Summary

The Executive Security & Special Assistant is responsible for providing close protection and comprehensive administrative support to SHRM’s President & CEO. This role requires a high degree of discretion, adaptability, and professionalism, blending executive security with hands-on logistical and operational coordination.

The role ensures the President & CEO’s personal safety across all environments, including during travel and public engagements, while also managing complex scheduling, travel arrangements, and day-to-day operational support. The role demands physical readiness, sharp situational awareness, intellectual curiosity, and the ability to remain composed and effective in high-pressure situations. Availability to travel regularly, occasionally with short notice, is a key requirement of this role.

Responsibilities

Executive Security

• Provides close, professional executive protection for the President & CEO during travel, public appearances, and day-to-day activities.
• Conducts ongoing security risk assessments and implement proactive safety measures.
• Maintains constant vigilance and situational awareness to identify and mitigate potential threats.
• Plans and executes secure travel routes and coordinate with local security personnel and agencies when needed.
• Monitor and manage physical security protocols and systems at various locations, including events and corporate offices.

Executive Support & Calendar Management

• Manages an extensive and dynamic calendar, ensuring the CEO’s schedule is optimized and respected
• Serves as a gatekeeper for access to the CEO’s time and office, balancing priorities and maintaining focus
• Coordinates and manages internal and external engagements, including speaking engagements and public appearances

Travel & Logistics Coordination

• Arranges complex domestic and international travel, including flights, lodging, ground transportation, and related logistics
• Manages international responsibilities such as visa procurement and compliance with foreign travel requirements

Communication & Information Management

• Reviews and triages incoming communications (internal and external), ensuring high-priority matters are addressed promptly
• Supports stakeholder communication through routine follow-ups and relationship management

Project & Stakeholder Support

• Assists with research, writing assignments, presentation development, logistics coordination, and note-taking
• Ensures stakeholder needs are clearly documented, communicated, and considered in new and ongoing business initiatives
• Supports continuous process improvement and acts as a strategic partner in operational planning

Customer Service & Relationship Management

• Provides a high-quality, service-oriented environment for internal and external stakeholders
• Creates a “WOW” experience through exceptional customer service and professional relationship management in all interaction.
• Other duties as assigned.

Education & Experience Requirements

Education:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent relevant experience and training in lieu of degree. 

Experience:

• Five (5) or more years of experience providing physical security to high profile executives, public officials or celebrities. 
• Proven experience in executive protection, law enforcement, military, or private security.
• Experience with calendar management, handling travel arrangements, and managing expense reports.
• Experience in working with and troubleshooting various mediums of technology, including smart phones, tablets and laptops.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Safety & Situational Awareness

• Maintains a high level of vigilance and situational awareness, especially in public settings and during travel.
• Anticipates and responds quickly to potentially dangerous or high-stress situations to ensure the CEO’s safety.
• Thinks critically and acts decisively under pressure, maintaining composure in fast-paced or unpredictable environments.

Communication & Professionalism

• Superior verbal and written communication skills, with proficiency in drafting and editing executive-level correspondence.
• Professional demeanor and excellent customer service skills.
• Strong relationship management skills with the ability to advise and interact effectively with senior leaders.
• Demonstrated ability to handle stressful situations and multiple deadline-driven projects with tact and diplomacy.

Project & Time Management

• Demonstrated project management skills, including leading virtual or matrixed teams and working independently with minimal supervision.
• Ability to plan projects, develop milestones, and meet specific deadlines.

Technical Proficiency

• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, and Outlook.

Ethics & Discretion

• Strong commitment to ethical practices and maintaining strict confidentiality.

Travel Readiness

• Must be comfortable with frequent travel.

Certifications/Licenses

• Valid driver’s license and passport.
• CPR/First Aid certified.
• Defensive driving and tactical training a plus.

Physical Requirements

This position operates in a typical office environment and requires the ability to perform essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation. Physical requirements may include:

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Frequent use of hands and fingers for typing, handling documents, and using office equipment.
• Occasional standing, walking, bending, and reaching.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 30 pounds as needed.
• Clear verbal and written communication skills for effective interaction with colleagues and stakeholders.

Work Environment

Hybrid Position (3 Days In-Office, 2 Days Remote):

• This position follows a hybrid work schedule, requiring in-office presence [three days per week] and remote work [two days per week]. Core work hours will be designated by the department.  The office environment includes a standard workstation setup with collaborative spaces, while remote work requires a reliable high-speed internet connection and a suitable home workspace. Employees must maintain availability during standard business hours and adhere to company policies for both in-office and remote work.

Travel: 50% or more

#LI-Hybrid

The hiring range for this position is $75,000 to $98,000 per year. This range is an estimate, and the actual salary may vary based on the candidate's experience, skills, and qualifications. SHRM offers a competitive and comprehensive total rewards package. The benefits for this position include professional growth and development, health, dental, vision, well-being, health savings, flexible spending, retirement, open leave, and annual discretionary bonus and incentives.