The actual problem of the work of the editorial board of a scientific journal modified due to changes in the field of scientific periodi-cals in Russia is considered. Purpose: to analyze the modern functionality of a member of the editorial board of a modern scientific journal taking into account such a new component of his professional activity as publishing competence. Research methods: theoretical and methodological analysis, systematization and generalization of the data of psychological and pedagogical, scientific and methodo-logical and legal literature on the studied problem. The reliability and validity of the research results is provided by the scientific argu-mentation of the initial theoretical positions and conclusions, based on the data of modern psychological and pedagogical science; using a set of interrelated theoretical research methods corresponding to the subject of the study and the tasks. Research results, discussion. The work of editorial boards is considered on the example of three scientific journals of the Mari State University. The importance of re-viewing – a qualitative expert evaluation of the submitted manuscripts, which is the main indicator of a modern scientific journal, is un-derlined. Particular attention is paid to the need to form the publication competence of university teachers as an indicator of the quality of scientific work and, in general, a comprehensive indicator of high qualification and professional competence, productivity of pedagogi-cal and scientific work, developed creative initiative of a university teacher. The definition of publication competence is formulated as an integrative personality trait that characterizes a person’s ability and readiness to possess knowledge, skills and abilities in preparing a sci-entific publication and further promotion of research in order to promote the development of the information base of science and higher education in Russia. The structural components of the publishing competence of a university teacher are defined, through the develop-ment of which the process and the result of its formation are most clearly seen: motivational, cognitive and activity components.