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 Assistant Director of Publications in the production of the Association’s technical publications. The incumbent works closely and collaboratively with the editorial team, both face to face and on online platforms, to provide editing, query development, layout, design, and printing/digital preparation of large, complex documents, including reviewing final proofs and assisting in the coordination and production of electronic publishing of technical publications.

As required, the incumbent also communicates extensively with committee members, vendors, and other divisions 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 AASHTO Publications style manual, author guide, production guide, and editorial standard operating procedures.

The incumbent uses MS Word, MS Excel, Adobe Creative Suite (with InDesign being the main layout software used on a frequent basis), and Adobe Acrobat Pro software to produce primarily technical documents and occasionally marketing materials and presentations for technical committee meetings as needed. 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 and project close-outs and assisting with member benefit transmittals, as needed. The incumbent may also be requested to attend offsite local and out-of-town meetings to staff Publications exhibits or work with author committees throughout the year.

Position Requirements:

The successful candidate will have a minimum of 3 years of publications experience. It is preferred that this experience was part of a technical journal or book publication team. 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. In addition, experience and comfortability utilizing Adobe InDesign is necessary. 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 Assistant 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 editorial, 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, August 22nd, 2025.

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 position primarily reports out of our Washington, DC office located in Metro Center. AASHTO offers employees hybrid work schedules, with remote work up to 2-3 days/week.

The salary range for this position is $56,000 – 68,000.

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

• A 403(b) plan with an automatic 3% employer contribution, and up to 9% match.
• Comprehensive health insurance benefits and complimentary employee assistance program (EAP).
• A monthly public transit benefit up to $325, covering most or all of your costs to get to and from the office.
• Generous leave accrual, starting at 13 days of vacation leave, 18 sick days, and 10 paid holidays – 3 of which can be used as floating holidays.
• Tuition assistance up to $7,500 per year for job-related programs and degrees.
• Access to an on-site fitness center at no cost to you, with workout classes offered throughout the week.
• Flexible work schedules.

AASHTO is an equal opportunity employer. AASHTO strives to foster an environment where our employees feel respected, valued and empowered. From our hiring practices through the entire employee experience, we embrace and celebrate the unique experiences, perspectives and cultural backgrounds that each employee brings to the workplace. All qualified applicants, including those with disabilities or veterans, will receive consideration for employment without regard to any protected class under federal or local laws.