Publications Specialist Ii – Magazine Editor

JOB TITLE:

PUBLICATIONS SPECIALIST II – MAGAZINE EDITOR

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!

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.

• 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.

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.

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

Expert command of the GPO Style Manual, with strong working knowledge of the Chicago Manual of Style and Section…