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Executive Protection Jobs in Springfield, VA (NOW HIRING)

Marriott

Director, Executive Protection

Bethesda, MD · On-site

JOB SUMMARY The Director, Executive Protection, is responsible for the strategic leadership, standard setting, management, and execution of Marriott International's Executive Protection program.

SAIC

Executive Protection Manager

Reston, VA

$120K - $160K/yr

ORA_ON_SITE Description The Executive Protection Manager provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for protective services supporting a senior executive and designated individuals. This ...

SAIC

Executive Protection Manager

Reston, VA · On-site

$120K - $160K/yr

Description The Executive Protection Manager provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for protective services supporting a senior executive and designated individuals. This role leads ...

Capital One

Executive Protection Specialist

Mclean, VA · On-site

Executive Protection Specialist At Capital One, we dare to dream, disrupt and deliver a better way. Our goal is simple-bring ingenuity, simplicity and humanity to an industry ripe for change. Our ...

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All JobsProtection JobsExecutive Protection JobsExecutive Protection Jobs in Springfield, VA

Executive Protection information

See Springfield, VA salary details

$27.7K

$97.7K

$192.2K

How much do executive protection jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for executive protection in Springfield, VA is $97,718.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $60,600.00 and $125,900.00 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.
More about Executive Protection jobs
What are popular job titles related to Executive Protection jobs in Springfield, VA? For Executive Protection jobs in Springfield, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Executive Protection jobs in Springfield, VA look for? The top searched job categories for Executive Protection jobs in Springfield, VA are:
What cities near Springfield, VA are hiring for Executive Protection jobs? Cities near Springfield, VA with the most Executive Protection job openings:
Executive Protection jobs near you
Infographic showing various Executive Protection job openings in Springfield, VA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 69% Full Time, 24% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 97% In-person, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $97,718 per year, or $47 per hour.
Executive Protection Manager

Executive Protection Manager

Science Applications International Corporation

Reston, VA • On-site

$120K - $160K/yr

Other

Re-posted 4 days ago

SAIC rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 79 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

69th of 210 rated it services

Job description

Job Description
Description
The Executive Protection Manager provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for protective services supporting a senior executive and designated individuals. This role leads a small Executive Protection team, manages daily HQ-based security operations, and ensures a high standard of readiness and professionalism. It is a full-time, on-site role at SAIC's Reston Headquarters (Monday-Friday) and must be able to respond outside standard hours for time-sensitive protective operations.
Primary Responsibilities
Team Leadership & Program Management
  • Lead, mentor, and supervise Executive Protection Agents to ensure preparedness, professional conduct, and consistent performance.
  • Assign daily responsibilities/schedules, establish operational priorities, and guide team execution.
  • Develop performance expectations, conduct evaluations, and support professional growth.
  • Maintain a collaborative and disciplined team culture aligned with organizational standards.
  • Serve as the primary HQ security point of contact, coordinating with internal stakeholders and external partners.
Protective Operations & Strategic Planning
  • Establish, update, and enforce protective procedures, threat-mitigation plans, and emergency response protocols.
  • Oversee scheduling and operational alignment to guarantee full protective coverage.
  • Maintain situational awareness by coordinating with law enforcement, intelligence partners, and external security entities.
  • Ensure consistent on-site presence at Reston HQ to manage emerging or routine security needs.
Executive Protection & Direct Support
  • Conduct close protection activities for the principal and designated individuals, including domestic or international travel as required.
  • Perform threat, risk, and vulnerability assessments and adjust security postures when needed.
  • Manage secure transportation utilizing advanced defensive driving skills.
  • De-escalate or control disruptive situations in office or event environments to maintain safety.
  • Represent the protection program with professionalism, restraint and confidentiality.
Reporting & Communication
  • Oversee the preparation and quality of incident reports, activity logs, assessments, and other documentation.
  • Identify and promptly communicate vulnerabilities, safety concerns, or operational gaps to leadership.
Equipment, Logistics & Readiness Oversight
  • Ensure security vehicles remain mission-ready, properly maintained, and compliant with safety standards.
  • Operate and manage protective, communications, and surveillance equipment to ensure full operational capability.
  • Identify resource or equipment deficiencies and recommend corrective measures.
Facility Security & Corporate Integration
  • Serve as the Reston HQ facility security liaison, supporting access control, visitor verification, and compliance with corporate security standards.
  • Assist in organizational security investigations and provide support for broader operational needs.
Additional Duties
  • Support investigative work involving corporate security interests.
  • Perform other tasks required to maintain and strengthen executive protection operations.

Qualifications
  • Bachelors Degree and 15 years of executive protection experience, including advance planning, surveillance detection, and secure transportation. 4 additional years can be used in lieu of a degree.
  • 5+ years of team leadership or supervisory experience within security or protection operations.
  • Proven ability to manage operational schedules and lead multidisciplinary teams.
  • Full-time, on-site availability at SAIC Reston HQ during core business hours.
  • Capability to support urgent or time-sensitive operations outside normal hours.
  • Valid Virginia Guard Card and/or HR218 preferred.
  • Executive Protection training credential and defensive driving certification.
  • Demonstrated experience conducting threat assessments and site evaluations.
  • Exceptional written and verbal communication skills and strong documentation capabilities.
  • Ability to work under pressure while maintaining professionalism, discretion, and confidentiality.
  • Must have an interim secret clearance to start. Candidates must be able to get a Top Secret Clearance.

Target salary range: $120,001 - $160,000. The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience and other factors.
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