specialist II – Magazine Editor

Location: Washington, DC, McLean, VA, and Remote

Department: Department of Transportation (DOT), Federal Highway Administration (FHA)

Type: Full Time

Min. Experience: Experienced

Security Clearance Level: Public Trust

Salary Range: $75,000 - $85,000

Military Veterans are highly encouraged to apply!

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide the comprehensive lifecycle management and editorial excellence of the agency’s magazine
• Logically administer the quarterly publication cycle and high-level editorial services
• Ensure that the magazine is produced on time
• Follow rigorous quality standards
• Effectively meet strategic communication objectives from initial content intake through final distribution
• Oversee the complete magazine lifecycle, including establishing production schedules, managing the publication cycle, and systematically tracking article versions through a comprehensive approval chain
• 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 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 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
• Manage the administrative aspects of distribution and formatting specifications to ensure the final product meets all organizational standards for professional release

Required Skills and Experience

• Seven (7) to ten (10) years of progressively responsible professional experience in editorial and publication management
• A 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
• A deep understanding of Section 508 compliance and federal publishing standards
• An ability to manage complex approval workflows and coordinate between technical and creative teams
• U.S. Citizenship required for this position

Professional Certifications

None required

Years of Professional Experience

7-10 years of total professional experience

Desired experience

Transportation experience, especially in highway and surface transportation is preferred

Formal Education

Bachelor’s degree or higher in Communications, English, Journalism, or a closely related field

Citizenship Requirement

U.S. Citizenship required for this specific opportunity

Security Clearance Requirements

Must possess or qualify for a Public Trust (MBI)

CRITICAL NOTES

• SSG will not make assumptions regarding your qualifications. Your answers to the mandatory screening questions must be supported by the information on your resume. Applications with inconsistencies will not be considered
• Recruiters or Third parties will not be considered
• This position is an onsite role located in the National Capital Region
• This project is contingent upon contract award
• This is a W-2 position
• All interviews will be conducted on Microsoft Teams with your camera on; there will be no exceptions
• As part of our screening process, you will be requested to provide a link to your LinkedIn profile

U.S Citizenship is required for this specific opportunity. Applicants selected will be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information and be able to obtain a government-granted security clearance. Individuals may also be subject to a background investigation including, but not limited to criminal history, employment and education verification, drug testing, and creditworthiness.

Syms Strategic Group, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, marital status, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, or genetic information.