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Magazine Editor Contract Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Red Carrot

Technical Writer II

Mclean, VA · On-site

... upon contract award. ABOUT THE ROLE Red Carrot is seeking Technical Writer-Editors to research ... Research and write original content for magazines, newsletters, user manuals, and research ...

Red Carrot

Technical Writer II

Mclean, VA · On-site

... upon contract award. ABOUT THE ROLE Red Carrot is seeking Technical Writer-Editors to research ... Research and write original content for magazines, newsletters, user manuals, and research ...

All JobsMagazine Editor Contract JobsMagazine Editor Contract Jobs in Virginia

Magazine Editor Contract information

What is the difference between Magazine Editor Contract vs Magazine Writer?

AspectMagazine Editor ContractMagazine Writer
CredentialsRelevant journalism or editing experience, possibly a degree in journalism or communicationsWriting samples, portfolio, possibly a degree in journalism, communications, or related field
Work EnvironmentCollaborates with editors, designers, and publishers; often in an office or remoteFocuses on producing articles; may work freelance or in-house, often independently
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by publishing companies, media outlets, and magazines for overseeing contentHired by magazines or freelance clients to create content

In summary, a Magazine Editor Contract involves overseeing and managing magazine content, requiring editing skills and coordination, while a Magazine Writer focuses on creating articles and stories, often working independently. Both roles are essential in magazine publishing but differ in responsibilities and scope.

What does a magazine editor contract do?

A Magazine Editor Contract typically refers to a temporary or freelance agreement where an editor is hired to oversee the content and production of a magazine for a set period or project. Magazine editors in these roles manage writers, edit articles, plan the publication layout, and ensure that the magazine meets its editorial standards and deadlines. Contract editors may work remotely or on-site, and their responsibilities can vary depending on the publication’s needs. These contracts are common in the publishing industry when magazines require specialized expertise or need to cover for staff editors on leave.

What are some common challenges faced by magazine editor contracts, and how can they be managed?

Contract Magazine Editors often face tight deadlines, the need to quickly adapt to a publication's editorial voice, and remote collaboration with diverse contributors. Managing multiple projects simultaneously and ensuring consistent quality can be challenging, especially when onboarding to new teams or workflows. Building strong communication with staff writers, designers, and the publication's leadership helps streamline processes and clarify expectations, while using project management tools can keep assignments organized and on track.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a magazine editor contract?

To thrive as a Magazine Editor (Contract), you need strong editorial judgment, excellent writing and editing skills, and experience in content planning, typically supported by a degree in journalism, communications, or a related field. Familiarity with content management systems (CMS), Adobe Creative Suite, and SEO best practices is often required. Outstanding organizational abilities, creativity, and effective communication are crucial for managing contributors and maintaining a consistent editorial voice. These skills ensure the production of high-quality content that meets publication standards and engages target audiences within tight deadlines.
What are the most commonly searched types of Magazine Editor jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Magazine Editor jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Magazine Editor Contract jobs in Virginia? For Magazine Editor Contract jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Magazine Editor Contract jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Magazine Editor Contract jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Magazine Editor Contract jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Magazine Editor Contract job openings:
Magazine Editor Contract jobs near you
Infographic showing various Magazine Editor Contract job openings in Virginia as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 87% In-person, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution.

Publications Specialist II - Magazine Editor

Red Carrot

Mclean, VA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 17 days ago

Job description

Publications Specialist II - Magazine Editor
Level: Senior | Work Location: Hybrid - McLean, VA
⚠ This position is contingent upon contract award.
ABOUT THE ROLE
Red Carrot is seeking a Publications Specialist II to manage the complete lifecycle and editorial excellence of the customer's quarterly research magazine, from initial content intake through final distribution.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Oversee the complete magazine production lifecycle, including schedules and article version tracking
  • Provide high-level editorial support, assisting with content development and promotional materials
  • Serve as primary liaison between writing/author teams and layout/design teams
  • Manage complex, multi-stakeholder review processes involving authors, technical reviewers, and legal counsel
  • Ensure all articles and the completed magazine adhere to the GPO Style Manual, Chicago Manual of Style, and Section 508 requirements
  • Confirm all necessary sign-offs and approvals are secured before public release
  • Manage administrative and formatting aspects of distribution to ensure professional final release
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
  • Bachelor's degree in Communications, English, Journalism, or a closely related field; Master's degree or equivalent professional certification highly desirable
  • 7-10 years of progressively responsible experience in editorial and publication management
  • Proven track record overseeing production of a periodical, preferably technical or specialty
  • Deep understanding of Section 508 compliance and Federal publishing standards
  • Ability to obtain a USDOT Personal Identity Verification (PIV) credential

Benefits at Red Carrot:
At Red Carrot, we empower you to be a leader. We attract and develop talent from all backgrounds because we believe there's strength in diversity, offering different perspectives and skills. Together, we can solve our client's biggest challenges. We offer a competitive compensation and benefits package.
  • Training and Development - Tuition reimbursement and professional trainings for eligible employees.
  • Healthcare - Top-tier medical, dental, vision, life insurance and long-term disability coverage.
  • 401(k) Plan - 401(k)-retirement and Roth plan with company matching and no vesting period.
  • Profit Sharing - Discretionary profit-sharing plan to all eligible employees after one year of employment.
  • Paid Time Off - Provides flexible work hours, paid time off, and 11 federal holidays.

About Us:
Red Carrot is an award-winning, woman-owned small business built for the complexity of federal government work. We partner with clients to advance their goals - powered by a team fueled by passion, backed by intelligence, and grounded in expertise.
From day one, we've applied industrial engineering principles and data analytics to solve complex problems with precision. Our approach is research-centric, data-informed, and audience-oriented - and it's how we deliver work that actually moves the needle.
We exist to strengthen the organizations and communities we serve through trusted, purposeful communication. That's not a tagline - it's the standard we hold ourselves to on every engagement.
Headquartered in Miami, Florida, with a strong and growing presence in Washington, D.C., our team works with clients across the country. Distance doesn't dilute our service. We build capacity where our clients need it, delivering Strategic Communications, Customer Experience, Management Consulting, and Human Capital Solutions that fit their mission - and their moment.
We're the partner organizations turn to when communication challenges are real, the stakes are high, and the work has to matter.

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