Director, Protocol & Events

Job Purpose

The Director, Protocol & Events is responsible for setting the strategic direction, governance, and delivery standards for all protocol and event activities across SOPC. The role ensures that SOPC’s engagements, official events, ceremonies, and VIP interactions are executed to the highest international standards, reinforcing the organization’s reputation, diplomatic standing, and institutional credibility. Acting as the senior authority for protocol and event operations, the Director integrates protocol frameworks with event planning and delivery, oversees high‑profile stakeholder engagements, and ensures consistency, excellence, and professionalism across all SOPC‑hosted and SOPC‑led initiatives.

• Provide strategic leadership to the Protocol and Events departments, setting clear priorities, performance expectations, and delivery standards across all engagements and official activities.
• Lead, mentor, and develop Senior Managers and their teams, ensuring capability building, succession readiness, and a high‑performing culture across both functions.
• Foster close collaboration between Protocol and Events teams to ensure seamless integration of protocol standards within all event planning and execution activities.

• Define and oversee the Protocol & Events strategy, ensuring alignment with SOPC’s institutional objectives, stakeholder expectations, and international best practices.
• Establish governance frameworks, operating models, and planning cycles that ensure consistency, accountability, and effective decision‑making across protocol and event operations.
• Contribute to Relations & Protocol leadership planning by providing insights on major engagements, upcoming events, and reputational considerations affecting SOPC.

• Own and continuously enhance SOPC’s protocol standards, frameworks, and policies, ensuring alignment with international diplomatic norms and the organization’s values.
• Oversee protocol arrangements for high‑level visits, official delegations, ceremonies, and international engagements, ensuring precision, cultural sensitivity, and professionalism.
• Act as the senior escalation point for VIP, diplomatic, and government‑related protocol matters, ensuring issues are resolved decisively and reputational risks are mitigated.

• Provide strategic oversight of SOPC’s event portfolio, ensuring events are purpose‑driven, well‑governed, and aligned with organizational priorities and brand positioning.
• Oversee end‑to‑end planning and execution of high‑profile SOPC events, ensuring seamless coordination across venues, logistics, protocol, vendors, and internal stakeholders.
• Ensure consistent quality, experience design, and delivery standards across all SOPC‑hosted events, including those involving senior leadership, VIPs, and international guests.

• Oversee relationships with key vendors, venues, and service providers, ensuring contractual compliance, service quality, and value for money.
• Coordinate closely with internal functions (e.g., Media Center, Brand, Legal) to ensure integrated delivery of events and protocol engagements.

• Monitor performance across protocol and events activities using defined KPIs, post‑event evaluations, and stakeholder feedback.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives to enhance SOPC’s protocol execution, event experiences, and operational efficiency year‑on‑year.

• Identify and manage operational, reputational, and stakeholder risks associated with protocol and events activities, implementing proactive mitigation measures.
• Ensure full compliance with SOPC policies, governance requirements, and relevant national and international regulations.

At Team Saudi, we care deeply about creating a safe, supportive, and empowering environment for our athletes and employees. We welcome applicants who demonstrate integrity, professionalism, and a commitment to maintaining a safe and respectful workplace where everyone is protected, valued, and given fair opportunities to thrive.