DEAN OF ADMINISTRATION Job in Fort McNair, DC

Vacancy No. NDU-12797974-25-EB Department National Defense University
Salary $175,232.00 to $195,200.00 Grade 5 to 5
Perm/Temp Temporary FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 9/12/2025 Close Date 9/26/2025
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Fort McNair, DC


Summary

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 3 years with the possibility for extension.

This job is open to

Clarification from the agency

All U.S. Citizens.

Duties

At the strategic, University-level, the Dean of Administration, in conjunction with the Dean of Faculty and Academic Programs and the functional Directorate Heads (Chief Human Capital Officer (CHCO), Chief Information Officer (CIO), Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and Chief Support Officer (CSO) reports to the Component Head and is responsible to the Chief of Staff (COS) for the execution and management and governance decisions made in support of the academic enterprise and their respective academic/research programs. The Dean provides the leadership, management, and expertise necessary to accomplish University-wide and component: strategic and operational planning and assessment; development and documentation of required policies, guidance, and processes; governance; functional program oversight; budget/resource planning and programming; human resource management; facilitation of academic and enterprise business information technology development; facilities management; and provision of academic and enterprise business support services to the academic and research programs.

  • Serves as the principal consultant and advisor to the Component Head and COS on governance and management matters affecting the University/component educational and research programs and the academic enterprise.
  • Responsible for the supervision or oversight of a broad range of academic support and administrative functions, including business processes, personnel, security, logistics, administrative services, fiscal affairs, resource management, facilities management and building maintenance, and protocol.
  • Responsible for all financial and budgetary matters in an administrative oversight capacity.
  • Responsible for the formulation and staffing of annual joint manpower and personnel programs and how they integrate with the planned execution of the component budget.
  • Performs other duties and/or leads other projects as assigned; occasional travel may be required.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

  • Must be a U.S. Citizen
  • Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered or be exempt from Selective Service (see http://www.ssa.gov/)
  • Direct Deposit: All federal employees are required to have direct deposit
  • The position is governed by 10 USC 1595 and NDUI 1416.0l dated March 2017.
  • Must be able and willing to travel both domestically and internationally. Travel is seldom required. Less than 20 % of the time.
  • The incumbent must be able to successfully obtain and maintain a Top Secret clearance.
  • Incumbent is required by the Ethics in Government Act (EIGA), as amended, to file a Public Financial Disclosure Report (OGE-278) within 30 days of entering the covered position, annually thereafter, and within 30 days of terminating from position.

Qualifications

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Master's degree in a related field is required.
  • Demonstrated ability and successful record of leadership achievement, and success in supervising and managing programs and organizations of a nature similar to those that support the overall academic enterprise of the University.
  • Demonstrated ability to lead collaboratively and work effectively with others in a diverse environment; ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships with University personnel and representatives of various external agencies.
  • Proven ability to meet organizational goals and customer expectations. Ability to make decisions that produce high-quality results by analyzing problems, calculating risk, and applying technical knowledge. Superior knowledge and demonstrated ability to plan, organize, and direct the technical aspects of assigned program areas of responsibility.
  • Possess both the experience and ability to manage human capital, financial, facility, and information resources strategically and operationally. Expert knowledge of budget matters to include experience: (1) developing and managing the equivalent of a component financial plan, (2) performing oversight of the management of program resources; formulate, prepare, and revise the annual operating budget estimate for an organization with a total personnel/discretionary budget of at least $2 million dollars.
  • Demonstrated ability to use judgment, initiative, and resourcefulness in order to resolve complex and/or intricate issues and problems to bring about strategic change, both within their respective component or across the University enterprise, to meet overall organizational goals.
  • Demonstrated ability to lead institutional change in a resource constrained environment by developing innovative and creative solutions.
  • Demonstrated experience at the department or headquarters level in designing and implementing streamlined business processes, program efficiencies, and cost savings initiatives.
  • Demonstrated ability to act with discretion, maintain confidentiality, and professional demeanor at all times and operate with the highest standards of personal and professional conduct.
  • Demonstrated ability to successfully lead or serve as a member of cross-functional or cross-component teams.
  • Demonstrated ability to communicate complex concepts in a clear and concise manner, both written and orally.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Qualified/designated as a Project Management Professional (PMP), Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM), PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP), and/or PRojects IN Controlled Environments, version 2 (PRINCE2); experience with use of a Balanced Scorecard; an earned doctorate degree in a field relevant to the National Defense University mission.
  • Experience working in the interagency, joint, multi-service, or multi-national military environment.
  • Knowledge of public and/or private sector academic institutions' organization, structure, and operations.
  • Familiarity with the missions, organization, and operations of the Department of Defense.
  • Experience managing at the highest levels within a large diverse academic environment.
  • Joint Professional Military Education (JPME) experience is desired.
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.

