Training and Exercises Program Manager

Position Overview And Primary Duties And Responsibilities (essential Functions) The SPEAR Training Specialist plays a critical role within the U.S. Department of State, developing and delivering specialized tactical and protective operations training for Security Protective Embassy Augmentation Response (SPEAR) teams. This position involves designing and conducting scenario-based exercises tailored to embassy defense and crisis response, coordinating interagency training efforts, and ensuring SPEAR personnel are fully prepared to protect U.S. diplomatic missions worldwide. The role requires expertise in curriculum development, tactical instruction, and logistics management, along with a strong understanding of diplomatic security operations. The ideal candidate will possess advanced training skills, operational experience in international security, and the ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders to enhance mission readiness.

• Develop and continuously update training curricula and lesson plans tailored to ATA-SPEAR teams, focusing on law enforcement, protective operations, and tactical instruction in accordance with adult learning principles and evolving threat environments.
• Deliver practical, hands-on tactical training emphasizing firearms proficiency, close-quarters combat, field maneuvering, and embassy-specific security protocols to ATA-SPEAR personnel.
• Conduct training needs assessments in coordination with Regional Security Officers (RSOs) and field trainers to tailor programs to the specific threat landscape and operational requirements of each embassy or consulate.
• Design and execute realistic, scenario-based training exercises that simulate embassy defense and crisis response operations to enhance ATA-SPEAR readiness and interagency coordination.
• Lead interagency planning and execution of security exercises, emergency response training, and major preparedness initiatives, including Joint Readiness Exercises (JREs), ensuring integration across Department of State components, partner agencies, and Host Nation security forces.
• Provide high-level briefings and training updates to Chiefs of Mission (COMs), RSOs, and post leadership on ATA-SPEAR capabilities, protective security measures, and emergency response protocols.
• Oversee all logistical aspects of ATA-SPEAR training and exercises, including travel coordination, equipment procurement, venue preparation, and management of contracted services.
• Monitor ATA-SPEAR trainee performance using standardized assessment tools, provide detailed feedback, and maintain instructional materials and evaluation systems aligned with embassy security operations.
• Support Training of Trainers (ToT) initiatives to build sustainable in-country ATA-SPEAR instructional capacity and enhance integration with local law enforcement agencies, where applicable.
• Maintain and apply a structured lessons-learned process, incorporating findings from after-action reviews, field feedback, and evolving best practices to continuously improve training outcomes.
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Location: Primarily on-site at Department of State facilities with periodic travel to U.S. embassies, consulates, and regional training sites worldwide
• Security Clearance: Active Secret clearance required; Top Secret clearance preferred
• Work Environment: Fast-paced, mission-driven setting requiring adaptability, strong collaboration with interagency and international partners, and the ability to operate in diverse cultural environments
• Travel Requirements: Frequent domestic and international travel to support training exercises, operational assessments, and interagency coordination efforts
• Physical Requirements: Ability to participate in and occasionally lead physically demanding tactical training exercises

Required Qualifications And Experience

• Minimum of five years’ experience developing and delivering tactical and law enforcement training programs, with direct experience supporting or managing security operations for U.S. diplomatic missions.
• Proven expertise in curriculum development with strong emphasis on tactical instruction and embassy security operations.
• Extensive experience conducting international security training and coordinating with host-nation forces and interagency partners.
• Deep understanding of Department of State diplomatic security operations, post emergency response planning, and ATA-SPEAR mission requirements.
• Exceptional communication and briefing skills, capable of engaging senior DOS leadership and interagency stakeholders.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Active Secret clearance required; Top Secret clearance preferred.
• Certifications in tactical instruction, weapons handling, or emergency response highly desirable.