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Senior Protocol Officer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

We are seeking a Senior Protocol Officer to support strategic communications, stakeholder engagement, executive messaging, and outreach efforts supporting Intelligence Community mission operations.

Protocol Officer - Mid

Springfield, VA · On-site

$103K - $181K/yr

The mid-level Protocol Officer works under the guidance of senior protocol staff to manage a variety of logistical and procedural tasks, ensuring that all events are conducted with precision and in ...

Protocol Officer - Mid

Saint Louis, MO · On-site

$103K - $181K/yr

The mid-level Protocol Officer works under the guidance of senior protocol staff to manage a variety of logistical and procedural tasks, ensuring that all events are conducted with precision andin ...

Protocol Officer - Mid

Springfield, VA · On-site

$103K - $181K/yr

The mid-level Protocol Officer works under the guidance of senior protocol staff to manage a variety of logistical and procedural tasks, ensuring that all events are conducted with precision andin ...

The Protocol Assistant performs protocol duties including facilitation of senior executive or general officer visits and the reception of other dignitaries. Protocol Assistants utilize staffing ...

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Senior Protocol Officer information

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$50K

$77.5K

$131.5K

How much do senior protocol officer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior protocol officer in the United States is $77,509.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $61,000.00 and $88,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How does a Senior Protocol Officer typically collaborate with other departments during high-profile events?

A Senior Protocol Officer regularly works closely with departments such as security, public relations, and executive leadership to coordinate logistics and ensure protocols are observed during high-profile events. This includes planning seating arrangements, managing official communications, and handling VIP arrivals and departures. Effective collaboration is essential to maintain decorum, anticipate potential issues, and deliver seamless experiences for dignitaries and stakeholders. Building strong interdepartmental relationships and clear communication channels is key to success in this role.

What are Senior Protocol Officers?

Senior Protocol Officers are professionals responsible for managing and coordinating official ceremonies, events, and diplomatic interactions for organizations, particularly within government or international bodies. They ensure that all proceedings follow established protocols, cultural customs, and diplomatic etiquette. Their duties include arranging meetings, handling VIP visits, and advising on matters of precedence and decorum. Senior Protocol Officers play a crucial role in fostering positive relations between organizations, governments, and dignitaries by maintaining proper procedures and ensuring smooth communication.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Senior Protocol Officer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Senior Protocol Officer, you need expertise in diplomatic procedures, event coordination, cross-cultural communication, and often a degree in international relations or a related field. Familiarity with protocol manuals, event management software, and sometimes foreign language proficiency or relevant certifications is highly valued. Outstanding interpersonal skills, attention to detail, and discretion help build strong relationships and navigate complex formal environments. These abilities ensure smooth diplomatic engagements, uphold institutional reputation, and prevent misunderstandings in high-profile settings.

What is the difference between Senior Protocol Officer vs Protocol Coordinator?

AspectSenior Protocol OfficerProtocol Coordinator
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in international relations, diplomacy, or related field; experience in protocol or diplomatic servicesSimilar educational background; often entry to mid-level experience in protocol management
Work EnvironmentGovernment agencies, diplomatic missions, international organizationsEvent planning firms, government departments, international events
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in diplomatic and governmental contexts for senior rolesCommon in event coordination and protocol management roles
Search & Comparison IntentOften searched by those looking for senior protocol roles or career progressionCompared for entry-level or mid-level protocol roles

The Senior Protocol Officer typically holds a higher level of responsibility, overseeing complex diplomatic or official events, while a Protocol Coordinator manages day-to-day event logistics. Both roles require similar credentials but differ in scope and seniority.

More about Senior Protocol Officer jobs
What cities are hiring for Senior Protocol Officer jobs? Cities with the most Senior Protocol Officer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Protocol Officer jobs? The most popular types of Protocol Officer jobs are:
What states have the most Senior Protocol Officer jobs? States with the most job openings for Senior Protocol Officer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Senior Protocol Officer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 97% Full Time, and 3% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $77,509 per year, or $37.3 per hour.
Protocol Officer - Active TS/SCI

Protocol Officer - Active TS/SCI

ENS Solutions, LLC

Mclean, VA

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted yesterday


Job description

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.

Duties May Include:

         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.

Requirements

Required Skills:

         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:

         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).

Benefits

Essential Network Security (ENS) Solutions, LLC is a service-disabled veteran owned, highly regarded IT consulting and management firm. ENS consults for the Department of Defense (DoD) and Intelligence Community (IC) providing innovative solutions in the core competency area of Identity, Credential and Access Management (ICAM), Software Development, Cyber and Network Security, System Engineering, Program/Project Management, IT support, Solutions, and Services that yield enduring results. Our strong technical and management experts have been able to maintain a standard of excellence in their relationships while delivering innovative, scalable and collaborative infrastructure to our clients.

Why ENS?

  • Free Platinum-Level Medical/Dental/Vision coverage, 100% paid for by ENS
  • 401k Contribution from Day 1
  • PTO + 11 Paid Federal Holidays
  • Long & Short Term Disability Insurance
  • Group Term Life Insurance
  • Tuition, Certification & Professional Development Assistance
  • Workers' Compensation
  • Relocation Assistance

Candidate AI Usage Policy

AI tools are an important part of daily work at ENS Solutions, and we are committed to their responsible and ethical use. To ensure a fair and equitable candidate evaluation based on individual skills, knowledge, and experience, candidates are not permitted to use artificial intelligence or other assistive tools during interviews, whether in person or virtual, unless explicit permission has been granted in advance.