A protocol officer is someone who handles matters of etiquette and protocol. Many protocol officers work for the executive branch of national governments, or in the military, but they can also facilitate events for universities, airlines, and other institutions. The goal of a protocol officer is to ensure that all rules of conduct in a situation are observed, and that all guests at an event are comfortable and well cared-for. This means that a protocol officer handles everything from the color of a guest's bed linens to the entry music played for a visiting head of state.

Work as a protocol officer is demanding and exacting. Whether or not a protocol officer works in the diplomatic corps, he or she must be a very skilled and knowledgeable diplomat. Most protocol officers speak multiple languages, and they are familiar with the cultures and customs of many nations. They are also excellent communicators, with impeccable personal appearance and conduct. Needless to say, protocol officers are nitpickers for detail, and they are also highly organized, capable of orchestrating everything from a three month diplomatic tour to a formal ball.

Any time high ranking government officials meet, a protocol officer is involved, and sometimes multiple protocol officers are needed to iron out the details of the meeting. This is true both domestically and internationally, and it is especially important in diplomatic negotiations, when a minor breach of protocol may be viewed as a reason to break off negotiations. Protocol officers are also used to smooth the way at meetings between corporations, educational institutions, scientific laboratories, and other entities.

When people visit foreign countries as representatives of their nations or institutions, protocol officers often coach them to ensure that they behave appropriately. In Japan, for example, a complex code of behavior governs many social interactions, and it is easy to breach this social code without being aware of this, causing offense to the host. A protocol officer can ensure that such breaches do not happen, allowing the interaction to run smoothly and productively and demonstrating that the visitor respects and values cultural traditions.

In addition to being highly organized and knowledgeable, many protocol officers are also remarkably humble. They must be willing to take responsibility for all events which occur on their watch, from mistakenly seating arch-rivals next to each other at a state dinner to failing to provide culturally-appropriate food for a visiting guest, and while they are usually present at major events, they are largely invisible. If a protocol officer needs to step forward in public, it is often because a gaffe has been or is about to be committed.