Protocol Specialist

Credence•Hampton, VA

19h•Onsite

About The Position

At Credence, we support our clients’ mission-critical needs, powered by technology. We provide cutting-edge solutions, including AI/ML, enterprise modernization, and advanced intelligence capabilities, to the largest defense and health federal organizations. Through partnership and trust, we increase mission success for warfighters and secure our nation for a better future. We are privately held, are repeatedly recognized as a top place to work, and have been on the Inc. 5000 Fastest Growing Private Companies list for the last 12 years. We practice servant leadership and believe that by focusing on the success of our clients, team members, and partners, we all achieve greater success. Credence has an immediate opening for a Protocol Specialist (Senior) supporting Headquarters Air Combat Command (HQ ACC/A2). The Contractor shall serve as the senior protocol advisor to the Intelligence Directorate, responsible for planning, executing, and overseeing all protocol operations, distinguished visitor (DV) engagements, and high-visibility events. This role ensures adherence to Air Force standards while enabling seamless execution of engagements involving senior military leaders, government officials, and international partners.

Requirements

Active TS/SCI clearance required (or ability to obtain). Will accept an active Secret contingent on the ability to obtain a TS/SCI
Master’s degree (MA/MS) from an accredited institution.
Over 10 years of relevant experience in protocol, executive support, event management, or senior leader coordination within DoD or comparable environments.
Completion of a formal Military Protocol course or equivalent experience required.
Demonstrated experience supporting senior leaders, general officers, and distinguished visitors in high-visibility environments.
Proven ability to lead and execute complex events and protocol operations independently.
Experience managing logistics, scheduling, and multi-stakeholder coordination for executive-level engagements.
Familiarity with Audio-Visual (AV) systems and secure communications equipment.
Strong organizational, leadership, and problem-solving skills with the ability to manage competing priorities.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a professional presence appropriate for senior-level engagements.

Responsibilities

Serve as the lead protocol advisor, responsible for planning, directing, and executing all Directorate protocol activities, ensuring compliance with Air Force and DoD standards.
Manage and maintain the master calendar of Distinguished Visitors (DV), providing regular updates and strategic coordination to ACC/A2 leadership.
Lead development and execution of high-level meetings, ceremonies, and official events, including agenda development, scheduling, and logistics coordination.
Serve as the primary point of contact for senior leader engagements, meeting and greeting distinguished visitors and ensuring proper honors and courtesies are rendered.
Coordinate with ACC and installation protocol offices, as well as security and public affairs organizations, to manage requirements for high-visibility visits and events.
Oversee planning and execution of Directorate-level orientations, ceremonies, and official functions, ensuring consistency and professionalism across all engagements.
Provide expert guidance and mentorship to staff on protocol procedures, event execution, and proper handling of senior leader engagements.
Oversee Audio-Visual (AV) and secure communication system operations, ensuring readiness and reliability for all engagements and providing guidance on usage and training.
Ensure documentation, reporting, and database management for all events and engagements are accurate, complete, and aligned with organizational requirements.
Lead collaboration with Division leadership to ensure integrated planning and execution of Directorate events and engagements.
Identify risks, coordination challenges, and process gaps, and implement improvements to enhance efficiency, professionalism, and execution quality.
Represent the Directorate in coordination meetings and working groups, ensuring alignment across internal and external stakeholders.