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Executive Protection Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Executive Protocol Coordinator

Mclean, VA · On-site

$27.50 - $37.25/hr

The Executive Protocol Coordinator operates within a high-visibility executive secretariat ... Proven ability to identify and protect sensitive information while engaging with diverse ...

Executive Protocol Coordinator

Mclean, VA · On-site

$135K - $216K/yr

The Executive Protocol Coordinator operates within a high-visibility executive secretariat ... Proven ability to identify and protect sensitive information while engaging with diverse ...

Personal Protection Officer

Reston, VA

$17 - $20/hr

Minimum of three (3) years of experience in military, law enforcement, executive protection, protective security, or high-risk security operations. * At least one (1) year of experience in close ...

Regional Security Manager

Arlington, VA · Remote

$9.0K - $105K/yr

Experience with executive protection, event security, or facility security * Strong operational and process development skills What We Offer * Competitive benefits: Enjoy a 6% 401(k) match with ...

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Executive Protection information

See Virginia salary details

$26.3K

$92.8K

$182.4K

How much do executive protection jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for executive protection in Virginia is $92,750.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $57,500.00 and $119,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What jobs pay $500,000 a year in the US?

Executive protection roles, such as high-level security consultants or bodyguards for wealthy clients, can reach or exceed $500,000 annually with experience, specialized skills, and sometimes additional bonuses or benefits. Other high-paying jobs include top executives, surgeons, and certain investment professionals, but these are not directly related to executive protection. Most roles paying this level require extensive experience, certifications, and often operate in high-stakes environments.

What is the difference between Executive Protection vs Security Guard?

AspectExecutive ProtectionSecurity Guard
CredentialsSecurity licenses, specialized training, sometimes firearms certificationSecurity officer license, basic training
Work EnvironmentHigh-profile clients, private events, travelBuildings, malls, public spaces
Employer & IndustryPrivate security firms, corporations, high-net-worth individualsCommercial properties, retail stores, residential complexes

Executive Protection focuses on safeguarding high-profile individuals through specialized training, often involving travel and close personal security. Security Guards typically monitor premises and prevent unauthorized access. While both roles involve security, Executive Protection requires advanced skills and works in more dynamic, high-stakes environments.

Is executive protection a good career?

Executive protection is a security profession focused on safeguarding high-profile individuals, requiring skills in risk assessment, surveillance, and emergency response. It often involves irregular hours, physical fitness, and certifications such as first aid or security training. The career can be rewarding for those interested in security and personal protection but may involve high stress and physical demands.

How do you get into executive protection?

To enter executive protection, individuals typically need a background in security, law enforcement, or military service, along with relevant training such as first aid, defensive tactics, and threat assessment. Obtaining certifications like the Close Protection Operative (CPO) or Executive Protection Specialist can improve job prospects. Experience in security operations and strong situational awareness are essential for success in this field.

What is executive protection?

Executive protection is a specialized security service focused on safeguarding high-profile individuals, such as corporate executives, celebrities, or political figures, from potential threats like physical harm, kidnapping, or harassment. This service often includes risk assessments, travel security, secure transportation, and advance planning to ensure a client's safety at all times. Executive protection professionals are trained in security protocols, defensive driving, emergency response, and sometimes medical aid, allowing them to respond effectively to a variety of situations. The goal is to allow clients to carry out their daily activities with minimal disruption while maintaining the highest level of safety.

What is the role of executive protection?

The role of executive protection involves safeguarding high-profile individuals from physical threats, ensuring their safety during travel and public appearances. It includes threat assessment, close protection, and coordination with security teams, often requiring specialized training and security clearances.

What Is Executive Protection?

Executive protection involves providing security for corporate executives, VIPs, celebrities, and other people who need safeguarding against public threats. Increasingly, these threats are both physical and digital, and many executives require increased protection from hackers who try to steal personal information for blackmail or to expose executives and celebrities in the media. Your duties as an executive protection specialist can include performing risk assessment, testing security systems, determining which executive or persons of interest are at higher risk, and developing methods to keep them safe.

What are some common challenges faced by Executive Protection professionals, and how can they be addressed?

Executive Protection professionals often encounter challenges such as adapting to rapidly changing schedules, managing high-stress environments, and maintaining vigilance during extended periods. They must remain discreet while ensuring the safety of their principal, which requires excellent communication and quick decision-making. Building strong coordination with local law enforcement and other security team members is essential to address these challenges effectively and ensure seamless operations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Executive Protection professional, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Executive Protection professional, you need expertise in risk assessment, security protocols, defensive tactics, and often a background in law enforcement or military service. Familiarity with surveillance technology, secure communications systems, and certifications such as Certified Protection Professional (CPP) are commonly required. Discretion, situational awareness, quick decision-making, and strong interpersonal skills are essential soft skills for building trust and responding effectively to threats. These skills and qualities are critical for ensuring the safety, privacy, and confidence of high-profile clients in unpredictable environments.
What job categories do people searching Executive Protection jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Executive Protection jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Executive Protection jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Executive Protection job openings:
Infographic showing various Executive Protection job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 54% Full Time, 38% Part Time, and 8% Temporary. Highlights an 85% In-person, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $92,750 per year, or $44.6 per hour.
Executive Protocol Coordinator

