Senior Protocol Officer

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.
• Manage the protocol office budget, resources, and supervise junior protocol staff, interns, or volunteers.

Qualifications

• Active TS/SCI clearance is REQUIRED.
• Willing and able to obtain a Polygraph.
• 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.
• Desired completion of formal training in protocol or event management (e.g., The Protocol School of Washington, George Washington University Event Management Program, or equivalent program).
• A minimum of 10 years of dedicated, full-time experience in a protocol-focused role within a diplomatic, military, government, or international corporate environment.
• Demonstrated experience leading the planning and execution of large-scale, high-visibility events (e.g., summits, state dinners, formal military ceremonies).
• 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.

Desired Qualifications

• Language Skills: Proficiency in one or more foreign languages.
• Formal Training: 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).

Pay

Target salary range $160,001 - $200,000.