Communications Program Manager - Defense Health Agency

Vistra Communications; Falls Church (VA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Vistra Communications, doing business as Vistra and Vistra Federal Solutions, seeks a Communications Program Manager to lead a comprehensive communications and outreach program for the Defense Health Agency.

The role requires directing multi-site teams, managing contract requirements, developing strategic plans, and ensuring timely performance, compliance, and effective government communications.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Public Health, or related field.
• PMP certification required.
• 10+ years leading teams delivering integrated communications solutions.
• At least 5 years with DoD.
• Experience organizing and executing large cross-location projects.
• Exceptional written and spoken communication with strategic planning ability.

Responsibilities

• Provide day-to-day leadership and management of contract support across multiple sites.
• Direct allocation of personnel, deliverables, and resources to meet milestones.
• Develop and maintain processes for planning, tracking, and performance monitoring.
• Lead experts, foster collaboration and operational excellence.
• Serve as main government contact, communicating with COR and teams.
• Prepare regular reports, briefings, and status updates.
• Ensure continuity of operations and succession plans.
• Develop strategies aligning contractor work with government priorities.

Skills

PMP certification

Leadership experience

Strategic communication

Program management

DoD communications experience

Education

Master’s degree in Communications or related field

Job description

Description

Vistra Federal Solutions seeks a Communications Program Manager to lead a comprehensive communications and outreach program for the Defense Health Agency (DHA). The Communications Program Manager is responsible for the overall leadership, direction, and execution of all contract requirements for Communications and Public Affairs Support Services under the DHA. This position manages complex, multi-site, and multi-disciplinary teams delivering integrated, strategic communications. The Program Manager ensures performance meets contractual goals, aligns with the Government’s objectives, and maintains high standards of quality, timeliness, and compliance.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide day-to-day leadership and overall management of all contract support operations, including oversight of multiple projects and teams across various locations.
• Direct and control the allocation of personnel, deliverables, and resources from project start through completion, ensuring all milestones and performance metrics are achieved.
• Develop, implement, and maintain processes for communications planning, project tracking, and performance monitoring to ensure successful completion of all contract requirements.
• Lead, mentor, and coordinate the activities of highly skilled program area experts, facilitating collaboration, innovation, and operational excellence.
• Serve as the main point of contact for all Government contracting actions, communicating effectively with the COR, Government team leads, and corporate leadership.
• Prepare and deliver regular reports, briefings, and status updates.
• Proactively inform the COR of personnel changes, provide plans for immediate replacements, and ensure continuity of operations.
• Oversee administrative requirements and place of duty assignments to ensure uninterrupted performance, quality control, and compliance with contractual obligations.
• Play a key strategic role in developing communications strategies and tactics ensuring the contractor’s support is fully aligned with the Government’s mission and priorities.
• Represent the contractor in meetings, negotiations, and communications with internal and external stakeholders, ensuring clarity, professionalism, and responsiveness.

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications:

• Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Communications, Public Relations, Public Health, or a related communications discipline.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification is required.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience leading teams of program area experts in delivering integrated communications solutions.
• Of the 10+ years, at least 5 years must involve working with the Department of Defense (DoD).
• Demonstrated experience in organizing, resourcing, planning, and implementing communications projects from inception through completion across broad and diverse populations.
• Proven expertise in setting up processes, managing resources, monitoring results, and measuring project performance and outcomes.
• Exceptional oral and written communication skills with experience developing communications strategies and tactical plans.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple concurrent initiatives, and lead teams in a dynamic contractual environment.

Additional Requirements:

• Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Common Access Card (CAC) and security clearance/badge as required.
• Familiarity with federal contracting environments, knowledge of Government PWS and reporting requirements.
• Strong interpersonal skills and experience working with executive leaders, clients, and multidisciplinary teams.

About Vistra:

Vistra Communications, doing business as Vistra and Vistra Federal Solutions, is a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) headquartered in Tampa, FL with an office in Alexandria, VA providing professional support serviced to Defense, Federal, and Civilian Agencies. Approximately 25% of our "team member" employees work in the National Capital Region, providing communications, outreach, and organizational transformation services to our public sector customers. Vistra provides medical, dental, and vision benefits, life and disability insurance, employer matching 401(k) retirement plan, Paid Time Off, Parental and Bereavement Leave, and Professional Development, among other benefits.

US Citizenship Required:

Due to the requirements of the federal contract that this position supports, U.S. citizenship is required. Citizenship will be confirmed via I-9/E-Verify at the start of employment.