Protocol Specialist

Department of the Air Force Headquarters • San Antonio, TX

2d

About The Position

The Protocol Specialist serves the National Security Agency in Texas (NSAT) and is responsible for planning, managing, and executing the agency’s protocol program. The position ensures protocol activities meet customer needs and comply with applicable legal and regulatory requirements, as well as National Security Agency and military department guidance and policy. This is a GG-12 Defense Civilian Intelligence Personnel System (DCIPS) position in the Professional work category at the Full Performance work level, equivalent to GS-12. The position is in the Excepted Service and is designated special-sensitive, requiring eligibility for access to Sensitive Compartmented Information or other specified sensitive intelligence programs, and a signed nondisclosure agreement.

The incumbent develops and implements protocol policy and procedural guidance in support of the Commander, Deputy Director, and DISL; ensures appropriate protocol for agency functions and visitors; represents NSAT with local installation and functional-area organizations; and maintains custodial control of the Commander’s Official Representation Funds and Special Morale and Welfare Funds. The role involves coordinating official functions and addressing frequent changes to visits, schedules, social events, guest lists, menus, and facility availability. The incumbent must be able to work under stressful conditions and may travel by military or commercial aircraft for temporary duty assignments.

Employment conditions include U.S. citizenship, a counterintelligence-scope polygraph, initial and periodic short-notice drug testing, and completion of a probationary or trial period as applicable. New DCIPS employees are required to complete a two-year trial period. The position may require a one-year probationary period or a two-year trial period depending on appointment type; continued employment after the applicable period requires written certification that it advances the public interest.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship.
• Specialized experience demonstrating the knowledge, skills, abilities, and competencies required for successful performance at the GG-12 level.
• Expert knowledge of protocol, military ceremonies, and the U.S. military services, Department of Defense, and other federal organizations.
• Knowledge of national and international protocol practices, military traditions, customs and courtesies, Combatant Commands, the Department of State, and other federal agencies.
• Knowledge of applicable laws, regulations, policies, precedents, local guidelines, local organizations, and world political situations affecting protocol programs.
• Knowledge of U.S. and foreign military rank structures, political configurations, and order of precedence.
• Detailed knowledge of managing expenditures of protocol funds.
• Knowledge of office automation software, tools, and techniques for producing protocol documents.
• Skill in detailed analysis of complex ceremonial functions and procedures, independently identifying and resolving problems, and making on-the-spot decisions.
• Skill in using tact and diplomacy to coordinate official functions and accomplish work through others.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing, develop clear and concise products, resolve event- or visit-related problems, and deliver presentations to senior-level audiences.
• Ability to work under stressful conditions in a fast-paced environment with high-ranking visitors and frequent changes to schedules and event details.
• Eligibility for access to Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI), other intelligence-related Special Sensitive information, or Top Secret Special Access Programs, and willingness to sign a nondisclosure agreement.
• Pass a counterintelligence-scope polygraph examination.
• Pass initial and periodic short-notice drug testing.
• Must be registered for Selective Service, if applicable.
• Must comply with federal direct-deposit requirements.
• May be required to travel in military or commercial aircraft for temporary duty assignments.
• Complete the applicable probationary period or DCIPS trial period.

Responsibilities

• Plan, manage, and execute NSAT’s protocol program.
• Manage, direct, and coordinate protocol activities, ensuring customer needs are met and applicable legal, regulatory, NSA, and military-department guidance is followed.
• Develop and implement NSAT protocol policy and procedural guidance in support of the Commander, Deputy Director, and DISL.
• Ensure proper protocol for NSAT functions and visitors.
• Represent NSAT with local installation and functional-area organizations.
• Maintain custodial control of the Commander’s Official Representation Funds and Special Morale and Welfare Funds.
• Analyze ceremonial functions and procedures, determine appropriate requirements, identify and resolve problem areas, and make on-the-spot decisions to correct problems.
• Coordinate official functions and address issues related to visits and events, including changing itineraries, schedules, guest lists, menus, and facility availability.
• Produce protocol documents such as invitations, nameplates, RSVP and menu cards, programs, and itineraries.
• Communicate and present information orally and in writing, including products and presentations for senior-level audiences.

Benefits

• A comprehensive federal employee benefits package is available to employees and their families; specific benefits eligibility depends on the position type.
• Potential eligibility for foreign-area benefits, such as Living Quarters Allowance or government quarters, Post Allowance, and Home Leave, subject to approval and applicable residence and eligibility conditions.
• Disabled veteran leave may be available to qualifying federal employees hired on or after November 5, 2016.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed