Executive Protection Specialist

AEP; Columbus (OH); Hybrid; USD 58,000 - 73,000; Full time

Job summary

American Electric Power (AEP) seeks experienced Executive Protection Agents to provide discreet protective services for corporate executives and families worldwide. This role supports short-term, long-term, and event-based assignments in domestic and international environments.

You will conduct advance-work, create comprehensive security plans, coordinate with security and law enforcement, and deliver detailed reporting.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required.
• 5+ years practical security experience, including Active Shooter Response, Counterterrorism, Counter Surveillance, Crisis Management, Customer Service, De-escalation, Dignitary Protection, Emergency Medicine, Firearms, High Risk, Motor Vehicle Operation, Tactical Rescue.

Responsibilities

• Close protection for executives during business, personal, and travel activities.
• Secure ground transportation with advanced route planning and defensive driving.
• Protective advances for residences, offices, hotels, venues, and events.
• Coordinate with security teams, law enforcement, GSOCs, and executive drivers.
• Develop and complete security plans for events, travel, and assignments.
• Residential and workplace security support.
• Protective intelligence gathering and threat awareness.
• Incident response and emergency management until relieved.
• Post-assignment reporting and incident documentation.
• Transport executives and family members as needed.

Skills

Active Shooter Response

Counterterrorism

Counter Surveillance

Crisis Management

Customer Service

De-escalation

Dignitary Protection

Emergency Medicine

Firearms

High Risk

Motor Vehicle Operation

Tactical Rescue

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Job Summary

AEP seeks experienced Executive Protection (EP) Agents/Specialists to provide professional, discreet protective services for corporate executives and their families. This role is to support short-term, long-term, and event-based assignments in domestic and international environments.

Agents/Specialists must be capable of operating independently or as part of a layered protective team, while integrating with executive leadership, corporate security teams, and local authorities. Conduct advance-work and create comprehensive security plans for all local, domestic, and international travel, events, and off‑site meetings. Coordinate with other EP teams, law enforcement, executive drivers, and administrative staff to support all movement(s) logistical needs.

Job Description

What you’ll do:

• Close protection for executives during business, personal, and travel activities
• Secure ground transportation including advanced route planning and defensive driving
• Protective advances for residences, offices, hotels, venues, and special events
• Coordination with physical security, intelligence personnel, GSOCs, and local lawenforcement
• Develop and complete security plans for events, travel, and other assigned areas
• Residential and workplace security support
• Protective intelligence gathering and threat awareness
• Incident response, emergency management, and medical response until relieved
• Detailed reporting including post‑assignment reports and incident documentation
• Transport corporate executive and/or family members using evasive and/or defensive driving tactics, as needed
• Assist with protection schedules and team assignments

Core Responsibilities

• Maintain the safety, privacy, and dignity of assigned executives always
• Conduct thorough advances and risk assessments prior to movements or events
• Execute protective operations in a calm, professional, and low‑profile manner
• Maintain constant situational awareness and proactive threat mitigation
• Communicate clearly with AEP Security leadership to assess and evaluate broad
• undefined
• Adhere to all applicable laws, use‑of‑force standards, and AEP Security Standard Operating Procedures
• Maintain confidentiality of all executives, company, and operational information
• Partner with internal stakeholders to develop and implement security training and
• undefined
• Provide emergency first aid/CPR as needed
• Deescalate tense situations that arise at events and/or appointments
• Continually study activities related to personal and perceived threats against corporate executives and other executive leaders
• Drive CEO and other Executives as needed
• Ensure vehicles are always clean and in safe operating condition
• Operate and maintain protective, operational, and communication equipment

What we’re looking for:

• Bachelor's degree
• 5+ years practical security experienceincludes a combination of: Active Shooter Response, Counterterrorism, Counter Surveillance, Crisis Management, Customer Service, De‑escalation, Dignitary Protection, Emergency Medicine, Firearms, High Risk, Motor Vehicle Operation, Tactical Rescue

Other Must Haves:

• Leadership experience within tactical or protective units
• Advanced executive protection or protective intelligence training
• Emergency medical training (EMT, TCCC, or equivalent)
• International protective experience
• Former law enforcement, military and/or experience in dignitary or diplomatic protection programs with 5 or more years of experience
• Law Enforcement Officer Safety Act (LEOSA) certified/eligible to carry a concealed firearm (HR 218)
• Demonstrated experience conducting high‑threat close protection operations
• Extensive background in protective advances and threat mitigation
• Strong interpersonal skills and executive‑level demeanor
• Excellent judgment and decision‑making under stress
• Ability to work irregular hours including nights, weekends, and extended assignments
• Valid driver’s license with clean driving record, and a valid passport
• Excellent interpersonal, analytical, and communication (both written and oral) skills
• Proven ability to apply sound judgement and use discretion when dealing with sensitive information
• Must have a working knowledge of varies computer software applications such as Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, etc.

Licensing & Certifications

• LEOSA certified/eligible under (18 U.S.C. § 926C)
• Possess (or can obtain) an Armed Security Officer (ASO) Certification in accordance with FAA regulations
• State‑issued security or armed guard license where required
• Firearms permit and carry authorization as applicable First Aid, CPR, and AED certification

Equipment & Appearance

• Professional business or business‑casual attire appropriate to assignment
• Ability to deploy with required personal protective equipment and duty gear
• Personal firearms and equipment must meet AEP Security standards if armed

Confidentiality

• All personnel must agree to strict confidentiality and non‑disclosure requirements. Discretion is mandatory.

American Electric Power (On‑Site)

At AEP, we are more than just an energy company — we are a team of dedicated professionals committed to delivering safe, reliable, and innovative energy solutions. Guided by our mission to put the customer first, we strive to exceed expectations by listening, responding, and continuously improving the way we serve our communities. If you're passionate about making a meaningful impact and being part of a forward‑thinking organization, this is the company for you!

Compensation

$42.13 - $52.67

Physical Demands

The Physical Demand Level for this job is: L – Light Work: Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally and/or 10 to 12 pounds of force frequently, and/or greater than negligible up to 5-6 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Physical demand requirements are in excess of those for sedentary work. Even though the weight lifted may be only a negligible amount, a job should be rated Light Work: (1) When it requires walking or standing to a significant degree; or (2) when it requires sitting most of the time, but entails pushing and/or pulling of arm or leg controls; and/or (3) when the job requires working at a production rate pace entailing the constant pushing and/or pulling of materials even though the weight of those materials is negligible.

Equal Employment Opportunity

It is hereby reaffirmed that it is the policy of American Electric Power (AEP) to provide Equal Employment Opportunity in all respects of the employer‑employee relationship including recruiting, hiring, upgrading and promotion, conditions and privileges of employment, company sponsored training programs, educational assistance, social and recreational programs, compensation, benefits, transfers, discipline, layoffs and termination of employment to all employees and applicants without discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, veteran or military status, disability, genetic information, or any other basis prohibited by applicable law. When required by law, we might record certain information or applicants for employment may be invited to voluntarily disclose protected characteristics.

“AEP offers an outstanding group of people to be a part of. The AEP culture values your integrity and awards your hard work.”

Coordinate activities related to the investigation of theft, vandalism, threats and related security matters in assigned region. Ensure that security measures and equipment are properly installed in all locations and that security practices are communicated to applicable employees, contractors and outside law enforcement officials.

AEP offers generous time off, competitive pay, and educational opportunities to help employees advance their careers.

Our culture is purpose-driven and team-oriented: we combine innovation with a customer-first focus to deliver reliable energy and brighter futures.