Publications Specialist, Managing Editor - Hybrid (DMV)

ICF Next; Reston (VA); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

ICF Next is seeking a Publications Specialist - Magazine Editor to own the full lifecycle of our quarterly magazine, ensuring editorial excellence and timely production. You will manage production schedules, coordinate with authors, designers, and legal, and enforce strict QA and accessibility standards.

This senior role requires 7–10 years of editorial/publication management, a strong attention to detail, and a history of delivering high-quality, compliant publications in a hybrid work setting

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, English, Journalism, or related field.
• 7–10 years of editorial and publication management experience.

Responsibilities

• Lifecycle & Production Management: Oversee the complete magazine lifecycle, including establishing production schedules and tracking article versions through approvals.
• Editorial & Writing Support: Provide high-level editorial support and content development with strict version control and QA protocols.
• Stakeholder Liaison: Coordinate between authors, technical reviewers, and legal counsel throughout reviews.
• Compliance & Quality Control: Ensure articles follow GPO/Chicago style and Section 508 accessibility; obtain all sign-offs.
• Logistical Oversight: Manage distribution and formatting specs to meet organizational standards.

Skills

Editorial management

Stakeholder liaison

Quality assurance

Copyediting

Education

Bachelor's degree in Communications/English/Journalism

Master’s degree desirable

Job description

Description

@ ICF Next, we are fearless in finding new ways to solve problems, relentless in making sure it pays off for our clients and committed to making a positive change in the world.

Here’s your chance to join our award-winning agency, ICF Next. We’re changemakers, a community of mission driven creatives, communicators, strategists, and technologists.

Position Summary:

The Publications Specialist - 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 Location-

Hybrid, with approximately two days per week onsite with the client in McLean, Virginia. Onsite schedules are generally coordinated Monday through Thursday and may change based on clients’ need. Occasional travel to other local facilities may be required.

What You Will Be Doing

• 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.

Basic 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.
• A minimum of 7 to 10 years of progressively responsible experience in editorial and publication management.

Preferred Qualifications

• Proven track record of overseeing the production of a periodical, preferably a technical or specialty publication (e.g., transportation or research journal).
• Experience supporting a government or federal agency
• 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.

Professional Skills

• A self-starter and problem solver who is highly organized and can support multiple priorities; working successfully in a team environment
• Strong interpersonal and verbal communications skills
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making capabilities
• Creative thinker with innovative approach to problem solving

Working at ICF

ICF is a global advisory and technology services provider, but we’re not your typical consultants. We combine unmatched expertise with cutting-edge technology to help clients solve their most complex challenges, navigate change, and shape the future.

We can only solve the world’s toughest challenges by building a workplace that allows everyone to thrive. We are an equal opportunity employer. Together, our employees are empowered to share their expertise and collaborate with others to achieve personal and professional goals. For more information, please read ourEEO policy.

We will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Reasonable Accommodations are available, including, but not limited to, for disabled veterans, individuals with disabilities, and individuals with sincerely held religious beliefs, in all phases of the application and employment process. To request an accommodation, please [e-mail] we will be happy to assist. All information you provide will be kept confidential and will be used only to the extent required to provide needed reasonable accommodations.

Read more aboutworkplacediscriminationrights or our benefit offerings which are included in theTransparency in (Benefits) Coverage Act.

Candidate AI Usage Policy

At ICF, we are committed to ensuring a fair interview process for all candidates based on their own skills and knowledge. As part of this commitment, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools to generate or assist with responses during interviews (whether in-person or virtual) is not permitted. This policy is in place to maintain the integrity and authenticity of the interview process.

However, we understand that some candidates may require accommodation that involves the use of AI. If such an accommodation is needed, candidates are instructed to contact us in advance [e-mail]. We are dedicated to providing the necessary support to ensure that all candidates have an equal opportunity to succeed.

Pay Range

There are multiple factors that are considered in determining final pay for a position, including, but not limited to, relevant work experience, skills, certifications and competencies that align to the specified role, geographic location, education and certifications as well as contract provisions regarding labor categories that are specific to the position.

The pay range for this position based on full-time employment is:

$0.00 - $0.00

Virginia Client Office (VA88)