Director, Executive Protection

Marriott•Bethesda, MD

17h•$127,000 - $172,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Director, Executive Protection, is responsible for the strategic leadership, standard setting, management, and execution of Marriott International’s Executive Protection program. Reporting within the Global Safety & Security Department, this role oversees a team of executive protection specialists, ensuring the safety and security of designated executives through a proactive, intelligence‑led, and threat-based approach. In addition to setting program strategy, standards, and governance, the Director remains operationally engaged and provides tactical and hands‑on support as required, including protective operations, and contractor management. The role requires strong leadership, sound judgment, discretion, and the ability to operate seamlessly at strategic, operational, and tactical levels.

Requirements

10+ years’ experience leading executive protection or protective security programs in a corporate, government, military, or law enforcement environment.
Bachelor’s Degree
Demonstrated experience managing protective personnel and intelligence or risk analysis functions.
Strong background in executive protection operations, advances, risk assessments and SOP development.
Proven ability to operate effectively at strategic, operational, and tactical levels.
Willingness and ability to travel and provide operational coverage as needed.

Nice To Haves

Experience supporting senior corporate executives in a global or Fortune 500 environment.
Formal executive protection, intelligence, or leadership training from a recognized institution.
Experience managing security programs within hospitality, travel, or service‑oriented organizations.
CPR/AED and first aid certification.

Responsibilities

Lead and manage Marriott International’s global executive protection program, aligning protective operations with enterprise risk management objectives and company values.
Develop, implement, and maintain executive protection policies, standards, and operating procedures.
Establish program priorities, resource allocation, and performance metrics to ensure effectiveness and continuous improvement.
Serve as a trusted advisor to senior executives on personal security risk and mitigation strategies.
Directly manage and mentor executive protection specialists, intelligence analyst, and contracted personnel.
Ensure appropriate staffing, training, readiness, and professional development of the team.
Foster a culture of professionalism, discretion, collaboration, and service excellence consistent with Marriott’s culture.
Oversee scheduling, travel coordination, and operational readiness of the protection team.
Oversee executive‑level risk assessments, threat monitoring, and protective intelligence functions.
Ensure timely collection, analysis, and dissemination of intelligence relevant to executive safety.
Partner with internal stakeholders to integrate intelligence findings into protective planning and decision‑making.
Provide hands‑on support for protective operations as required, including close protection, advances, and protective driving.
Lead or support high‑risk or high‑visibility executive movements, special events, and corporate meetings.
Conduct or oversee residential, workplace, and travel security assessments.
Serve as incident commander or senior advisor during executive‑related security incidents or crises.
Coordinate with hotel security teams, corporate leaders, legal, HR, communications, and other internal partners.
Build and maintain effective relationships with external partners, including law enforcement, government agencies, and private security providers.
Represent Global Safety & Security in executive‑level briefings and cross‑functional forums.
Manage program budgets, contracts, and vendor relationships.
Prepare executive‑level briefings, risk reports, and after‑action reviews.
Ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations.