Protocol Officer - Active TS/SCI

ENS Solutions, LLC; McLean (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

Group Term Life Insurance

Tuition, Certification & Professional Development Assistance

Relocation Assistance

Job summary

ENS Solutions, LLC is seeking a Senior Protocol Officer to act as a principal advisor on all matters of protocol, ceremony, and diplomatic etiquette. This role involves strategically planning and executing high-level visits and ceremonies, ensuring all interactions adhere to international norms.

The ideal candidate will have over 10 years of experience in protocol roles and must possess a Master’s degree or equivalent experience. Competitive benefits include comprehensive medical coverage and professional development assistance.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 10 years of experience in protocol-focused roles.
• Experience leading large-scale events like state dinners and summits.
• Proven advisory experience to high-ranking officials.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary subject matter expert on protocol-related matters.
• Lead planning and execution of distinguished visitor engagements.
• Manage the organization’s official gift program.

Skills

Language Skills: Proficiency in one or more foreign languages

Leadership in high-visibility events

Education

Master’s degree in Business, Political Science, International Relations, or related field

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