Events and Protocol Coordinator

Austal USA is a renowned shipbuilding company that specializes in the design and manufacture of defense and commercial vessels. The company prides itself on innovation, quality, and commitment to supporting the United States Navy and other maritime clients with advanced maritime solutions. With a reputation for excellence and a focus on delivering superior products and services, Austal USA fosters a dynamic and collaborative working environment that emphasizes professional growth, teamwork, and community relations. The company operates with integrity and dedication to its mission, making significant contributions to the local economy and the defense industry.

The role being offered is that of an Event Planning and Protocol Coordinator reporting directly to the Senior Manager of Events and Community Relations. This position plays a pivotal part in the planning, organizing, and execution of a diverse range of official events including christening dinners, keel laying ceremonies, open houses, internal meetings, and special events tailored to company needs. The role requires managing large-scale events with over 1,000 attendees, coordinating invitations, liaising with the U.S. Navy, Congressional leaders, and business executives to ensure seamless event execution.

The coordinator is responsible for fostering excellent vendor relationships, maintaining an annual calendar of events, overseeing the budgeting process, tracking invoices, and handling meeting logistics such as site selection, vendor negotiations, event design, registration, and speaker coordination. Proficiency in business software including MS Office 365, Canva, Swoogo, and Smartsheets, is necessary to support event and business development activities effectively.

Additional responsibilities include administrative support for the Growth Team, managing community relations requests, tracking event planning tasks, RSVP lists, and visitor requests. The role demands expert knowledge in protocol matters, serving as the company's authority in dealings with Congressional, Navy, and local government officials. It involves providing protocol guidance to executives, coordinating distinguished visitor engagements, and ensuring compliance with Department of Defense regulations in event hosting and gift arrangements.

Candidates must hold at least a bachelor's degree or equivalent experience and have a minimum of two years managing protocol activities, office management, public relations, or executive service management. Knowledge of public policy, research methods, ordinance and ethics laws is essential. This role requires exceptional judgment, communication skills, the ability to work independently and within a team, and adaptability to a fast-paced environment. Project management skills, ownership, the capacity to work extended hours, and willingness to travel are expected.

Austal USA also requires candidates to meet strict employment eligibility criteria including being 18 years or older, proof of U.S. person status, clean felony record for specific offenses, and compliance with drug screening and background checks. The company’s commitment to equal employment opportunity underscores a supportive and inclusive workplace environment for all employees including those with disabilities.