Advance Your Career as an Education Program Specialist at the National Defense University
Are you looking to pivot your administrative expertise into a high-impact mission? The National Defense University (NDU) is hiring an Education Program Specialist (EMSS) to help facilitate the development of the nation's most critical military and civilian leaders. This position offers a unique blend of academic policy management, student services, and data-driven analysis within one of the Department of Defense's most prestigious institutions.
Job Responsibilities
As an Education Program Specialist, your daily contributions will directly impact the educational experience of NDU students. Your core duties will include:
- Admissions Coordination: Leading admissions planning and collaborating with deans, service chairs, and faculty to establish timelines.
- Records Management: Maintaining the integrity and confidentiality of academic records within the Student Information System (SIS).
- Process Improvement: Analyzing onboarding workflows and identifying opportunities to increase efficiency.
- Communication: Serving as a primary point of contact for students and staff, while interpreting complex academic policies.
- Data Integrity: Managing course registrations and curating public-facing web content for the institution.
Requirements
To qualify for this GS-11 role, candidates must demonstrate:
| Requirement Type | Criteria |
|---|---|
| Experience | 1 year of specialized experience at the GS-09 level |
| Security Clearance | Secret Clearance required |
| Resume Limit | Two-page maximum |
| Education | Relevant degree with 24+ semester hours in related field |
Salary and Benefits
This position offers a competitive salary ranging from $85,447 to $111,087 per year. Beyond the salary, NDU provides a comprehensive federal benefits package, which includes:
- Retirement: Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with agency matching.
- Work-Life Balance: Generous annual/sick leave and flexible work schedules.
- Insurance: Extensive options for health, life, and long-term care insurance.
- Support: Transit subsidies and robust professional development programs.
Application Tips
Success in federal hiring depends on precision. First, ensure your resume is strictly capped at two pages and tailored to mirror the language found in the specialized experience section of the job announcement. Second, be prepared for the USA Hire Assessment; set aside uninterrupted time to complete the test once you receive the link. Finally, verify that all supporting documents—such as transcripts or veteran documentation—are legible and uploaded correctly.
Joining the National Defense University means being part of a team dedicated to excellence. If you have the technical skills in student records management and the commitment to support the next generation of defense leaders, we encourage you to submit your application today.
Why This Education Program Specialist (Emss) Job Matters
Shape the future of national defense education by managing academic excellence and student success at the National Defense University.
Education Program Specialist (Emss) Job Overview
The National Defense University (NDU) is seeking a dedicated Education Program Specialist to join its Enrollment Management and Student Services team at Fort McNair. In this pivotal role, you will facilitate the academic journey of military and civilian leaders, managing critical enrollment processes, student records, and program coordination. You will work in a high-impact environment, directly supporting the joint warfighter through excellence in academic administration.
Requirements for Education Program Specialist (Emss)
- U.S. Citizenship.
- Must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance.
- One year of specialized experience at the GS-09 grade level or equivalent.
- Possession of a degree with at least 24 semester hours in a related field, including 9 hours of education courses, OR equivalent experience/education combination.
- Submission of a two-page maximum resume.
- Ability to complete mandatory USA Hire Assessments within specified timeframes.
Preferred Qualifications for Education Program Specialist (Emss)
- Professional experience with Student Information Systems (SIS) and complex relational databases.
- Proven track record of managing student records with strict adherence to privacy and data integrity standards.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills for interacting with faculty and high-level leadership.
- Experience analyzing student data to provide actionable reports for institutional decision-making.
- Demonstrated ability to interpret and apply academic policies in diverse scenarios.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- âś“Federal Retirement System including Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with matching contributions.
- âś“Comprehensive health, life, and long-term care insurance options.
- âś“Generous paid time off, including federal holidays, sick leave, and annual vacation.
- âś“Flexible work schedules and enhanced telework opportunities.
- âś“Transit subsidies for commuting.
- âś“Ongoing professional development and growth opportunities.
đź’ˇ How to Apply Education Program Specialist (Emss) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Education Program Specialist (Emss) Job
- Log in or create an account at USAJOBS.
- Submit a resume (limited to two pages) clearly highlighting your specialized experience.
- Complete the occupational assessment questionnaire.
- Upload required documentation, such as transcripts or veteran preference forms.
- Monitor your email for a notification containing a unique link to the USA Hire Assessment.
- Complete the required assessments within the designated deadline.
đź’ˇ General Tips
- Ensure your resume specifically addresses the duties listed in the job description to demonstrate your qualifications.
- Do not exceed the two-page resume limit; non-compliant resumes may be rejected.
- Review your application thoroughly for accuracy before clicking the final submit button.
- If you require a reasonable accommodation for the assessment process, apply for it immediately upon notification.
- Use the USA Hire Applicant Resource Center to practice and prepare for the competency-based tests.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the security clearance requirement for this role?
This position is classified as Non-Critical Sensitive and requires the ability to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance.
Can I substitute my education for experience?
Yes, you may substitute three full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree for the specialized experience requirement.
What is the typical time commitment for the USA Hire Assessments?
While most candidates finish in less time, it is recommended to set aside at least three hours to complete all necessary assessments.
Is telework an option?
Yes, this position is telework eligible, reflecting NDU's commitment to modern work-life balance.
Do I need to be a veteran to apply?
No, the position is open to the public, though veterans preference rules apply during the evaluation process.
Job from National Defense University
The National Defense University (NDU) serves as the premier national security institution, providing rigorous Joint Professional Military Education (JPME) to the U.S. Armed Forces. Under the guidance of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, NDU prepares leaders to navigate the complexities of a globalized, unpredictable world. Employees at NDU work in a collaborative, intellectually stimulating environment that values diversity, professional growth, and mission-first execution.