Highlights

Responsibilities will include the following: 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. 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.

Description

SAIC - Senior Protocol Officer in Springfield, Virginia, United States

Join our Talent Network >

Talent Network
Alumni Connect
Current Employees
Events
Featured Locations
Chantilly
Charleston
Colorado Springs
Crane
El Segundo
Fort Meade
Hampton Roads
Hawaii
Huntsville
Reston
San Diego
Southern Maryland
St. Louis
Washington DC
View All Locations
Career Fields
Business Management
Cyber
Cloud
Data Science
DevSecOps
Electrical Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Network Engineering
Software Engineering
Systems Engineering
Technical Support
View All Career Fields
View All Jobs
Candidate Resources
Chantilly
Charleston
Colorado Springs
Crane
El Segundo
Fort Meade
Hampton Roads
Hawaii
Huntsville
Reston
San Diego
Southern Maryland
St. Louis
Washington DC
View All Locations
Business Management
Cyber
Cloud
Data Science
DevSecOps
Electrical Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Network Engineering
Software Engineering
Systems Engineering
Technical Support
View All Career Fields

Start Application >>

Back to Search Results >

Previous Opportunity > Next Opportunity >

Senior Protocol Officer

Job ID: 2610617

Location: Springfield, VA, United States

Date Posted: Mar 25, 2026

Category: Program Management

Subcategory: Project Analyst

Schedule: Full-Time

Shift: Day Job

Travel: No

Minimum Clearance Required: TS.SCI

Clearance Level Must Be Able to Obtain: TS/SCI with Poly

Potential for Remote Work: On-Site

Benefits: Click here

Share: mail

Apply Now >

Job Description

Description

SAIC is a premier Fortune 500 mission integrator focused on advancing the power of technology and innovation to serve and protect our world. Our robust portfolio of offerings across the defense, space, civilian and intelligence markets includes secure high-end solutions in mission IT, enterprise IT, engineering services and professional services. We integrate emerging technology, rapidly and securely, into mission critical operations that modernize and enable critical national imperatives.

We are seeking a highly motivated Senior Protocol Officer who will serve as a principal advisor and the lead planner for all matters of official protocol, ceremony, and diplomatic etiquette. 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 precedents, 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.

Work will be performed at the customer site in Springfield, VA.

The hiring of this position is contingent upon contract award. Anticipated award is fall of 2026.

Responsibilities will include the following:

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.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications include:

Active TS/SCI is REQUIRED.
Willing and able to obtain a Polygraph.
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 Qualifications include:

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).

Overview

SAIC accepts applications on an ongoing basis and there is no deadline.

We are approximately 24,000 strong; driven by mission, united by purpose, and inspired by opportunities. SAIC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, SAIC has annual revenues of approximately $7.5 billion. For more information, visit saic.com. For ongoing news, please visit our newsroom.

Share: mail

Apply Now >

Similar Jobs

Senior Protocol Officer