Education

Education Requirement: Master's or equivalent graduate degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher education (or international equivalent) in educational methodology, educational effectiveness measurement, higher education administration, or related discipline.

Official Transcripts: Official transcripts are not required at the time of application; however, if the position has a positive degree requirement, qualifying based on education alone or in combination with experience, transcripts must be verified PRIOR to appointment, if selected for the role.
* An accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education must accredit education. Click here to check accreditation.

FOREIGN EDUCATION: Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the requirements. You must show proof the education credentials have been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in a conventional U.S. education program. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence PRIOR to appointment.

    • Qualifying education from colleges and universities in foreign countries must be evaluated in terms of equivalency to that acquired in U.S. colleges and universities. Applicants educated in whole or in part in foreign countries must submit sufficient evidence, including transcripts, to an accredited private organization for an equivalency evaluation of course work and degree. You must provide a copy of the letter containing the results of the equivalency evaluation upon request. Failure to provide such documentation when requested will result in lost consideration.
    • For more information regarding evaluation of foreign education for federal employment, please visit the U.S. Department of Education.

Additional information

NDU has a comprehensive benefits package that includes retirement, social security, and thrift savings; health, life, and long term care insurance; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays. NDU employees enjoy flexible work schedules, transit subsidy, and the opportunity to telecommute.

Background or Security Investigation: This is a Sensitive Compartmented Information position which requires a background investigation. The individual selected for this position is required to obtain and maintain a Top Secret security determination to occupy a Sensitive Compartmented Information position within the agency as a condition of employment.

Initial Probationary Period: You will be required to serve an initial probationary period of 18 months.

Supervisory Probationary Period: You will be required to serve an supervisory probationary period of one year if one has not already been completed.

Reemployed Annuitants: Department of Defense has the authority to hire annuitants without reduction in pay. For more information, go to: http://www.dtic.mil/whs/directives/corres/pdf/1400.25-V300.pdf

All applicants are encouraged to apply electronically. If you are unable to apply on-line, you may contact 317-212-4434 for assistance.

National Defense University (NDU) is the premier national security institution focused on advanced joint education, leader development and scholarship. Under the direction and leadership of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and the oversight of the Director for Joint Force Development, Joint Staff (J-7), NDU offers a collegial and collaborative academic environment to support the joint warfighter by providing rigorous Joint Professional Military Education (JPME) and other graduate level programs 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.

NDU is comprised of five primary educational institutions and four additional component agencies: National War College (NWC), Dwight Eisenhower School (ES), Joint Forces Staff College (JFSC), College of International Security Affairs (CISA), the College of Information and Cyberspace (CIC), Institute for National Strategic Studies (INSS), International Student Management Office, Operations Support and the CAPSTONE General and Flag Officer Course.

NDU has a comprehensive benefits package that includes retirement, social security, and thrift savings plan (TSP); health, life, and long-term care insurance; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays. NDU employees enjoy flexible work schedules, transit subsidy and situational telework opportunities.

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

Benefits

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

Review our benefits

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

How You Will Be Evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

A screening panel will review your resume and narrative answers to the assessment questions to evaluate your qualifications for the position. NDU uses a multi-tier selection process for academic positions.

The following questions will be reviewed by the NDU screening panel https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12797974.

