Protocol Officer - Active TS/SCI

About the role

The Protocol Officer - Senior advises and leads all matters of official protocol, ceremony, and diplomatic etiquette for NGA. This position operates with a high degree of autonomy and is responsible for flawlessly planning and executing high-level visits, ceremonies, and special events involving senior leadership, foreign dignitaries, and other distinguished visitors.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary subject matter expert and principal advisor to senior leadership on all protocol-related matters, including order of precedence, flag etiquette, forms of address, and cultural customs
• Lead the comprehensive planning, coordination, and execution of distinguished visitor engagements, including creating detailed itineraries, arranging secure transportation, lodging, and official entertainment
• Direct all aspects of official ceremonies, conferences, and formal events, overseeing everything from venue selection and seating arrangements to scriptwriting and sequence of events
• Function as the primary liaison with foreign embassies, government agencies, military counterparts, and other external organizations to coordinate visits and events
• Manage the organization's official gift program, including the selection, procurement, and presentation of appropriate gifts for foreign and domestic counterparts
• Develop and maintain the organization's official protocol policies and provide training to staff and leadership to ensure consistent application
• Oversee crisis management from a protocol perspective, adapting plans quickly and discreetly in response to unexpected schedule changes or diplomatic incidents
• Oversee the protocol office budget, resources, and supervise junior protocol staff, interns, or volunteers

Requirements

• Education: A minimum of a Master's degree in Business, Political Science, International Relations, Public Administration, or a related field. In lieu of a master's degree, the candidate must have 15+ years of direct protocol experience.
• Experience: A minimum of 10 years of dedicated, full-time experience in a protocol-focused role within a diplomatic, military, government, or international corporate environment
• Leadership: Demonstrated experience leading the planning and execution of large-scale, high-visibility events (e.g., summits, state dinners, formal military ceremonies)
• Advisory Role: Proven experience serving as a direct protocol advisor to Flag Officers, Ambassadors, Cabinet-level officials, or C-suite executives
• Demonstrated experience planning, coordinating, and executing communication and event planning related functions for senior leadership, foreign dignitaries, diplomats, foreign military personnel, legislative, and government officials
• Demonstrated experience in providing on-site logistical support for events including site preparation
• Language Skills: Proficiency in one or more foreign languages
• Desired Skills: Completion of a recognized protocol officer training course (e.g., from the Protocol School of Washington, George Washington University Event Management Program, or a similar institution)

Benefits

• Essential Network Security (ENS) Solutions, LLC offers free Platinum-Level Medical/Dental/Vision coverage, 100% paid for by ENS
• 100% PTO + 11 Paid Federal Holidays
• Long & Short Term Disability Insurance
• Group Term Life Insurance
• Tuition, Certification & Professional Development Assistance
• Workers' Compensation
• Relocation Assistance