Job Description
JOB LOCATION: Chicago, IL
START DATE: Immediate
PAY: $165,000/year(1) + Bonuses(2) + Full Benefits Package(3)
Employment Type: F/T Employee (W-2)
Schedule: Hybrid (in-office ~3 days per week)*
Travel: Up to ~45% of the year**
(1) Annual increase in base salary every April
(2) Annual performance-based cash bonuses awarded every March (target payout is ~15% of base salary)
(3) Medical/Dental/Vision, 401(k), and other benefits to be discussed with employer
* Hybrid schedule typically in-office Tues-Thurs; may flex based on principal events, operational tempo, and workload
** Travel is mostly domestic with ~1–2 international trips per year; travel cadence is expected to decrease as the security team is fully staffed and operating procedures mature
A U.S. corporation based in Chicago, IL is seeking to hire an experienced Executive Protection Program Manager to build and lead its in-house Executive Protection and Event Security programs. This is a senior corporate leadership position with end-to-end ownership: program strategy, governance, team build-out, third-party oversight, intelligence integration, and direct decision-making during elevated-risk activities. This role will be overseeing the executive protection teams supporting the chief executive or designated principals and high-profile events worldwide.
Candidates must have prior experience building and/or leading a corporate executive protection function and the bearing required to operate at the executive level.
This is a long-term, direct hire position.
DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
– Lead the strategy, governance, and continuous improvement of the corporate Executive Protection and Event Security programs, including standards, SOPs, and operating models aligned with business priorities and organizational risk tolerance
– Provide 24/7 leadership and decision support during elevated-risk situations, crises, and critical incidents
– Oversee support all aspects of principal and family protection, including advance work, threat and risk assessments, residential security posture, and operational deployment
– Build, develop, and scale a high-performing in-house Protective Services team and oversee third-party providers to ensure continuous coverage and operational excellence
– Define team structure, role expectations, and standard operating procedures while supporting professional development and building the team’s long-term capabilities
– Lead security planning and operational execution for high-profile corporate events, executive offsites, board meetings, and senior leadership convenings
– Ensure event and travel security plans are intelligence-led, scalable, and coordinated with internal and external partners and public-sector agencies (federal, state, and local law enforcement)
– Conduct and oversee global risk assessments, route planning, and personnel deployment strategies in support of executive and family safety
– Monitor emerging threats, geopolitical developments, and reputational risks, leveraging protective intelligence to inform decisions
– Partner with internal corporate functions and external partners to ensure coordinated, frictionless, and discreet operations
– Prepare and deliver executive briefings, risk assessments, and after-action reviews to drive continuous improvement and leadership awareness
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (do not apply without meeting all minimum qualification requirements):
– 15+ years of progressive experience in executive protection or protective services, including direct responsibility for principal and family protection, advance work, and high-profile event security
– Must have at least some prior U.S. military background
– Demonstrated experience building and/or leading a corporate (in-house) Executive Protection team; must include responsibility for program design, SOP development, headcount planning, and stakeholder management
– Proven executive presence and ability to partner with, advise, and influence senior corporate stakeholders
– Demonstrated expertise in threat assessment, advance work, protective intelligence, residential security posture, and crisis or critical incident response
– Proven ability to oversee third-party providers and integrate external resources cleanly with internal protective elements
– Strong judgment, professionalism, and discretion in dynamic and sensitive situations
– Valid U.S. Passport with current availability for both domestic and (minimal) international travel
– Professional bearing and presentation appropriate for C-suite, boardroom, and high-visibility public environments
– Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams)
– Willingness to travel and provide 24/7 availability as required by the role
– Clean criminal background, current driver’s license, and clean driving record
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS (in addition to meeting all required qualifications, meeting any of the below will increase your overall competitiveness in the selection process):
– Prior U.S. military SOF backgrounds
– Prior experience leading EP programs supporting Fortune 500 principals or principals with significant public profile or media exposure
– Familiarity with executive aviation logistics, FBO transitions, and corporate transportation programs
– Prior international protective experience, including operations in semi-permissive environments
– Established relationships with federal, state, and local law enforcement and the broader corporate security community
– Professional certifications such as EP, CPP, PSP, or equivalent credentials
– Candidates who already reside within close proximity to Chicago, IL