Executive Protocol Coordinator

Peraton

Mclean, VA • On-site

$27.50 - $37.25/hr

Full-time

Posted 16 days ago


Peraton rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 56 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

42nd of 210 rated it services


Job description

Responsibilities

Peraton is seeking an experienced, detail-oriented professional to coordinate and facilitate executive engagement activities in support of cabinet-level and senior executive leader government customers. The Executive Protocol Coordinator operates within a high-visibility executive secretariat environment, overseeing the full lifecycle of senior-level engagements and events, from invitation through execution. 

Reporting to program leadership, the coordinator manages the intake, tracking, coordination, facilitation, and execution of executive engagements, meetings, and travel. This includes ensuring timely coordination with government and contract customer security personnel for facility access, parking, and waiver approvals; as well as the coordination with cabinet-level government customer executive secretariat personnel for protocol requirements; across all engagement activities. 

This role requires exceptional organizational skills, discretion, and the ability to perform effectively in a fast-paced, high-tempo environment supporting senior government officials. The ideal candidate brings experience supporting cabinet-level or senior executive leaders, familiarity with interagency coordination, and a demonstrated commitment to professionalism and precision in all aspects of delivery. 

Key Responsibilities 

  • Review and assess incoming invitations for executive-level external engagements, preparing coordination activities across all applicable customer stakeholders. 
  • Coordinate with customer stakeholders to gather context and requirements necessary for the successful coordination, facilitation, and execution of each engagement. 
  • Support executive secretariat staff in developing comprehensive briefing materials and engagement books for proposed and approved travel and events. 
  • Partner with protocol staff to ensure seamless day-of execution for visits, including coordination with security personnel and other support elements. 
  • Assist government and subject matter experts in planning, preparing, and executing executive foreign travel. 
  • Collaborate with the protocol government lead to develop and refine event concepts into polished, well-executed engagements appropriate for cabinet-level principals. 
  • Deliver all work products and event support with accuracy and professionalism, free of planning or logistical errors. 
  • Perform additional administrative or protocol-related duties as directed by government staff. 
Qualifications

Basic Qualifications 

  • Active TS/SCI with Polygraph security clearance. 
  • Bachelor's degree in National Security, International Relations, Foreign Affairs, Public Administration, Political Science, or a related field. 
  • Bachelor's and 12yrs of experience required.
  • 10+ years of experience providing direct support to executive-level leadership. 
  • In-depth knowledge of the U.S. Intelligence Community and federal government operations. 
  • Exceptional writing, grammar, and proofreading skills with strong attention to detail. 
  • Excellent time management and organizational skills with ability to balance multiple high-priority tasks. 
  • Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to perform confidently and professionally with grace under pressure with minimal supervision. 
  • Strong communications skills and the ability to conduct clear and concise briefings for senior executive leadership. 
  • Familiarity with Agency communication systems. 
  • Proven ability to identify and protect sensitive information while engaging with diverse stakeholders. 
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Word and Excel. 
  • Willingness to undergo additional vetting and sign a non-disclosure agreement. 

Preferred Qualifications 

  • Experience working in a senior executive or senior civilian service position (e.g., SNIS, DISES, SES). 
  • Experience supporting senior executive or senior civilian service personnel (e.g., SNIS, DISES, SES). 
  • Experience working in an executive protection capacity for cabinet level government leadership (e.g. Directors' Protective Staff, Diplomatic Security Service, U.S. Secret Service). 
  • Experience working in an executive secretariat or protocol environment. 
Peraton Overview

Peraton is a next-generation national security company that drives missions of consequence spanning the globe and extending to the farthest reaches of the galaxy. As the world's leading mission capability integrator and transformative enterprise IT provider, we deliver trusted, highly differentiated solutions and technologies to protect our nation and allies. Peraton operates at the critical nexus between traditional and nontraditional threats across all domains: land, sea, space, air, and cyberspace. The company serves as a valued partner to essential government agencies and supports every branch of the U.S. armed forces. Each day, our employees do the can't be done by solving the most daunting challenges facing our customers. Visit peraton.com to learn how we're keeping people around the world safe and secure.

Target Salary Range$135,000 - $216,000. This represents the typical salary range for this position. Salary is determined by various factors, including but not limited to, the scope and responsibilities of the position, the individual's experience, education, knowledge, skills, and competencies, as well as geographic location and business and contract considerations. Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay.EEOEEO: Equal opportunity employer, including disability and protected veterans, or other characteristics protected by law.Employment Type: FULL_TIME

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About Peraton

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Peraton, we re at the forefront of delivering the next big thing every day. We re the partner of choice to help solve some of the world s most daunting challenges, delivering bold, new solutions to keep people around the world safer and more secure.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Herndon, VA, US

Year founded

2017