Publications Specialist II – Magazine Editor

Description:

• The FHA 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; 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

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 Government Publication Office (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:

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, English, Journalism, or a closely related field; a Master's degree or equivalent advanced professional certification is highly desirable

Experience:

• A 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