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Executive Protection Jobs in Springfield, VA (NOW HIRING)

The Crisis24 Ready Team is comprised of highly capable Executive Protection agents, who are not assigned to any singular client. Strategically placed across the continental United States, they deploy ...

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 ...

Personal Protection Officer

Herndon, VA

$16.50 - $19.50/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 ...

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Showing results 1-20

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 Jun 15, 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 in the US include top executives, surgeons, and certain investment professionals, but these are not directly related to executive protection. Compensation varies based on experience, location, and the complexity of the role.

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.

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 Course or Executive Protection Certification can improve job prospects. Experience in security operations and strong situational awareness are also important 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 job makes $10,000 a month without a degree?

Executive protection, or close protection, can pay $10,000 or more per month for experienced professionals, especially those working with high-profile clients or in high-risk environments. Success in this field often depends on specialized training, certifications, and experience rather than formal education, with some roles requiring security licenses and physical fitness.

Is executive protection in demand?

Executive protection is a growing field driven by increased security concerns for high-profile individuals and corporate executives. The demand for trained professionals with skills in threat assessment, security protocols, and certifications such as CPP or PSP remains strong across various industries. Job opportunities are often available in security firms, corporate security departments, and government agencies.

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 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:
Infographic showing various Executive Protection job openings in Springfield, VA as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 3% Part Time, 9% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 91% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $97,718 per year, or $47 per hour.

Director, Operational Security (Protective Services)

Control Risks

Washington, DC • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

We are seeking a dynamic, results-driven operational security leader with strong business acumen, strategic vision, and exceptional project management capabilities to lead our Protective Services practice for the United States and Canada.
This role will oversee high-impact security engagements-including executive protection, event security, and complex operational security programs-while driving growth through business development and thought leadership. The ideal candidate will combine operational expertise with the ability to influence stakeholders and shape innovative security solutions for clients across diverse industries.
Tasks and responsibilities
The successful candidate will be tasked with the following:
  • Strategic Leadership: Define and execute the vision for the Protective Services practice in the United States and Canada, ensuring alignment with regional and global strategic objectives.
  • Operational Oversight: Direct the delivery of comprehensive security services, including executive protection, event security, workplace violence response, technical surveillance countermeasures (TSCM), travel risk management programs, operational crisis management (including evacuations and natural disaster response/recovery), and security training programs.
  • Financial Management: Oversee budgeting, forecasting, and financial performance for the Protective Services practice, ensuring profitability and cost efficiency.
  • Business Development: Drive growth by building and maintaining a robust pipeline of engagements through client relationships and market expansion.
  • Operational Governance: Ensure effective and streamlined business operations, including compliance with local, state and national security regulations, human resources statutes, and legal and risk management guidelines.
  • Thought Leadership: Represent the organization as an industry leader by contributing to panels, conferences, and published insights.
  • Global Collaboration: Foster a collaborative culture across practices and geographies to maintain a OneFirm approach while delivering exceptional client services.
  • Cross functional expertise: Proven knowledge and hands-on experience with protective intelligence and the integration of protective services with GSOC capabilities, reflecting the evolution of protective services into a more intelligence-driven, proactive discipline.
  • Program building: Demonstrated ability to design, build, and lead programmatic engagements across operational security including executive protection and protective intelligence ensuring alignment with organizational risk posture and operational objectives.

Requirements
Knowledge and experience
  • 15+ years of experience in an operational security leadership role, with a proven ability to manage complex security programs.
  • 10+ years of direct experience delivering operational security services, including executive protection, event security, and comprehensive protective strategies.
  • Functional understanding of the integration of protective intelligence and global monitoring centers into protective operations
  • Previous experience working in a consulting capacity, ideally within the operational security field.
  • Demonstrated success in a leadership role, managing teams and driving strategic initiatives.
  • Proven ability to manage a portfolio of clients and develop a strong pipeline of business opportunities through an existing book of business, RFP's and client outreach.
  • Advanced financial literacy and a deep understanding of business processes, including budgeting and forecasting.
  • Track record of administrative excellence, ensuring compliance and operational efficiency.
  • Exceptional English-language writing and communication skills; proficiency in additional languages is highly desirable.

Qualifications and specialist skills
  • Bachelor's degree required; advanced degrees preferred in security management, business administration, or a related field.
  • Formal executive protection training from a recognized government or private institution.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain security licenses across multiple states, as required.
  • Exceptional written and interpersonal communication skills, combined with strong leadership capabilities.
  • Proven track record in business management, including opportunity generation and client portfolio development.
  • Strong creative and analytical problem-solving skills, with the ability to make sound decisions under pressure.
  • Highly organized and adept at multitasking, balancing competing priorities effectively.
  • Willingness and ability to travel approximately 25-30% of the time.
  • Industry certifications such as CPP (Certified Protection Professional) are highly desirable but not mandatory.

Behaviors
  • All employees are expected to display behaviors reflective of our company values: Integrity and Ethics, Collaboration and Teamwork, Commitment to People and Professionalism and Excellence.

The base salary range for this position is $170,000-$180,000 per year. Exact compensation offered may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.
Control Risks is committed to a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age or veteran status. If you require any reasonable adjustments to be made in order to participate fully in the interview process, please let us know and we will be happy to accommodate your needs.
Control Risks participates in the E-Verify program to confirm employment authorization of all newly hired employees. The E-Verify process is completed during new hire onboarding and completion of the Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, at the start of employment. E-Verify is not used as a tool to pre-screen candidates. For more information on E-Verify, please visit www.uscis.gov.
Benefits
  • Control Risks offers a competitively positioned compensation and benefits package that is transparent and summarized in the full job offer.
  • Control Risks supports hybrid working arrangements, wherever possible, that emphasize the value of in-person time together - in the office and with our clients - while continuing to support flexible and remote working.
  • Medical Benefits, Prescription Benefits, FSA, Dental Benefits, Vision Benefits, Life and AD&D, Voluntary Life and AD&D, Disability Benefits, Voluntary Benefits, 401 (K) Retirement, Nationwide Pet Insurance, Employee Assistance Program.
  • As an equal opportunities employer, we encourage suitably qualified applicants from a wide range of backgrounds to apply and join us and are fully committed to equal treatment, free from discrimination, of all candidates throughout our recruitment process.