Program Manager, Strategic Communications and Marketing

Vistra Communications; Alexandria (VA); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Dental benefits

Vision benefits

401(k)

Paid Time Off

Parental and bereavement leave

Professional development

Job summary

Vistra Communications seeks a Program Manager to lead a high-profile federal marketing and strategic communications engagement for CBP. You will oversee cost, schedule, and performance of a global portfolio and coordinate a cross-functional team of designers, media buyers, translators, and event coordinators.

The role requires active PMP certification, 7–10+ years of experience in large federal programs, and familiarity with DHS/CBP processes. Citizenship is required for government work.

Qualifications

• Active PMP certification.
• 7+ years (10+ preferred) managing large-scale federal marketing/public affairs programs.
• Experience with digital media buying, omnichannel marketing, and social analytics.
• Familiarity with federal contracting regulations, Section 508 compliance, and DHS/ CBP workflows.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary liaison for CBP leadership, providing strategic counsel on communications and audience engagement.
• Lead the development and execution of the Strategic Communications Plan aligned with CBP goals.
• Oversee Comprehensive Media Buy Plans across digital, social, TV, radio, and print platforms.
• Direct production of creative collateral including video, UX/UI web design, and social assets.
• Ensure compliance with Federal/Section 508 standards and secure handling of Government Furnished Information.
• Manage international outreach logistics and event coordination.

Skills

PMP certification

Federal program management

Cross-functional leadership

Digital marketing knowledge

Public affairs experience

Tools

Media buying platforms

Analytics tools

Job description

All Jobs > Program Manager, Strategic Communications and Marketing

Program Manager, Strategic Communications and Marketing
National Capital Region

Description

Vistra is currently seeking a highly skilled and visionary Program Manager to lead a high-profile, global marketing and strategic communications engagement for the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). In this leadership role, you will be responsible for the overall cost, schedule, and technical performance of a comprehensive communications and media buying portfolio.

As the primary liaison between Vistra and our CBP stakeholders, you will direct a cross-functional team of creative designers, media buyers, digital strategists, translators, and event coordinators. Your primary objective will be to drive brand awareness and program enrollment for CBP initiatives both domestically and internationally, ensuring all deliverables meet the highest standards of quality, innovation, and federal compliance.

Program Leadership and Client Relations

• Serve as the primary point of contact for CBP leadership, providing expert strategic counsel on modern communications, digital marketing, and audience engagement.
• Lead the development and execution of the overarching Strategic Communications Plan, ensuring alignment with CBP's mission and goals.
• Facilitate project kickoff meetings, regular status briefings, and deliver comprehensive Monthly Progress Reports, Campaign Reports, and Conference Reports.

Marketing and Communications Delivery

• Oversee the creation and execution of Comprehensive Media Buy Plans, utilizing data-driven insights to target domestic and international markets across digital, social, television, radio, and print platforms.
• Direct the production of high-impact creative collateral, including video production, web design (UX/UI), graphic design, and social media assets.
• Ensure the seamless integration of modern communications activities, including programmatic advertising, search engine optimization, and influencer engagement.
• Manage international outreach logistics, including translation and interpretation services, ensuring cultural relevance and accuracy in global markets.
• Oversee logistics and promotional support for major trade shows, conferences, and enrollment events.

Compliance and Quality Assurance

• Ensure all digital and electronic deliverables adhere strictly to Federal and DHS Section 508 compliance standards.
• Manage the secure handling and timely return of all Government Furnished Information (GFI) and credentials.
• Maintain rigorous quality control over all portfolio materials prior to final delivery to the client.

Requirements

• Certification: Active Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.
• Experience: A minimum of 7 years (10 or more years is highly preferred) of proven experience managing large-scale, complex federal marketing, public affairs, or strategic communications programs of similar size and scope.
• Technical Expertise: Well-versed in modern communications activities, including digital media buying, omnichannel marketing strategies, social media analytics, and international market engagement.
• Federal Expertise: Familiarity with federal contracting regulations, Section 508 compliance, and government approval workflows. Prior experience supporting the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) or CBP is highly desired.
• Leadership: Demonstrated ability to manage diverse, cross-functional teams (including creatives, media buyers, and technical staff) in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• Public Trust required.

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.