Protocol Officer Senior

TULK llc.; Springfield, Northern (VA, KY); Hybrid; USD 140,000 - 167,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Disability Insurance

Flexible schedules

Bonuses

Tuition reimbursement

401(k)

Professional development

Job summary

TULK is seeking a Protocol Officer Senior to serve as the principal advisor on all protocol matters, planning high-level visits, ceremonies, and events for NGA leadership and dignitaries. The role demands autonomy, strategic foresight, and exceptional diplomatic tact in dynamic environments.

You will lead complex logistics, coordinate with embassies and government partners, manage gifts and policies, and supervise junior staff while maintaining national security standards.

Qualifications

• U.S. citizenship required.
• Active TS/SCI clearance required; some positions may require additional accesses or polygraph.
• Master's degree or 15+ years of direct protocol experience.
• 10+ years in a protocol-focused role within diplomatic, military, government, or international corporate environments.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary subject matter expert and advisor to senior leadership on all protocol-related matters.
• Lead planning, coordination, and execution of distinguished visitor engagements, including itineraries and secure transportation.
• Direct all aspects of official ceremonies, conferences, and formal events, including venues, seating, scripts, and sequencing.
• Coordinate with foreign embassies, government agencies, military counterparts, and external organizations for visits and events.
• Manage the organization's official gift program from selection to presentation.
• Develop and maintain official protocol policies and train staff to ensure consistency.
• Oversee crisis management from a protocol perspective and adapt plans under pressure.
• Manage protocol office budget and supervise junior protocol staff.

Skills

U.S. citizenship

Active TS/SCI clearance

Strategic planning

Diplomatic tact

Event management

Leadership

Education

Master's degree in Business, Political Science, International Relations, Public Administration, or related

15+ years protocol experience

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Protocol Officer Senior

Full Time Client Site - Springfield, VA, Springfield, VA, US

Salary Range: $139,500.00 To $167,400.00 Annually

Protocol Officer Senior

TULK is a boutique strategic technology and management consulting firm supporting U.S. Federal Government, Defense, Intelligence Community, and National Security customers. Our cleared teams help mission organizations operate, communicate, analyze, plan, and execute in dynamic environments.

TULK offers a tailored benefits package that may include medical, dental, and vision insurance, short- and long-term disability, flexible work schedules where permitted by the customer, performance and referral bonuses, technology support, tuition reimbursement, 401(k), and professional development support.

About the Work

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.

Your 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.

Required Skills and Experience

• U.S. citizenship is required.
• An active TS/SCI security clearance is required. Some positions may require additional accesses, SCI eligibility, or successful completion of a Counterintelligence-scope polygraph process as directed by the customer.
• 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 program).
• 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 and Experience

• 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).

What We Value

• Sound judgment, professionalism, and discretion in support of national security missions.
• Strong communication, organization, and follow-through.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with government, contractor, and mission partners.
• A practical, mission-focused approach to solving problems and improving outcomes.