The Assessment Questionnaire collects information on your education, training and experience related to the following critical competencies:


Criminal History Inquiries- If you apply to this position and are selected, we will not ask about your criminal history before you receive a conditional job offer. If you believe you were asked about your criminal history improperly, contact the agency @ dfas.indianapolis-in.zh.mbx.ssc-cc@mail.mil

Required Documents

You must provide a complete Application Package which includes:

  1. Résumé: The latest resume submitted will be used to determine qualifications. All conferred degrees and certifications should be included in your resume for full consideration
  2. Complete Assessment Questionnaire
  3. Other Supporting Documents - Refer to the eligibilities section for documents to submit.
NOTE: Transcripts are not required at time of application submission. Your resume and narrative answers to the hiring criteria will be reviewed by the NDU screening panel to evaluate your qualifications for the position. If selected for an interview, official transcripts will be requested at that time to verify educational requirements are met.

Eligibilities Information: The following supporting documents are REQUIRED to verify your individual eligibility status. Not all will apply for each applicant. They MUST be received by the closing date of the announcement.
  1. SF-50 - (If applicable) Notification of Personnel Action for current or former federal employees- with the exception of current permanent NDU employees, please provide your most recent SF50 or the SF50 reflecting Career/Career-Conditional tenure and the highest grade held on a permanent basis.
  2. If you claim Veteran's Preference:
    - You must submit a copy of your DD Form-214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty", showing the dates of active duty service, type of discharge and the character of service. Alternatively, If you are a current military member in active duty service and do not have a copy of your DD Form-214, you must submit a written documentation (certification) from your branch of service certifying that you are expected to be discharged or released from active duty under honorable conditions no later than 120 days after the date the certification is submitted with your application for this position. The certification should also include your rank, dates of active duty service and what they condition of discharge is thought to be.
    - If claiming 10-point preference and/or are a 30% or more Disabled Veteran, you must submit both a DD Form-214 or expected discharge documentation as described above AND a copy of a letter from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) or your branch of service certifying the presence of service-connected disability and indicating the percentage of disability
    - If you are claiming eligibility based on 10-point derived veterans' preference (i.e. a spouse, widow/widower, or parent of a veteran claiming veterans' preference when the veteran is unable to use it), you must also submit a Standard Form 15 (SF-15) "Application for 10-Point Veteran's Preference" and any required documents indicated on the SF-15 to substantiate the claimed preference.
  3. Other documents identified in the announcement.
WARNING: Failure to submit a complete application package including any required documentation by the closing date of the announcement at 11:59 EST, or at the time of application for announcements with an extended closing date, may result in an ineligible rating and loss of consideration. To verify that your application is complete, log into your USAJOBS account, select Application Status and More Information. The Details page will display the status of your application.

It is the applicant's responsibility to verify that information entered or uploaded is received, legible and accurate. HR will not modify answers submitted by an applicant.

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

How to Apply

To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package. See required documents below.

Click 'Apply Online' to create an account or log in to your existing USAJOBS account.
1. Follow the prompts to complete the assessment questionnaire and upload required documents.
2. Please ensure you click the Submit My Answers button to submit your application.
3. Check application status by logging into your USAJOBS account, clicking Application Status, then More Information for this position. Return to an incomplete application by logging into your USAJOBS account and clicking Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and other documents from your USAJOBS account or your application will be incomplete.

Agency contact information

HR Customer Care Center
Address
National Defense University
300 5th Avenue Bldg 62
Washington, DC 20319
US

Next steps

Once the online questionnaire is received you will receive an acknowledgement email that your submission was successful. The questionnaire will assess your qualifications for the job. ALL eligible applicants will be referred to NDU which will convene a board to review all of the applicants. NDU will contact the applicants directly they would like to interview. We will notify you of the outcome after each of these steps has been completed. After making a tentative job offer, we will conduct a suitability/security background investigation.

You will no longer need to call the HR Office to determine your application status. USAJOBS has added an alert setting to their system to drive status updates notification for applicants. You can elect to activate the proactive notification from your USAJOBS profile at any point during the application process to sign-up for automatic alerts when there are status changes for jobs to which you have applied.


Note: We cannot accept applications on behalf of Federal Agencies. Application instructions are listed within the Job Description.


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