Protocol Specialist

*** All eligible interested applicants MUST forward their 2-page resume directly to Mr. Don Comp @ donald.comp.3@usspacecom.mil no later than COB 24 April 2026. ***Position: Protocol SpecialistSeries/Grade: NH-0301-II (GS-07/11 Equivalency)Value of Position: ** $43,106 - $82,938 (without locality)Org: USSPACECOM/J060Location: Huntsville, ALSuspense: Resumes from interested candidates are due by COB 24 April 2026PCS Entitlements: May be offered Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: May be offeredTelework: Situational OnlyThe United States Space Command (USSPACECOM) in Colorado Springs, CO is searching for a well-qualified candidate to fill a Protocol Assistant position for the Command Protocol Office. Come join our amazing team who helps to ensure there is never a day without space!There’s a reason Huntsville has ranked as one of the best places to live in the U.S. for the past several years. "The Rocket City" is experiencing a boom, with major growth in the aerospace, defense, and tech industries. This has created a thriving job market and a vibrant economy.Beyond the exciting career opportunities, Huntsville offers a high quality of life with its beautiful natural surroundings, excellent schools, and a welcoming community.Description of Position: This position offers a unique and challenging opportunity to serve as a highly skilled Protocol Specialist at the forefront of national and international relations. You will operate in a dynamic, high-visibility environment, acting as a direct representative and trusted agent of the command. The role demands an individual with exceptional poise and an unwavering commitment to excellence, as you will be responsible for the flawless planning and execution of all protocol functions for an array of distinguished visitors, including Cabinet members, four-star generals, ambassadors, and foreign heads of state. This is more than an administrative or event-planning role; it is a critical support function that directly impacts the command's strategic objectives and global reputation. The successful candidate will be the driving force behind ensuring every official engagement is a seamless, professional, and memorable reflection of the command's prestige.Position Responsibilities:Comprehensive Event & Visit Orchestration: You will be the single point of command and control for the entire lifecycle of distinguished visitor events. This includes authoring detailed operational orders and visit scenarios, deconflicting complex schedules across multiple time zones, and executing high-stakes ceremonies with military precision. You will personally manage logistics for secure air travel, motorcades, lodging, and sophisticated dining events, leaving no detail to chance.Expert Protocol Advisement & Consultation: Serve as the command’s ultimate authority and trusted counsel on all matters of protocol. You will be expected to provide immediate, accurate, and confident advice to senior leaders and their staffs on complex issues such as international order of precedence, flag and honors etiquette, gift exchange customs, and other sensitive diplomatic courtesies that are critical to successful foreign relations.High-Stakes Inter-Agency Liaison: Act as the primary conduit and skillful negotiator between the command and a host of external entities, including the White House Military Office, the State Department, Congressional staffs, foreign embassies, and other military services. Your ability to build rapport and communicate with clarity and influence will be paramount in synchronizing efforts and ensuring unified support for all engagements.Strategic Communications & Documentation: You will be responsible for drafting and managing a wide range of official communications that represent the command at the highest levels. This includes composing formal invitations, crafting thank-you letters for the Commander's signature, preparing detailed background papers on visitors, and developing polished briefing materials for command leadership.Operational & Resource Readiness: Proactively manage and direct all resources essential for protocol functions. This involves not only overseeing budgets and supplies but also ensuring that all support personnel, from security teams to transportation operators, are fully briefed on their roles and responsibilities to guarantee a flawless operational tempo.Desired Skills/Expertise: Mastery of Protocol: A deep and practical expertise in military and diplomatic protocol is non-negotiable. The ideal candidate will have an encyclopedic knowledge of international customs, honors, and ceremonies, and the ability to apply this knowledge gracefully in a fast-paced, real-world setting.Exceptional Poise & Communication: Must possess world-class communication skills, with the ability to brief senior generals and ambassadors with confidence, draft elegant and precise correspondence, and exercise the utmost tact and diplomacy in every interaction. The capacity to remain calm, articulate, and decisive under extreme pressure is essential.Extraordinary Organizational Acumen: We are seeking a master planner with an almost obsessive attention to detail. You must possess a proven ability to manage numerous complex, overlapping projects simultaneously, anticipate potential problems, and develop contingency plans on the fly without sacrificing quality or accuracy.Unflappable Adaptability & Resilience: The world of protocol is in constant flux. The ideal candidate thrives in an environment where plans can change at a moment's notice and is energized by the challenge of finding solutions to unexpected problems. A flexible, resilient, and unflappable demeanor is key to success.Advanced Technical Proficiency: High-level proficiency with the full Microsoft Office Suite is expected, with the ability to quickly produce professional-grade documents, presentations, and spreadsheets that are suitable for senior executive review.Qualification Requirements: **Refer to OPM Qualification Standards for information on required position series/education requirements at: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/Experience at the next lower broadband/grade level (or equivalent) that has equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the demanding duties of the position.Conditions of Employment:You must be able to obtain and maintain a Top Secret security clearance with eligibility for Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) as a condition of employment. A non-disclosure agreement is also required.This position is designated Mission Essential (ME). You must be prepared to report for duty during base closures or delayed reporting and may be recalled to duty at any time to support critical mission requirements.This is not a standard "9-to-5" job. An uncommon tour of duty is the norm, requiring frequent work on nights, weekends, and holidays, often with extended hours, to support events.Successful completion of the intensive two-week Protocol Fundamentals training course at Maxwell AFB, AL, is mandatory.The role demands a moderate level of physical activity, including brisk walking, standing for several hours at a time, lifting items, and the ability to distinguish between shades of color for tasks involving flags and visual presentations.A valid state driver's license is required, as you may be called upon to operate a motor vehicle for official duties.You will be required to carry a communication device (e.g., cell phone or radio) during and after duty hours and must be reachable to respond to urgent matters.**Value of Position (VOP): If your current basic salary is within the band, but above the stated VOP, your basic salary will not be reduced if you are selected for the position. For questions regarding this position, please contact Mr. Don Comp, donald.comp.3@usspacecom.mil, 719-554-3234. All eligible interested applicants must forward their 2-page resume directly to Mr. Don Comp @ donald.comp.3@usspacecom.mil no later than COB 24 April 2026.