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.
A newly hired Protector who is selected for a Team Leader opportunity in Santa Barbara will earn no less than $80,000 in their first year with GDBA. Santa Barbara-based Protectors could earn up to $95,000 in first year earnings.
Team Leader opportunities are earned by merit when accounting for prior relevant experience and GDBA Training Academy performance. Protectors that excel in their individual performance and during their ongoing training along the Two-Year Professional Leadership Track (PLT) can make themselves eligible for an accelerated pathway to a Team Lead opportunity.
This is a full-time position with benefits, including: Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, and 401(k).
GDBA’s Mission: The Safety, Privacy, and Wellbeing of our Clients
GDBA is seeking qualified individuals from diverse backgrounds that can bring their skills and experiences to our firm’s protective mission. Team Leaders lead and train protector teams, harness GDBA's mission essential resources, and protect clients in various challenging circumstances.
Who You Are:
GDBA’s ideal candidate for an Executive Protection Team Lead position possesses one or more of the following experience levels/credentials:
- 3+ years of experience conducting close protection/executive protection operations for high-net-worth clients/at-risk clients.
- Experience working in one of or a combination of the following environments is preferred: Residential, Corporate, Technology, or Military/Law Enforcement Protective Security Details (PSD).
- International or domestic field/travel experience is also beneficial but not required
- 3+ years working in a full-time certified law enforcement officer position(s)
- HR-218 (LEOSA) eligibility or possession of a concealed carry (CCW) permit is notable
- 2+ years working as an Emergency Medical Technician (NREMT), a Paramedic (NREMT-P) or a Registered Nurse (RN). Equivalent military medical experience is also accepted such as a Corpsman, Combat Medic, and Special Operations Medical experience, etc.
Your Role as a Team Leader:
- Communicate directly with clients and become subject-matter experts for specific assignments
- Collaborate with senior leadership on high-level decisions
- Plan shift schedules and make adjustments based on client needs and approved Protector requests
- Monitor property while utilizing the tools and technology of a GDBA Command Center (CC)
- Screen visitors and vendors; control all access to a 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 (STO) 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
Interested Candidates Should Expect the Following:
- 12-Day Introductory Essential Protector Skills (EPS) Training Academy
- Professional Leadership Track (PLT) - 2‑year on-the-job executive protection training curriculum that prepares Protectors for future leadership positions at GDBA. PLT includes 500 hours of training, mentoring, instructing, and certification + 4 additional advanced executive protection/leadership training academies
- Be able to pass physical readiness test (Pull-ups, Push-ups, Sit-ups, 800m run)
- Protectors must be drug and nicotine free
- Able to pass a pre-employment background investigation
- Must be able to swim
Additional Compensation and Benefits:
- $2k-$4k sign-on bonus
- Gym, Massage, Ammunition, and Cellphone reimbursements
- $1,100 Health Savings Account (HSA) Contribution
- Family benefits including family outing fund, active kids fund, and school supplies fund
- Free vacations each year for 200 qualified Protectors
- Up to $2,500 stipend for CCW Licenses
- Up to $1,000 stipend for Special Certifications (EMT, Lifeguard, NRA, Pilot, Maritime)
Visit our Earnings and Benefits Page to learn more about benefits, stipends, additional overtime opportunities, bonuses, travel pay, and more: www.gdba.com/earnings-and-benefits.
Learn more about our organization by visiting our website, following GDBA on social media, or connecting with us on LinkedIn.
What We Do
For more than 40 years, GDBA has developed pioneering strategies and resources for protecting public figures, government agencies, enterprises, and others facing substantial safety and privacy challenges. GDBA employs full-time protectors, analysts, advisors, investigators, and instructors in more than 40 field offices, supporting clients in all regions of the U.S. and around the world.
