Menlo Park, United States
Executive Protection Specialist
Gavin de Becker & Associates · Menlo Park · United States
Posted: 6/22/2026 · Last checked: 10/12/2026
Job description
Quoted in full from Gavin de Becker & Associates's job posting. Gavroche does not edit it.
Gavin de Becker & Associates (GDBA) protects the world’s most influential and at-risk public figures. Founded in 1978 by 3-time Presidential appointee, Gavin de Becker, our firm’s Protectors, Analysts, and Investigators are committed to our mission of protecting human life through the assessment, prediction, and management of violence.
GDBA’s Mission: The Safety, Privacy, and Wellbeing of our Clients
A newly hired Protector in Menlo Park/Palo Alto will earn no less than $90,000 in base earnings during their first year with GDBA. Menlo Park/Palo Alto-based Protectors could earn up to $110,000 in first year earnings when accounting for prior relevant experience, GDBA Training Academy performance, and promotion opportunities.
Newly hired Protectors in the Bay Area are now eligible for a $2,000 sign-on bonus.
Your Role as a Protector:
- Monitor property while utilizing the tools and technology of a GDBA Command Center
- Screen visitors and vendors; control all access to protected site
- Coordinate and execute security plans and respond to medical emergencies
- Provide physical protection and logistical support at clients' homes and when they travel
- Provide secure transportation as needed
- Survey and prepare (advance) locations prior to arrival of client
- Prepare detailed documentation of suspicious activity
- Create and maintain readiness to meet any threat
Who You Are:
Military, law enforcement, or experience in executive protection/security is meaningful, though not a requirement to become a GDBA Protector. We’re less interested in what you are than who you are. Our most successful Protectors come from a variety of backgrounds and have succeeded because they communicate effectively, are physically fit, willing to learn, tell the truth, and enjoy working in a team environment. Our promotion system is merit-based. Performance matters most, not seniority.
Hiring Process Requirements:
- 12-Day Introductory Training Academy in San Antonio, TX
- Be able to pass physical readiness test (Pull-ups, Push-ups, Sit-ups, 800m run)
- Must be able to swim
- Must be drug and nicotine free
- Background check required
- Must be able to obtain appropriate state firearm and security licensing
Best in Class 401k Retirement Plan
- $15,000 employer contribution for First-Year Associates
- $3,000 employer contribution each year thereafter
- 10% no-limit matching for all Associates who choose to contribute to their retirement plan
To learn more about earnings, promotions, benefits, and more – visit GDBA.com/careers
New openings in Menlo Park, by week
- 7/20/2026 9
- 7/27/2026 10
- 8/3/2026 3
- 8/10/2026 8
- 8/17/2026 13
- 8/24/2026 11
- 8/31/2026 14
- 9/7/2026 10
- 9/14/2026 33
- 9/21/2026 19
- 9/28/2026 21
- 10/5/2026 30
- 10/12/2026 1
182 openings over 12 weeks, by the week they were published.
Other roles at Gavin de Becker & Associates
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- Executive Protection Specialist - Global Protective Operations · Washington
- Executive Protection Specialist - Veterans Preferred · San Francisco
- Security Specialist - Veterans Preferred · Malibu
- Executive Protection Field Specialist - Prior Law Enforcement Preferred · Palo Alto
38 open.