Publications Specialist, Managing Editor - Hybrid (DMV)

ICF; Reston (VA); Hybrid; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

ICF Next, part of ICF, seeks a seasoned Publications Specialist - Magazine Editor to lead the complete lifecycle of the agency’s magazine. You will ensure timely production, high editorial standards, and alignment with strategic communication goals from intake to distribution.

The role requires managing production cycles, coordinating cross‑functional teams, and enforcing 508 accessibility and style compliance for final publication.

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.
• Master’s degree or equivalent advanced professional certification is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Lifecycle & Production Management: oversee the complete magazine lifecycle, schedules, and versions.
• Editorial & Writing Support: provide high-level editing and content development, QA.
• Stakeholder Liaison: coordinate authors, reviewers, legal, and design teams.
• Compliance & Quality Control: ensure adherence to style manuals and accessibility standards.
• Logistical Oversight: manage distribution and formatting specifications.

Skills

Project management

Editing

Copyediting

Proofreading

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Communications/English/Journalism

Master’s degree or equivalent advanced certification desirable

Job 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 Skill s

• 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 theirexpertiseand collaborate with others to achieve personal and professional goals. For more information, please read our EEO 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 email [e-mail] and 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 about workplace discrimination rights or our benefit offerings which are included in the Transparency in (Benefits) CoverageAct.

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 at [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)