Executive Protection Specialist

The Security Executive Council; McLean (VA); On-site; USD 108,900 - 124,300; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive health benefits

Performance-based incentives

Job summary

The Security Executive Council is seeking an Executive Protection Specialist in McLean, VA to ensure the safety of the Executive Management Team and coordinate security for high-profile events.

This role requires expertise in security management and threat assessment, as well as the ability to work autonomously under pressure. The ideal candidate will have at least 5 years of relevant experience and must be prepared to travel domestically and internationally.

The compensation range is $108,900 – $124,300, with performance-based incentives.

Qualifications

• At least 5 years experience in executive protection or corporate security.
• Must have or be in process of obtaining Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act (LEOSA) HR218 credentials.

Responsibilities

• Execute a comprehensive executive protection program.
• Manage a team of security professionals.
• Conduct thorough risk assessments.
• Prepare reports for senior management.

Skills

Security management

Threat assessment

Protective operations

Communication

Autonomy

Crisis management

Education

Bachelor’s degree or military experience

Tools

CCTV systems

Alarm systems

Google suite products

Job description

Job Overview

The Executive Protection Specialist is a critical member of the Global Workplace Services Team at Capital One. The selected candidate will focus on the safety and security of the Executive Management Team and coordinate security protocols for a variety of high‑profile events.

This role requires extensive experience in security management, threat assessment, and protective operations. The position is fully on‑site and based in McLean, VA. Candidates must be willing to travel domestically and internationally up to 25%, including nights, weekends, and holidays, and must have a valid U.S. driver’s license and U.S. passport.

Ideal Candidate

• Be comfortable presenting to senior leaders, connecting data points to drive clarity, and leveraging optimal communication channels
• Understand customer needs and request customer feedback to build solutions that "meet customers where they are"
• Be able to build trust with stakeholders toward effectively leading projects with confidence
• Be able to work autonomously, take accountability for work, and demonstrate a level of subject matter expertise
• Leverage credible sources to ground information, discern how best to navigate ambiguity, and demonstrate discretion
• Maintain a high degree of cultural awareness, discretion, and professionalism when handling sensitive information
• Operate with integrity by delivering best practice solutions that serve the bigger picture
• Be able to discern issues and offer vetted, sustainable solutions
• Identify and manage delivery risks, and assess task level of effort to manage bandwidth and maintain high quality results
• Lean in to go the extra mile and extend expertise to help the team deliver stronger results
• Demonstrated strong experience coordinating with multiple law enforcement agencies
• The ability to navigate ambiguity with ease and exercise autonomy in decision making while adapting to and championing change
• Demonstrated discretion, professionalism and confidentiality when handling sensitive information and high-profile individuals

Key Responsibilities

• Execute a comprehensive executive protection program and strategy that aligns with the organization’s goals and objectives
• Manage and lead a team of security professionals across a matrixed environment
• Update and test emergency response plans and crisis management protocols, ensuring the safety and well‑being of executives during critical incidents
• Conduct thorough risk assessments and elevate awareness of potential threats to executives and company assets
• Prepare and deliver regular reports to senior management detailing security initiatives, incidents, risk assessments and providing options toward improvement
• Oversee and/or directly participate in the development and implementation of security plans in support of company special events
• Participate and guide red team exercises to enhance preparedness and identify training opportunities and/or security vulnerabilities
• Coordinate closely with internal stakeholders such as HR, Legal, Risk and Compliance to understand company policies and procedures
• Establish and maintain strong relationships with executive support staff, leadership across Global Workplace Services, Cyber Security, Corporate Events and other key internal partners
• Establish and maintain strong relationships with local, state and federal law enforcement agencies
• Enhance the organization’s security measures with current external industry security trends, technologies, best practices, and emerging threats
• Develop and leverage a peer network to benchmark best practices and lessons learned
• Remain on‑call and available to manage security‑related emergencies or incidents, demonstrating quick decision‑making and crisis management skills

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or military experience
• At least 5 years experience in executive protection, security management or in a corporate security environment, military or federal law enforcement agency
• Currently has, or is in the process of obtaining Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act (LEOSA) HR218 credentials with the expectation of completion prior to start

Preferred Qualifications

• MBA or Master’s degree
• CPR, AED and Basic First Aid Certification
• Certified Protection Professional (CPP) certification or similar federal government or military certification
• 2+ experience with residential alarm systems, CCTV, and digital video systems integration
• Graduate of an executive protection training program or similar federal law enforcement or military training program
• Evasive or defensive driver training
• 2+ years of experience in defensive tactics including the use of force
• Established relationships with law enforcement, intelligence communities, threat management and industry specific organizations such as ATAP, IPSB, CEPLC, ASIS and others
• Proficient in Google suite products

Compensation

The minimum and maximum full‑time annual salaries for this role in McLean, VA are $108,900 – $124,300. Candidates hired in other locations will be subject to the pay range associated with that location, and the actual salary offered will be reflected in the offer letter.

This role is also eligible to earn performance‑based incentive compensation, which may include cash bonus(es) and/or long‑term incentives (LTI). Incentives could be discretionary or non‑discretionary depending on the plan.

Benefits

Capital One offers a comprehensive, competitive, and inclusive set of health, financial and other benefits that support your total well‑being. Eligibility varies based on full or part‑time status, exempt or non‑exempt status, and management level.