Executive Protection Specialist

Executive Protection Specialist

The Executive Protection Specialist (EPS) is a mission-critical member of the Executive Security Program (ESP) within the Johns Hopkins Public Safety framework. Reporting to the Deputy Chief, Investigations (who serves as the Executive Protection Coordinator), this role is responsible for ensuring the physical safety, secure mobility, and risk mitigation of senior leadership including the Presidents of JHU, JHHS, and JHM, and their spouses.

This position blends real-time protective operations with advance planning, threat intelligence integration, and executive-level service. The EPS serves as both a principal protective driver and operational lead for close protection assignments locally and nationally.

Key Responsibilities

Protective Operations

• Serve as principal transportation officer for designated executives, ensuring safe, efficient, and discreet travel.
• Conduct advance security assessments for meetings, events, and public engagements.
• Identify and implement alternate routes, secure parking, and staging areas based on threat intelligence and real-time conditions.
• Maintain superior situational awareness and defensive driving standards.

Threat Assessment & Intelligence Integration

• Provide real-time situational awareness and threat reporting.
• Monitor and cross-reference intelligence platforms to ensure operational readiness.
• Scale protection efforts based on tiered threat assessments and travel risk analysis.

Operational Leadership

• Lead and coordinate internal and vendor-based close protection teams.
• Support residence protection operations as required.
• Collaborate with internal security partners to maintain seamless executive protection coverage.

Administrative & Program Support

• Submit detailed post-mission reports, site surveys, and threat documentation.
• Participate in weekly threat briefings and strategic planning sessions.
• Assist in the development and enhancement of ESP operations manuals and SOPs.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required
• Bachelor's degree preferred

• Minimum 7 years of law enforcement, military, or executive protection experience required
• Experience in high-threat or international executive protection assignments preferred
• Experience supporting university executives, corporate leaders, or government dignitaries preferred

• Strong situational awareness and defensive driving capabilities
• Familiarity with protective intelligence tools and travel risk platforms
• Exceptional discretion and integrity
• Ability to remain calm under pressure and rapidly assess evolving threats
• Proficiency with GPS navigation, secure communication tools, and intelligence systems
• Strong written and verbal communication skills

Licensure & Certification Requirements

• State of Maryland Wear and Carry Permit required
• LEOSA eligibility preferred
• EMT or Tactical Emergency Medical certification preferred (must obtain within 6 months if not currently certified)
• IAHSS Supervisor Level Certification required
• Valid driver's license with acceptable driving record:
• No more than 5 points on MVR
• No more than 7 points from driving infractions on SambaSafety assessment
• No 15+ points from non-valid license status
• Successful completion of background investigation, psychological screening, and firearms qualification
• Completion and maintenance of required certifications including CPR, Stop the Bleed, Narcan, and de-escalation training

Working Conditions

• Flexible scheduling required, including early mornings, late evenings, weekends, and holidays
• Must maintain readiness posture and be able to deploy with short notice
• High-stakes environment requiring sound judgment and calm decision-making
• Extended periods of standing and walking

Why Join Us?

This is a unique opportunity to serve in a highly visible, mission-driven role protecting executive leadership within one of the nation's most respected academic health systems. The Executive Protection Specialist plays a critical role in safeguarding leadership while supporting the broader mission of excellence in healthcare, education, and research.

If you are a seasoned protection professional with a commitment to discretion, operational excellence, and mission-driven service, we encourage you to apply.

Salary Range: Minimum 28.90/hour - Maximum 47.71/hour. Compensation will be commensurate with equity and experience for roles of similar scope and responsibility. In cases where the range is displayed as a $0 amount, salary discussions will occur during candidate screening calls, before any subsequent compensation discussion is held between the candidate and any hiring authority.

We are committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment, where we embrace and celebrate our differences, where all employees feel valued, contribute to our mission of serving the community, and engage in equitable healthcare delivery and workforce practices.

Johns Hopkins Health System and its affiliates are drug-free workplace employers.

Johns Hopkins Health System and its affiliates are an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, age, national origin, mental or physical disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law.