Deputy Director of Admissions

LOCATION:

United States Naval Academy, Annapolis, Maryland 

APPLICATION TIMELINE:

This position does not have a specific application deadline. Review of applications will begin on June 22, 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, which is that 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 United States Naval Academy invites applications for the Deputy Director of Admissions to begin as early as late Summer 2026.  The Deputy Director of Admissions reports to the Director of Admissions and works alongside members of the institution’s Senior Leadership Team (SLT), providing civilian continuity to rotating military leadership. Candidates should have a solid commitment to the highest ethical standards, be of superior intellect and character, and possess backgrounds and experience appropriate for the Nation’s premier training ground for Navy and Marine Corps junior officers.  The successful applicant may teach classes as a part of organizational service, but will primarily perform management and governance duties, similar to Vice President or cabinet-level positions in a college/university environment.

Duties and responsibilities: 

• Assists and supports the Director of Admissions in the development of strategic vision to establish and maintain programs that reach students and enlisted applicants from every congressional district, territory and the District of Columbia.

• Serves as a member of the Superintendent’s senior leadership team, participating in strategic planning, financial decision-making, and administration of the Naval Academy.

• Provides day-to-day leadership and management of the efforts of an approximately 50 person staff composed of both military and civilian personnel in support of goals, objectives and priorities established by the Director of Admissions.

• Assists in the development and implementation of policies and procedures as they relate to the admissions process, and ensures compliance with 10 USC, Department of War (DOW) and Navy policies as well as admissions guidance provided by the Superintendent. 

• As a principal member of the Admissions Board, which meets each admission cycle to evaluate candidates applying for admission, the Deputy Director assists in developing and implementing policies and procedures for the conduct of the Admissions Board as well as forming the membership of the Admissions Board each year.

• Assists in preparing correspondence for key Congressional, Department of War and Navy officials.

• Assists in the direction, training and oversight of 2300 Blue & Gold Officer volunteers assigned to high schools across the country who assist in conducting outreach in local communities as well as mentoring and interviewing candidates applying for admission.

• Liaises and interacts routinely with senior leaders at USNA, USNA Alumni Association, Military Service Academies, Patriot League Schools, Navy Recruiting Command, NROTC program leaders and other external stakeholders in the performance of duties, providing advice, guidance and/or coordinating on issues as they relate to the admissions process.

• Serves as the Office of Admissions representative to the Academy Effectiveness Board (AEB) and serves as the Office of Admissions Head of the Candidate Guidance Fund.

• Assume other roles and responsibilities as directed by the Director of Admissions. 

This is an onsite, 12-month, excepted service federal position.  The successful candidate will receive an initial appointment of approximately 3- years, with eligibility for renewal.  The position offers a highly competitive salary and full federal benefits.  Compensation falls within the AD-09 pay band, and will be determined based on experience and qualifications.  This position is subject to the submission of a Financial Disclosure, and more information can be found here. The Superintendent retains the authority to terminate any time-limited appointment at any time.

Salary Details:  

• Pay Band: AD-09 
• Salary Range: GS-15 equivalency 

MINIMUM AND PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Required Minimum Qualifications:

• Graduate or higher level degree
• 10+ years Department of War experience as either military or federal civilian, or 10+ years of substantive experience in higher education admissions.
• 5+ years experience as a leader, manager, and administrator in an environment equivalent to a complex, multi-mission military organization.

Preferred Qualifications (We are particularly interested in candidates who have experience or demonstrated interest in some or all of the following areas):

• Prior experience with higher education college admissions, military recruiting, or the establishment of talent pipelines in the military or industry.
• Demonstrated ability to employ data-driven analytics in order to solve complex problems. Experience with Artificial Intelligence is a plus.  
• Military experience
• Executive skills relevant to academic enterprises in areas of: personnel management, budget planning and execution, policy, and strategy.
• Understanding of legal concepts and Title 10 statutes as they relate to military service academy admissions
• Experience in resolving complex issues within DoW and the DON.
• Superior communication skills, both internal and external, in order to represent the institution at the highest levels of Government.
• A track record of creativity in problem solving, and the conviction to overcome obstacles by leading from the front.
• A commitment to the highest ideals of duty, honor, and loyalty.

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

• Formal interviews with USNA Senior Leaders
• Presentation to the Superintendent regarding the candidate’s unique skills and ability to bring a positive impact to the institution 
• Reference checks

HOW TO APPLY FOR POSITION:

Interested candidates should send an application package to the Search Committee, at deputy-director-admissions-search-group@usna.edu 

Application Packages Need to Contain:

• 2 - page resume/CV (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.”
• A statement of interest
  • This statement should not exceed five pages and should explain your background, skills, and experiences, as well as how you are prepared to assume this management and governance role at the United States Naval Academy. 
  • Please describe your understanding of the institution, and how you would use your talents to improve the business, execution, and strategies necessary to produce world-class junior officers for the Navy and Marine Corps. 
• 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.

Only the strongest candidates, with backgrounds and reputations which reflect service to the Nation and high-level, results-driven leadership are expected to advance to the onsite interview stage.  Character will be thoroughly evaluated.

Please note: This position does not have a specific application deadline. Review of applications will begin on June 22, 2026 and continue until the position is filled.  Additionally, 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. 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. 

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

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