PROGRAM MANAGER (PROTOCOL OFFICER)

Full Job Description

Organizational Location: This position is with the Department of Homeland Security, within U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Border Patrol Headquarters, Chief of Staff in Washington, D.C.

Experience: You qualify for the GS-14 grade level if you possess 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level, performing duties such as: Serving as a primary advisor to senior leadership on protocol matters, including developing or interpreting policies, standard operating procedures (SOPs), or guidance related to visits, ceremonies, conferences, or official functions; Establishing and maintaining relationships with representatives of other Federal agencies, foreign embassies, or state, local, or tribal entities to coordinate official visits, ceremonies, or joint events; Developing and implementing standard operating procedures or written guidance for program areas such as protocol events, visitor support, ceremonies, or conferences to promote consistency and compliance.

NOTE: Your resume must explicitly indicate how you meet this requirement, otherwise you will be found ineligible.

Please see the "Required Documents" section below for additional resume requirements.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social).

Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment.

You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

You must: Meet all qualification requirements, including education if applicable to this position, subject to verification at any stage of the application process; and Meet all applicable Time in Grade requirements (current federal employees must have served 52 weeks at the next lower grade or equivalent grade band in the federal service) by 01/09/2026.

The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) must authorize employment offers made to current or former political appointees.

If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information to the Human Resources Office.

Background Investigation: U.S.

Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is a federal law enforcement agency that requires all applicants to undergo a thorough background investigation prior to employment in order to promote the agency's core values of vigilance, service to country, and integrity.

During the screening and/or background investigation process, you will be asked questions regarding any felony criminal convictions or current felony charges, the use of illegal drugs (e.g., marijuana, cocaine, heroin, LSD, methamphetamines, ecstasy), and the use of non-prescribed controlled substances including any experimentation, possession, sale, receipt, manufacture, cultivation, production, transfer, shipping, trafficking, or distribution of controlled substances.

For additional information on the preemployment process, review the following link: Applicant Resources | CBP Careers Residency: There is a residency requirement for all applicants not currently employed by CBP.

Individuals are required to have physically resided in the United States or its protectorates (as declared under international law) for at least three of the last five years.

If you do not meet the residency requirement and you have been physically located in a foreign location for more than two of the last five years, you may request an exception to determine if you are eligible for a residency waiver by meeting one or more of the following conditions: Working for the U.S.

Government as a federal civilian or as a member of the military A dependent who was authorized to accompany a federal civilian or member of the military who was working for the U.S.

government Participation in a study abroad program sponsored by a U.S. affiliated college or university Working as a contractor, intern, consultant or volunteer supporting the U.S.

government Probationary Period: All employees new to the federal government must serve a one year probationary period during the first year of his/her initial permanent federal appointment to determine fitness for continued employment.

Current and former federal employees may be required to serve or complete a probationary period. Major Duties:

In this position, you will act as the senior technical advisor on protocol and lead the planning, coordination, and execution of high-level domestic and foreign visits, conferences, ceremonies, and official functions for the Chief and senior leadership.

You will oversee policy/SOP development, interagency liaison, special projects, stakeholder communications, and the official gifts program to ensure professional standards and compliance.

This role strengthens critical partnerships, safeguards the agency's reputation, and enables USBP to achieve mission objectives efficiently across the enterprise.

This position starts at a salary of $143,913.00 (GS-14, Step 1) to $187,093.00 (GS-14, Step 10).

As a Program Manager (Protocol Officer), you will be responsible for performing non-supervisory work as a senior protocol specialist as well as general administrative assignments or special projects for the Chief of Border Patrol.

Typical duties will include: Serving as senior technical advisor for the USBP protocol program to assist in developing, implementing, and evaluating policies, SOPs, and guidance for high level domestic and foreign visits, conferences, ceremonies, and official functions.

Planning, coordinating, and executing meetings and events for senior leadership, managing interagency coordination, and conducting after action reviews to drive continuous improvements.

Managing special projects and program improvements using quantitative and qualitative methods to develop metrics and process controls, prepare briefings and presentations, and secure required policy and security clearances.

Developing and coordinating communications strategies with internal SMEs and CBP communications offices to engage stakeholders and convey operational information.