Alternate Program Manager/Lead Senior Strategic Communication Strategist

Description

Vistra Communications seeks an Alternate Program Manager / Lead Senior Strategic Communication Strategist to guide Public Affairs and Strategic Communications for the Department of the Army’s Communication and Outreach Office, formerly OCPA. This experienced individual will play a leading role in ensuring quality strategic communication and outreach.  

As Vistra’s Alternate Program Manager, the candidate will work closely with the Program Manager in overseeing the deliverables of the Communications Support Services program. Overall program elements include Organizational Processes, Communications Research, Analysis and Evaluation, Communications Planning, Communication Product Development, Outreach Support, Professional Development and Training, Exhibit Management, Executive Communication Support, and Monthly Progress Reporting.

 Strategic Communications Leadership:

• Support the contractor lead for ACOO’s mission to support the Secretary of the Army’s communications across diverse activities.
• Cultivate and maintain professional relationships to foster a two-way dialogue that promotes understanding of the Army's mission and objectives, as well as the Vistra team.
• Participate in coordination with PM, directing staff and occasionally implementing program elements directly.
• Serve as a lead advisor to the ACOO Senior Leadership on planning, crisis communication, and outreach initiatives.

Media Relations & Public Engagement:

• Plan and Coordinate engagements for ACOO with media, and other stakeholders in sensitive contexts.
• Advise on monitoring the information environment for public and media opinion trends to recommend responses and proactive engagement strategies.
• Represent ACOO at planning and operations meetings at various levels.

Communication Strategy Development:

• Develop long-range public affairs policies and programs to strengthen public understanding and participation in Army initiatives.
• Identify communication opportunities, ensure alignment with the Army's vision, and manage outreach through various media, including news releases, websites, video content, and public appearances.
• Evaluate ACOO’s plans for effective communication of sensitive and complex information, especially in high-stakes or controversial situations.

Team Leadership & Staff Management:

• Assist the PM in managing a team of senior Vistra personnel and subcontractors to support ACOO’s mission, including setting priorities, establishing timelines, and overseeing project execution.
• Assist the PM in assessing and addressing training needs, providing performance feedback, and conducting employee evaluations.
• Assist in administrative matters such as scheduling, time and attendance, leave, and alternate work arrangements.

Content Review & Clearance:

• Collaborate with ACOO teams to guide content for Army publications, websites, and speeches.
• Meticulously review and approve speeches, articles, and other public presentations to ensure compliance with Army messaging and policies.

Additional Duties:

• Remain updated on media and public relations trends, including digital developments, to optimize communication strategies.
• Provide round-the-clock counsel on public affairs and crisis communications, as needed.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, public affairs, or similar field.
• 15 years demonstrated professional experience.
• 5 years of continuous experience at the strategic level.
• Ability to work onsite, in the Pentagon, five days a week.
• Strong interpersonal and strategic communication skills.
• Proven strategic experience in media relations, public affairs, and crisis communication.
• Familiarity with DoD/Army and government structures, public opinion analysis, and media strategies.
• Leadership experience in co-managing teams in a fast-paced, high-stakes environment.
• Ability to be a team player with a constructive attitude. 
• Must have active security clearance.

Strong preferences:

• Master’s degree in communications.
• APR or APR+M.
• Experience as a Deputy PM or client site lead.

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.