Technical Publications Specialist

The American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials is currently hiring a Technical Publications Specialist, a full-time position located in our Washington, DC office.

Nature of Position:

The Technical Publications Specialist aids the Director of Publications in the production of the Association’s technical publications. The incumbent works closely with the editorial team to provide editing, query development, layout, design, and printing/digital preparation of large, complex documents; reviewing final proofs; and assisting in the coordination and production of electronic publishing of technical publications.

As required, the incumbent also edits and proofreads documents; communicates extensively with committee members, vendors, and the engineering department to ensure technical accuracy as well as to expedite the progress of a document from the balloting process through to query responses and printing or online posting. The incumbent is responsible for adhering to and contributing to the maintenance of the rules of the AASHTO Style Guide.

The incumbent uses MS Word, Adobe Creative Suite (with InDesign being the main layout software used on a frequent basis), and Adobe PDF software to produce technical documents and occasionally marketing materials and presentations for technical committee meetings; routinely performs desktop publishing tasks and occasional design for marketing/meetings for other Association staff members, when necessary.

The incumbent is also responsible for completing a variety of general administrative tasks in support of the production/editing projects assigned, including following the production procedures for electronic organization, project close-outs, and assisting with member benefit transmittals, as needed. The incumbent may also be asked to staff publications exhibit at various meetings throughout the year.

Position Requirements:

The successful candidate will have about five years’ experience working with a technical and/or large book production team, and previous association or non-profit experience is desirable. A bachelor’s degree in English, or related course work and/or training in editing, production, design, and/or publishing is desirable, though a similar level of experience may substitute for education. Technical editing experience is also preferred.

The candidate must have excellent demonstrated written and oral communication skills, as well as technical copyediting and proofreading skills. The incumbent is oftentimes required to juggle multiple projects at one time, and should be skilled in working efficiently with others, always communicating project status and potential challenges to the Director of Publications.

The incumbent must have knowledge of PC-based word processing, desktop publishing, design software, and skills in other PC applications, such as equation creation, spreadsheet manipulation, graphics creation desktop layout, and database applications are desirable. Also, a demonstrated understanding of the publication process, including desktop publishing, graphics experience, and digital preparation is required. The incumbent must have the ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.

How to Apply:

Applicants should submit a cover letter and resume to recruiter@aashto.org by Friday, July 28th, 2023.

Who We Are:

AASHTO is a nonprofit, nonpartisan association representing transportation departments in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. We represent all transportation modes including: air, highways, public transportation, active transportation, rail, and water. Our goal is to foster the development, operation, and maintenance of an integrated national transportation system that is safe and efficient for every individual. We strive to educate the public and key decision makers about the critical role that transportation plays in securing a good quality of life and sound economy for our nation.

The culture displayed at AASHTO is one of inclusiveness. AASHTO fosters a supportive working environment for staff and focuses on both the professional and personal successes of employees. Additionally, employees benefit from a collective workplace that genuinely cares about them and what they do.

Perks and Benefits:

This positions would primarily report out of our Washington, DC office located in Metro Center. AASHTO offers employees hybrid work flexibilities and this role may be approved to work remotely up to 2-3 days per week.

Additionally, as a full-time employee, you are eligible for:

• A retirement plan with a highly competitive matching and contribution structure
• Comprehensive health insurance benefits
• A robust transit benefit
• Generous leave accrual
• Flexible work schedules and telework options

AASHTO is an equal opportunity employer.