Lead Executive Protection Officer

General Function

The Lead Executive Protection Officer (LEPO) is responsible for providing for the welfare, physical protection, and personal security for the College President, cabinet members, and board of trustees by performing unarmed executive protection assignments. This role involves leading and conducting threat assessments, coordinating personal protection measures, managing an executive protection officer, and ensuring the President's protection and safety during daily on-campus and off-campus activities and public engagements.

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Provide close protection and other security-related functions for college executive leadership during on-campus events, off-campus events, and domestic and/or international travel.

2. Perform protective advance planning and threat vulnerability assessments; develop and implement risk mitigation strategies to address identified threats.

3. Transport the College President and/or family members to events and appointments, using evasive and/or defensive driving tactics, as needed.

4. Respond to emergencies as needed.

5. Deescalate tense situations or individuals that arise at the President’s office, residence, and/or on-campus/off-campus events and engagements.

6. Communicate vulnerabilities or safety concerns in a timely manner.

7. Complete suspicious activity reports, incident reports, shift logs, pattern of life reports, medical treatment reports, and other administrative requirements.

8. Ensure vehicle is always in clean and safe operating conditions.

9. In conjunction with the AVP, Safety & Security, coordinate protection schedules and team assignments.

10. Operate and maintain protective, operations, and communications equipment.

11. Work closely with other executive protection teams, as well as local and supporting law enforcement and intelligence agencies; monitor intelligence reports and stay up to date on security concerns that may impact the President or the college community.

12. Supervise and coordinate the activities of the Executive Protection Officer (EPO).

13. Coordinate advance security preparations for events and engagements, ensuring locations and venues are secure and emergency protocols are in place.

14. Provide close protection services, while maintaining a discreet and professional presence and appearance.

15. Coordinate with internal and external stakeholders to ensure seamless personal security operations during events and functions that require president, cabinet, and board of trustees’ participation.

16. Develop and regularly update emergency response plans specific to the President's protection.

17. Maintain the highest level of confidentiality regarding sensitive information related to the President and the College.

18. Uphold professional standards and ethics in all interactions and operations.

Minimum Requirements and Preferred Qualifications

• Associate’s degree, and a minimum of seven (7) years of executive protection experience, including advance planning, surveillance and counter surveillance operations, and security driving.
• A minimum of two years of supervisory / management experience.
• US Citizenship required.
• Defensive driving tactics training/experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree.
• Graduate of recognized Executive Protection training program.
• CPR/AED and first aid.
• North Carolina driver’s license.
• Three to five years of supervisory experience.
• Industry related training certification(s) in the field such as Basic Law Enforcement Training, Tactical Response Training, or other related training experiences.
• Basic level of physical fitness.

Additional Information

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Worker Characteristics:

• Basic knowledge of utilization of computer software programs to access information and complete incident reports, submit work orders, and prepare presentations and proposals, i.e., PowerPoint, Excel, Word, Report Exec software.
• Strong oral and written communication skills demonstrating tact and diplomacy.
• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to work under pressure and make quick decisions in emergency situations.
• High level of discretion and commitment to confidentiality.

Working Conditions:

• Professional business attire required.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule inclusive of days, nights, weekends, and holidays, to include extended hours.
• Work environment involves some exposure to hazards or physical risks, which require following basic safety precautions.
• Work may involve moderate exposure to unusual elements, such as extreme temperatures, dirt, dust, fumes, smoke, unpleasant odors, and/or loud noises.
• Moderate physical activity; requires handling of average-weight objects, standing or walking for extended periods of time in less-than-optimal terrain and weather conditions, and other direct personal protection-related activities.

Conditions of Employment:

• Pass a pre-employment criminal background check.
• Have and maintain a valid NC or SC driver’s license with a good driving record.
• Maintain updates on applicable/required certifications.
• Have CPR and Basic First Aid Certification; if not currently certified, must be obtained within 90 days of employment.