ACADEMIC SPECIALIST

US National Defense University; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

National Defense University in Washington, DC seeks an Administrative Specialist to support academic administration and scheduling within a government education environment. The role emphasizes coordination across offices, policy interpretation, and effective communication with faculty, students, and staff.

The position requires a bachelor’s degree and strong proficiency with standard productivity tools; a Master’s is preferred for advanced responsibilities and program support within Joint

Qualifications

• A bachelor's degree from an accredited institution is required.
• Knowledge of administrative processes, organizational procedures, and coordination requirements in a professional, governmental, or educational environment.
• Ability to interpret and apply established academic policies and requirements in support of effective academic administration.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple concurrent processes in accordance with established policies, procedures, and supervisory guidance; maintain accurate records and documentation; track requirements and deadlines; identify emerging issues; and elevate matters requiring supervisory direction and decisions, with appropriate recommendation.
• Ability to coordinate effectively across organizational boundaries and work collaboratively with leadership, faculty/subject matter experts, staff/peers, students/customers, and supporting enterprise offices.
• Proficiency with common productivity, collaboration, spreadsheet, and data-management applications, and the ability to learn specialized academic information and learning-management systems.
• Skill in written and oral communication sufficient to explain academic requirements and processes; prepare policies, procedures, reports, and decision-support materials; conduct orientations and training; and communicate effectively with varied stakeholders.

Skills

Administrative processes

Policy interpretation

Multitask management

Cross-functional coordination

Productivity tools

Written and verbal communication

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree

Job description

National Defense University (NDU) supports the joint warfighter by providing rigorous Joint Professional Military Education to members of the U.S. Armed Forces and select others in order to develop leaders who have the ability to operate and creatively think in an unpredictable and complex world.

This is a Title 10 Excepted Service Appointment. Appointment is not to exceed 2 years with the possibility for extension.

QUALIFICATIONS AND KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED

• A bachelor's degree from an accredited institution is required.
• Knowledge of administrative processes, organizational procedures, and coordination requirements in a professional, governmental, or educational environment.
• Ability to interpret and apply established academic policies and requirements in support of effective academic administration.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple concurrent processes in accordance with established policies, procedures, and supervisory guidance; maintain accurate records and documentation; track requirements and deadlines; identify emerging issues; and elevate matters requiring supervisory direction and decisions, with appropriate recommendation.
• Ability to coordinate effectively across organizational boundaries and work collaboratively with leadership, faculty/subject matter experts, staff/peers, students/customers, and supporting enterprise offices.
• Proficiency with common productivity, collaboration, spreadsheet, and data-management applications, and the ability to learn specialized academic information and learning-management systems.
• Skill in written and oral communication sufficient to explain academic requirements and processes; prepare policies, procedures, reports, and decision-support materials; conduct orientations and training; and communicate effectively with varied stakeholders.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• A master's degree from an accredited institution, regardless of academic discipline.
• Demonstrated experience supporting the administration and execution of academic or educational programs, including academic calendars and scheduling, course administration, enrollment and registration, curriculum processes, or other institutional requirements.
• Experience using learning-management systems, academic information systems, or comparable systems to support administrative processes and maintain institutional records.
• Experience with Joint Professional Military Education or other professional military education programs.
• Knowledge of accreditation requirements applicable to graduate education.

Volunteer Experience:

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills, and can provide valuable training and experience that translates to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.