PROFESSOR Job in Fort McNair, DC

Vacancy No. DSCA-25-12780015-EB Department Defense Security Cooperation Agency
Salary $130,010.00 to $180,840.00 Grade 4 to 4
Perm/Temp Temporary FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 8/8/2025 Close Date 8/15/2025
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Fort McNair, DC


Summary

The Perry Center supports the community of security and defense professionals in the Americas to pursue collaborative approaches to mutual opportunities and challenges. Through academics, research, and outreach, including ministerial-level consulting, we advance sustainable institutional capacity, strengthen the rule of law and democracy, and promote greater understanding of U.S. policy throughout the Western Hemisphere.

This job is open to

Clarification from the agency

All U.S. Citizens.

Duties

Introduction:
Serves as an interdisciplinary Professor at the William J. Perry Center for Hemispheric Defense Studies, at the rank of Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, Professor, or Professor of Practice. The incumbent is a subject matter expert in one or more of the following areas: national security and strategy, defense governance, cybersecurity/cyber defense policy, international development, human security, maritime security, human rights & rule of law, humanitarian assistance/disaster relief (HA/DR), political science, sociology, public administration, international law, law enforcement, international relations, defense economics, financial management, international peacekeeping and stability operations, and counter-terrorism.

The Center conducts graduate-level and senior executive programs in interdisciplinary education in Washington, D.C. and in countries throughout the Western Hemisphere. The Center's educational outreach program includes teaching, research, and outreach missions and tasks in the areas of national security planning, international security, national defense, civil-military relations, and public policy for security issues. Program of instruction consists of resident and in-region courses, seminars, and conferences; and support continuing education and outreach. The Center's academic programs assist in accomplishing the objectives for the Department of Defense, especially the Office of the Secretary of Defense, U.S. Southern Command (USSOUTHCOM), and U.S. Northern Command (USNORTHCOM) and assists partner nations to enhance their capabilities as well as capacity for sharing knowledge and implementing collaborative projects.

Major Duties:
Incumbent develops, organizes, and teaches the curriculum in area(s) of expertise for the Center's programs related to the Western Hemisphere. Professor participates in individual and team instructional activities. Teaches appropriate elements of the curriculum, often team teaching and using virtual learning. Participates in the planning and development of the Center's overall program of study, to include curriculum-related workshops, and serves as project leader responsible for development and management of academic activities. Contributes to the professional development of faculty colleagues and mentors junior faculty members and staff. Develops opportunities for outreach activities with cooperating institutions from the United States and from countries in the Americas. Develops academic research and analysis in thematic areas directly related to the Center's missions. Assists in the organization of courses, seminars, workshops, and conferences in Latin America and the Caribbean. Maintains professional relationships with senior civilian and military academics, policy makers, and other professionals in the field and maintains active research and publication agenda related to curriculum interests. Serves as a research advisor to students and other faculty members and as a subject matter expert in collaborative initiatives within the Center and with other institutions. Participates in the formulation and execution of simulation exercises designed to reinforce mastery of learning objectives of the Perry Center academic program.

Performs other duties as assigned.

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 Secret clearance.
  • This is a Title 10 Excepted Service Appointment. Appointment is not to exceed 3 years with the possibility for extension.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

Professor Required

An earned doctorate degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher education in a national security affairs related or other appropriate discipline or field.

Professor of Practice Required
An earned master's degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher education in a national security affairs related or other appropriate discipline or field as well as a minimum of fifteen years of relevant professional experience.

