Protocol & Events, Associate Manager

Description: The mission matters. So do the people behind it. With advancing defense technology at our core, what sets us apart is a culture of collaboration, purpose, and impact.What does this role look like?The Associate Manager, Protocol & Events reports to the Senior Protocol & Events Manager and serves as the primary contact for a line of business. The role owns the event and engagement portfolio and leads team members who support the line of business. It blends deep individual contributor expertise with emerging people‑management responsibilities, partnering with the Senior Manager to deliver high‑visibility events, trade‑show participation, and sponsorship programs. The role requires confidence, organization, relationship‑building, and the ability to navigate complex dynamics, balance competing priorities across a busy events calendar, develop talent, and represent the Protocol & Events function with credibility and professionalism.Key ResponsibilitiesServe as the main protocol & events contact for the division and coordinate with the Senior Protocol & Events Manager on strategic decisions.Build trusted relationships with senior leadership, program directors, and key stakeholders to understand priorities and event requirements.Maintain a comprehensive division event calendar, identifying conflicts, dependencies, and resource needs.Attend leadership and planning meetings as the Protocol & Events representative; provide updates on event status and team capacity.Advise stakeholders on precedence, etiquette, military customs, and diplomatic courtesies relevant to the division's customer and government partner base.People ManagementDirectly manage a group of Protocol & Events team members, providing day‑to‑day direction, support, and development.Set clear expectations, assign work, and ensure resources are available.Partner with the Senior Protocol & Events Manager on workforce planning.Event Planning & Protocol ExecutionSupport and personally lead select high-visibility events (customer visits, executive briefings, program ceremonies, receptions).Review and quality‑assure event plans, run‑of‑show documents, briefing materials, and collateral produced by team members.Oversee planning, execution, and reporting of sponsorship activities, ensuring alignment with organizational priorities and brand standards.Lead coordination for division participation in 4–5 major annual trade shows; manage logistics and B2B meeting scheduling for key members of the executive team; serve as onsite point of contact and manage day-of scheduling and real‑time adjustments.Lead post‑event evaluations and synthesize feedback into actionable improvements.Identify process gaps and propose solutions to improve team efficiency, event quality, and stakeholder experience.Ensure all events meet the highest standards of protocol, professionalism, and stakeholder experience.Location and Work ArrangementsThis position requires onsite work at the Lockheed Martin Space facility in Denver, Colorado.Basic Qualifications5+ years in protocol, events management, or corporate engagement.Proven ability to plan and execute high‑visibility/executive events.Demonstrated knowledge of order of precedence, military customs, diplomatic etiquette, and flag protocols.Experience managing complex logistics, multi‑stakeholder coordination, and vendor contracts.Proficiency with Microsoft Office and event/project‑management tools (e.g., CVENT, AirTable).Ability to travel domestically as needed (~25%).U.S. citizenship and ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. TOP SECRET/SCI clearance.Successful drug and background check.Desired SkillsExperience in defense, aerospace, or government‑adjacent environments.Excellent organization, multitasking, and communication skills.History of mentoring junior staff or volunteers.Sponsorship or external engagement program experience.Background in B2B meeting scheduling.Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) or comparable certification.Ability to multi‑task in a fast‑paced team environment and work well under pressure.Effective relationship‑building skills with peers, leadership, and suppliers.Positive, enthusiastic approach to projects and collaborative teamwork.Exceptional strategic communication skills (written, verbal, presentation) to persuade and motivate action.Active TS/SCI clearance.Security ClearanceThis position requires a U.S. TOP SECRET/SCI clearance. U.S. citizenship is mandatory. No clearance is required to apply.BenefitsMedical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Short‑Term Disability, Long‑Term Disability.401(k) match, Flexible Spending Accounts, Employee Assistance Program.Education Assistance, Parental Leave, Paid Time Off, Holidays.Additional paid benefits such as paid time off, sick leave, and vacation are allocated per state guidelines.Equal Opportunity EmployerLockheed Martin is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified candidates will be considered without regard to legally protected characteristics.#J-18808-Ljbffr