Executive Director for Strategy

LOCATION:

United States Naval Academy, Annapolis, Maryland 

APPLICATION TIMELINE:

This position does not have a specific application deadline. Review of applications will begin on April 20, 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 Executive Director for Strategy to begin as early as Summer 2026.  The Executive Director for Strategy reports to the Superintendent and serves as a member of the institution’s Senior Leadership Team (SLT).  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, however will primarily perform management and governance duties, similar to Vice President or cabinet-level positions in a college/university environment.

Duties and responsibilities: 

• Report directly to the Superintendent and participate as a member of the Senior Leadership Team.
• Assist the Superintendent on strategy formulation to support the Naval Academy mission.  Monitor the development and maintenance of the strategic plan as a living document.  Assist in setting strategic, operational, and tactical priorities in all enterprise areas to include education, athletics, professional development, midshipmen welfare, and mission support.
• Externally, represent the Naval Academy on boards, committees, and meetings, as directed, within the DON, DoW, and federal government. Participate in discussions and negotiations, to support Naval Academy initiatives, within educational and business communities. Internally, coordinate readiness of the Naval Academy for participation in areas of certifications, inspections, data calls, and problem resolution.
• Provide collaborative leadership and guidance to military leadership in resolving tough enterprise issues.
• Assist the Superintendent with strategic resource allocation within the Naval Academy in areas of appropriated and gift finances, and in areas of military and civilian personnel.
• Marshall resources and align institutional focus with warfighter development and junior officer training, to ensure graduates are prepared to lead Sailors and Marines in the fleet.  Serve as primary liaison to the Academy Effectiveness Board (AEB).
• Assume other roles and responsibilities as directed by the Superintendent

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.  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.
• 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):

• Experience in legislative affairs, preferably within a government/military office of legislative affairs. 
• Military experience
• Executive skills relevant to academic enterprises in areas of: educational systems; support organizations; construction, repair and sustainment of educational structures; and application of statutory and regulatory requirements.
• Understanding of legal concepts and Title 10 statutes which impact the Naval Academy’s mission and structure.
• 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.
• Eligibility to obtain a clearance level up to TS/SCI
• 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 

HOW TO APPLY FOR POSITION:

Interested candidates should send an application package to the USNA Senior Leadership Team Search Committee, at executive-director-strategy-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 April 20, 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. More information about the background investigation process can be found at the Academic Dean and Provost’s website, https://www.usna.edu/Academics/Faculty-Information/Background-Investigation-Info.php. 

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

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