Desired Qualifications
  1. Experience in national security policy development with governmental and/or non-governmental organizations.
  2. Established network of professional contacts, especially with senior civilian and uniformed actors engaged in the Western Hemisphere's defense and security sector, LACC think tanks, universities, NGOs, and strategic studies centers.
Criteria for Determining Academic Rank
Professor Required
  • An earned doctorate degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher education in a national security affairs related or other appropriate discipline or field.
  • A minimum of 8 years relevant university-level teaching experience or equivalent level of instructional experience designing curriculum and teaching multidisciplinary subjects relating to defense and security studies impacting defense and security in the Western Hemisphere at a regionally accredited college or university.
  • Deep understanding of defense and security challenges, trends, and priorities in the Western Hemisphere. Demonstrated experience providing direction and management for LACC-focused academic programs by researching scholarly and policy material, designing andragogy, preparing relevant academic material to support programming.
  • Demonstrated in-depth experience in conducting scholarly and policy research with publication track record relating to contemporary and emerging defense and security issues in the Western Hemisphere (e.g., region-wide security trends; combating violent extremism and terrorism; enhancing defense/security sector institutional capacity, oversight, and accountability; and security cooperation).
  • Excellent communication and presentation skills and demonstrated ability to build collaborative relationships across agencies and organizations.
  • Professional fluency in English, Spanish is required. Portuguese or French is desirable.
Professor of Practice Required
  • An earned masters degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher education in a national security affairs related or other appropriate discipline or field
  • A minimum of 10 years professional or academic experience working on defense/security issues impacting the Western Hemisphere. Demonstrated experience/ability to advise Western Hemisphere leaders by explaining key defense and security concepts and exploring ways to apply them to problem-solving, policy development and institution strengthening in Latin American/Caribbean countries/ organizations.
  • Deep understanding of Western Hemisphere defense and security challenges, trends, and priorities.
  • Excellent multi-lingual communication and presentation skills and demonstrated ability to build collaborative relationships across agencies and organizations.
  • Professional fluency in English and Spanish is required. Portuguese or French skills are desirable.
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: An earned masters degree (PhD preferred) from a regionally accredited institution of higher education or, international equivalent, in a discipline directly related to national security, or similar disciplines/focus areas relevant to the duties of this position (education, international relations, public policy, political science, military history, strategic leadership, or related discipline).Official transcripts will be required at time of selection to verify educational requirements are met.

Official Transcripts: If the position you are applying for has a positive degree requirement or education forms the basis for qualifications (i.e. you would not qualify without the education obtained), you MUST submit transcripts with your application.

    • Official transcripts are not required at the time of application outside of what is outlined above; however, official transcripts must be verified PRIOR to appointment.
    • 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 when applying or prior to appointment as outlined above.
    • 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

DSCA 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. DSCA employees enjoy flexible work schedules, transit subsidy, and the opportunity to telecommute.

Background or Security Investigation: This is a Non-Critical position which requires a background investigation. The individual selected for this position is required to obtain and maintain a Secret security determination to occupy a Non-Critical 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.

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.

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) leads, directs and manages security cooperation programs and resources to support national security objectives that build relationships that promote U.S. interests, build allied and partner capacities for self-defense and coalition operations in the global war on terrorism, and promote peacetime and contingency access for U.S. forces.

DSCA 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. DSCA 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.

To qualify, you must meet the education and experience requirements described above. A NDU screening panel will review your resume and narrative answers to the hiring criteria to evaluate your qualifications for the position. NDU uses a multi-tier selection process for academic positions.

You MUST upload a cover letter separate from your resume addressing the following hiring criteria:

  1. Describe your ability to design, develop, and teach graduate-level seminar-based courses in a discipline related to national security at a regionally accredited college or university. Include number of years of full-time teaching in higher education.
  2. Describe your research experience, scholarship, publications, and/or outreach activities; academic recognition, or professional experience in a field related to national security strategy or policy.
  3. Describe your experience establishing and maintaining professional relationships with policy makers in the executive and legislative branches of government, industry leaders, and policy professionals in academic and non-profit organizations.
  4. Describe your leadership experience in educational and research institutions to include curriculum development, organizational innovation, and institutional collaboration. Include successful leadership of interdisciplinary teams and managing programs within the organization.
  5. Describe your experience working with faculty and student teams in a culture that prizes collegiality and collaboration.
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. Cover letter with narrative responses answering hiring criteria questions listed in the "How you will be evaluated" section of this announcement. Failure to submit will result in an ineligible rating.
  4. 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
DSCA - DEFENSE SECURITY COOPERATION AGENCY
Apply Online
Indianapolis, IN 46249
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.