Learning Strategy Specialist

LOCATION:

Center for Academic Excellence, United States Naval Academy

APPLICATION TIMELINE:

This position does not have a specific application deadline. Review of applications will begin on July 28, 2026 and continue until the position is filled.

ABOUT THE U.S. NAVAL ACADEMY:

The United States Naval Academy is a unique institution of higher learning located in Annapolis, Maryland. As a service academy and premier undergraduate college, the United States Naval Academy has its own distinctive niche amongst American higher education institutions. Our talented faculty and staff are united by a common purpose--to develop the next generation of officers to be exceptional leaders in our naval service. 

Every year more than one million people tour "the Yard" to experience what our employees already know — the United States Naval Academy is a special place, with a special purpose. Employees will find challenging and rewarding work; state-of-the-art facilities which inspire academic and athletic excellence; the benefits of Federal employment; and exceptional quality-of-life.

POSITION DESCRIPTION:

The Center for Academic Excellence Department invites applications for a Learning Strategy Specialist to begin as early as September 2026.  The Learning Strategy Specialist recruits, trains, and develops peer tutors supporting the entire Brigade across many subjects. This role coaches tutors on learning strategies and study skills, leads one-on-one coaching and academic workshops, and builds assessment systems to keep tutoring quality high brigade-wide. The specialist works closely with faculty coordinators and sponsors, handles scheduling and logistics, and partners with faculty and academic leadership to keep the program aligned with institutional mission and department outcomes across all majors and companies. This position also drives brigade-wide retention efforts for midshipmen, including designing and implementing an early alert system that supports institutional student success initiatives. 

Duties and responsibilities: 

• Recruit, train, and develop peer tutors supporting midshipmen across the Brigade
• Work closely with and train faculty coordinators and sponsors across academic departments
• Coach in learning strategies, academic skills, and study methods
• Facilitate one-on-one coaching sessions and lead timely, targeted academic workshops
• Build and implement assessment systems to evaluate tutor effectiveness and drive continuous improvement
• Develop training resources and maintain program standards grounded in peer-assisted learning best practices
• Coordinate scheduling, session logistics, and quality assurance across all subject areas and companies
• Collaborate with faculty to ensure tutoring support aligns with course expectations and student needs institution-wide
• Design and implement an early alert system supporting brigade-wide retention initiatives
• Track and analyze program data to inform institutional decision-making
• Stay current on emerging research, trends, and best practices in academic support and student success
• Build effective working relationships with faculty, staff, students, and CAE leadership across the institution
• Represent CAE in cross-departmental or institution-wide initiatives related to academic support and retention
• Other duties as assigned

This is an onsite, gift funded, 10-month compensation model, federal excepted service position with full benefits. This position will have an approximate 3-year initial appointment with the anticipation of renewal based on the availability of gift funds and performance in the position. As an employee under a 10-month compensation model, you will be required to take 343 hours of Leave-Without-Pay (LWOP) throughout the year, typically within the May to July timeframe.

Salary Details:  

• Pay Band: AD-01 - Classification 11
• Approximate Starting Salary Range: $57,000  – $80,000 annually
  • Based on 10-month compensation model
• Final salary will be determined based on:
  • Experience and qualifications of the selected candidate
  • Availability of funds from a gift/reimbursable fund (i.e., the position is supported by a designated or restricted funding source)

MINIMUM AND PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Required Minimum Qualifications (Required at time of application):

• Masters degree in the social or behavioral sciences; or a graduate degree in a related field 
• A minimum of two (2) years of experience in student support services 
  • CAE service areas: Tutoring, Peer Mentoring, Academic Coaching, Teaching, Student Support Services, Learning Support, Learning Strategies, Student Programming

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience training and managing a large, diverse team of student employees or peer educators
• Familiarity with learning strategy frameworks (e.g., metacognition, self-regulated learning, study skills instruction)
• Demonstrated experience building or managing assessment/evaluation systems for program effectiveness
• Experience using data to inform program decisions (e.g., session utilization, tutor performance, student outcomes)
• Strong presentation and facilitation skills for workshops and group training
• Experience working in a higher education, military, or academically rigorous environment
• Certification or training in coaching, strengths-based development, or learning science (e.g., Gallup Strengths, CRLA tutor certification)
• Excellent cross-functional collaboration skills, particularly with faculty and academic departments

FINAL SELECTION FOR POSITION WILL BE BASED ON THE FOLLOWING ASSESSMENTS: 

• Virtual Interview
• On campus interviews
• Executive level interview
• Reference Checks

HOW TO APPLY FOR POSITION:

Interested candidates should send an application package to the hiring manager and at learningstrategysearch2026-group@usna.edu. 

•  Application Packages need to contain:
  • Cover letter
    • Please clearly indicate your status as a U.S. citizen in the cover letter, as this is required for the position.
  • 2-page resume (we can only accept resumes up to two pages in length)
    • This document must be sufficient on its own to assess whether the applicant meets all “Required Minimum Qualifications”
  • Contact information for three professional references

Candidates should also submit a response to the narrative questions found here. Please note you will need to include the announcement number listed at the bottom of this announcement.

Please note: This position does not have a specific application deadline. Review of applications will begin on July 28, 2026 and continue until the position is filled. The ability to fill this position is contingent upon the availability of funding.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

• U.S. Citizenship Required
• Two-year trial period will typically be required. 
• All Civilian Positions at USNA are subject to a background investigation. These investigations are conducted to ensure that individuals hired are trustworthy, of good conduct, and reliable. The selected candidate will be subject to a security investigation leading to successful completion of a background investigation with a favorable adjudication. The selectee's failure to meet this requirement will be grounds for termination. More information about the background investigation process can be found at the Academic Dean and Provost’s website here https://www.usna.edu/Academics/Faculty-Information/Background-Investigation-Info.php. 
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

The U.S. Naval Academy is an Equal Opportunity Employer