Protocol Officer - Active TS/SCI

ENS Solutions, LLC; Arlington (VA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free Platinum-Level Medical/Dental/Vision coverage

401k Contribution from Day 1

PTO + 11 Paid Federal Holidays

Long & Short Term Disability Insurance

Tuition, Certification & Professional Development Assistance

Relocation Assistance

Job summary

ENS Solutions, LLC is seeking a Senior Protocol Officer to manage official protocol and ceremonial matters for the NGA. This role demands strategic foresight and extraordinary diplomatic skills to oversee high-level visits, ceremonies, and events involving senior leadership and dignitaries.

The ideal candidate will have a minimum of 10 years in protocol within a diplomatic or government context, along with a master's degree or significant experience. Benefits include comprehensive medical coverage and a 401k contribution from day one.

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years of dedicated experience in protocol-focused roles.
• Demonstrated experience leading high-visibility events.
• Proven experience as a protocol advisor to senior officials.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning and execution of high-level visits and ceremonies.
• Advise senior leadership on protocol matters and cultural customs.
• Coordinate with foreign embassies and government agencies.

Skills

Diplomatic etiquette

Event management

Crisis management

Foreign language proficiency

Education

Master’s degree in relevant field or 15+ years of direct protocol experience

Job description

The Protocol Officer - Senior is a principal advisor and the lead planner for 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. The Senior Protocol Officer provides expert guidance to ensure all interactions adhere to international norms, cultural sensitivities, and established precedent, thereby upholding the reputation and dignity of the organization on a global stage. This role requires strategic foresight, exceptional diplomatic tact, and the ability to manage complex logistics under pressure.

Duties

• 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

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. 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)
• 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

Desired Skills

• 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)

Benefits

• Free Platinum-Level Medical/Dental/Vision coverage, 100% paid for by ENS
• 401k Contribution from Day 1
• PTO + 11 Paid Federal Holidays
• Long & Short Term Disability Insurance
• Group Term Life Insurance
• Tuition, Certification & Professional Development Assistance
• Workers' Compensation
• Relocation Assistance