Protocol Specialist

Hartwood Consulting Group; Chesapeake (VA); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Paid Time Off

11 paid holidays

Generous employer contributions to medical plans

Employer contribution to retirement savings plan

Professional development and training

Job summary

Hartwood Consulting Group is seeking a Protocol Specialist to manage and coordinate high-level tours and military ceremonies primarily at the USCG ALC facility in Elizabeth City, NC. The role demands adherence to military protocols and requires a minimum of two years of event planning experience.

The ideal candidate excels in communication and Microsoft Office, ensuring all events meet the highest standards of etiquette and professionalism. Join us in making a meaningful impact!

Qualifications

• Must be a United States’ citizen.
• Minimum of two years of experience in protocol and event planning.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and knowledge of audio/visual equipment operation.

Responsibilities

• Organize and coordinate base-wide tours, itineraries, and transportation for distinguished visitors.
• Plan and manage military ceremonies including drafting scripts and invitations.
• Greet arriving aircraft and escort guests throughout the base complex.

Skills

Protocol and event planning

Microsoft Office applications

Exceptional communication skills

Multi-task management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a related field

Tools

Audio/visual equipment

Job description

It’s an opportunity to make an impact. As part of the Hartwood team, you’ll support critical missions, strengthen operations, and help deliver solutions that matter to our clients and communities.

Thank you for your interest in this position.

At Hartwood Consulting Group, we believe in empowering people to grow, lead, and succeed. If you’re ready to take on new challenges and be part of something meaningful, we’d love to hear from you!

WHO WE ARE

Hartwood Consulting Group is a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB/VOSB), proudly founded in 2007. For over 15 years, we have delivered proven, measurable results to our federal customers, driving change, anticipating challenges, and preparing organizations for the future.

Our highly certified experts thrive on collaboration, bringing together the right people, proven processes, and cutting‑edge solutions to solve complex problems and optimize efficiency. We are trusted advisors and problem solvers, committed to integrity, excellence, and mission success in everything we do.

With a people‑first approach, we specialize in business consulting, innovative services, and technical solutions for the Federal market. Our team consists of diverse perspectives and driven professionals who are passionate about making a difference for our customers, our community, and the missions we serve.

Our Benefits

• Competitive compensation
• Paid Time Off
• 11 paid holidays
• Generous employer contributions to medical plans
• Ancillary benefit options
• Employer paid life, AD&D, and STD insurance
• Employer contribution to retirement savings plan
• Professional development and training

We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer supporting federal, state, and local government missions. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or veteran status.

Position Description

This position is primarily on‑site at the USCG ALC facility in Elizabeth City, NC. Standard 40‑hour work week, typically with a start time between 0600–0830 ET and departure between 1430–1800 ET. The role occasionally requires working outside of normal business hours for specific events, with schedules adjusted accordingly. The candidate must be able to pass a background investigation.

The Protocol Specialist is a critical management‑level role responsible for organizing and coordinating high‑level tours, ceremonies, and distinguished visitor itineraries for the USCG Aviation Logistics Center (ALC). This position ensures that all command events, military ceremonies, and social functions are conducted with the appropriate level of etiquette and military protocol.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Organize and coordinate base‑wide tours, itineraries, and transportation for distinguished visitors, including Congressional staff, USCG Flag Officers, and DHS staff.
• Plan and manage military ceremonies such as retirements, promotions, and awards. This includes drafting scripts, speeches, invitations, and programs.
• Manage schedules for the Commanding Officer’s Conference Rooms, set up audio/visual equipment, and maintain the Command Brief (ALC101).
• Greet arriving aircraft, arrange visitor transportation, and escort guests throughout the base complex.
• Coordinate the Enlisted Person of the Quarter program in conjunction with USCG Public Affairs and local media.
• Assist the CG‑AIR Commanding Officer’s Secretary and perform other ALC command administrative duties as assigned.

Required Skills and Experience

• Must be a United States’ citizen.
• Minimum of two (2) years of experience in protocol and event planning.
• Ability to apply protocol and etiquette to organize events for military/civilian dignitaries and high‑ranking officials.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams) and knowledge of audio/visual equipment operation.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to draft formal documents and scripts.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks with competing deadlines and work with minimal Government oversight.

Required Education & Certifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field is preferred, or a combination of education and specialized experience.
• Must obtain a Military/Department of War (DoW) Protocol Specialist certification within twelve (12) months of hire. Proof of certification must be submitted to the Government upon completion.