Protocol Officer

Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc. (SPA) delivers high-impact, technical solutions to complex national security issues. With over 50 years of business expertise and consistent growth, we are known for continuous innovation for our government customers, in both the US and abroad. Our exceptionally talented team is highly collaborative in spirit and practice, producing Results that Matter. Come work with the best! We offer opportunity, unique challenges, and clear-sighted commitment to the mission. Objective. Responsive. Trusted.

The AUKUS, Submarines, and Industrial Base Group (ASIG), within the Sea, Land, Air Division, provides timely, objective, analytic assessments that integrate technical, operational, programmatic, policy and business analysis to NAVSEA Team Submarine program offices and key stakeholders surrounding submarine platform construction. Team Submarine unifies submarine platform procurement activities, which includes the Columbia-class SSBN program (a Major Defense Acquisition Program and the Navy's top acquisition priority), the Virginia-class SSN program and the new SSN-X program (developing the next generation attack submarine), to bring improved capabilities to our undersea forces. Analysts and Engineers supporting Team Submarine will continue SPA's decades of support to the SSBN force, as well as supporting oversight of cutting-edge attack submarine construction, assisting in developing the design requirements for the SSN platform of the future, and helping plan and execute new and innovative strategies to strengthen the critical submarine shipbuilding industrial base. These are high-profile, major acquisition and manufacturing programs of significant importance to the future capabilities of the US Navy in an era of renewed strategic competition. #MC

Serve as the primary civilian protocol advisor and coordinator for Navy leadership, official visitors, and international/military delegations. Plan, coordinate, and execute official events, visits, ceremonies, and engagements to ensure compliance with U.S. Navy policy, diplomatic norms, and international protocol. Represent the command professionally with senior military leaders, foreign dignitaries, and civilian officials.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Plan, coordinate, and execute official visits, ceremonies, change-of-command events, conferences, and receptions.
• Develop and manage detailed protocols: itineraries, briefings, talking points, seating charts, honorifics, precedence, gift-handling, and ceremonial script.
• Coordinate interagency, international, and host-nation protocol requirements; liaise with DoD, State Department, foreign embassies, and allied military protocol offices.
• Advise commanders and staff on protocol matters, cultural sensitivities, flag etiquette, honors and courtesies, and appropriate forms of address.
• Manage logistical support: transportation, billeting, security coordination, venue setup, audiovisual needs, and catering per regulations.
• Prepare and distribute official correspondence, invitations, ceremonial orders, and after-action reports.
• Maintain and update protocol SOPs, rosters, precedence lists, and senior official contact databases.
• Train and mentor staff and unit representatives on protocol procedures and ceremonial duties.
• Ensure compliance with security, ethics, and public affairs policies related to official engagements.
• Serve as on-call protocol lead during visits and high-visibility events; travel as required.

This role is performed in the office but with frequent travel to event sites and aboard ships or installations.

At SPA, we strive to deliver a robust total compensation package that will attract and retain top talent. Elements of the compensation package include competitive base pay and variable compensation opportunities.

SPA provides eligible employees with an opportunity to enroll in a variety of benefit programs, generally including health insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs, and a number of programs that provide for both paid and unpaid time away from work.

The specific programs and options available to any given employee may vary depending on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, etc.

Please note that the salary information shown below is a general guideline only. Salaries are commensurate with experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations. DC Pay Transparency Range: $130k - $150k.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in international relations, public administration, communications, or related field, OR equivalent combination of education and relevant experience (minimum 6 years total)
• Minimum 3-5 years' professional experience in protocol, event management, diplomatic or military liaison, or related field supporting senior officials
• Prior U.S. Navy or DoD protocol experience and a demonstrated knowledge of military protocol, honors, rank precedence, flag and colors procedures, and DoD/US Navy protocol guidance
• Strong written and oral communications skills; experience preparing briefs, talking points, and official correspondence; excellent interpersonal skills with experience interfacing with senior military officers, civilian leaders, and foreign dignitaries
• Proven ability to coordinate complex logistics and multi-stakeholder events under tight timelines
• Proficiency with standard office software (MS Office suite) and event-management tools
• Ability to work irregular hours, including evenings and weekends
• Active Secret clearance and the ability to maintain it throughout employment

Desired Qualifications

• Prior U.S. Navy or DoD protocol experience
• Experience working with foreign embassies, State Department, or international organizations
• Experience with multimedia production for ceremonies (AV scripting, run-of-show)
• Familiarity with ethics rules, travel and billeting regulations
• Experience training military and civilian personnel in ceremonial duties and protocol etiquette
• Foreign language proficiency (particularly commonly used diplomatic languages)
• Demonstrated ability to manage budgets and vendor contracts for events