The U.S. Naval War College. The U.S. Naval War College (NWC) is a Joint Professional Military Education (JPME) institution serving the nation, the Department of Defense, and the U.S. Navy. U.S. and selected international graduates earn Master of Arts degrees in National Security & Strategic Studies or Defense & Strategic Studies accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). The College educates and develops future leaders through the development of strategic perspective, critical thinking, and cultural awareness, as well as enhancing the capability to advise and eventually serve as senior leaders and policy makers. The College also helps to define the future Navy and its roles and missions; supports combat readiness; strengthens global maritime partnerships; and promotes ethics and leadership throughout the force. We are actively seeking candidates with diverse academic, demographic, and professional backgrounds. More information on the college can be found at www.usnwc.edu
Strategic and Operational Research Department (SORD). The SORD produces innovative research and analysis for the U.S. Navy, the U.S. Department of Defense, the U.S. interagency, and the broader national security community. It also generates new scholarship in security studies and actively participates in the broader academic community. The SORD is home to a number of specialized centers, institutes, and advanced research groups that foster deeper levels of research, analysis, and teaching on subjects of critical interest for the Navy: the China Maritime Studies Institute, the Cyber & Innovation Policy Institute, the Deterrence Studies Institute, the Russia Maritime Studies Institute, and the Halsey, Holloway, and Brodie groups. The SORD’s faculty employ varied and multi-disciplinary approaches to national security issues, generating new knowledge for the Navy and the Department of Defense.
Russia Maritime Studies Institute (RMSI). RMSI scholars perform academic research using Russian-language sources to develop deeper insight into key aspects of Russia’s maritime power. Research is published to inform the Navy and engage the nation; RMSI faculty also advise senior military leaders and civilian policymakers while educating the Navy’s next generation of strategic warfighters. RMSI faculty consist of a core group of full-time researchers and affiliated members from the range of departments across the College. RMSI combines significant linguistic and technological resources with a close proximity to many of the United States’ leading academic institutions, creating relationships with unrivaled intellectual synergies. In seeking to more fully understand the complexities and implications of Russia’s role within the European Command (EUCOM) theater of operations and beyond, RMSI collaborates with government research centers, civilian academic institutions, and other relevant organizations. These partnerships facilitate research on Russia’s status as a maritime power. The RMSI team works in close collaboration with the Holloway Advanced Research Program (ARP), a collaborative student-faculty program that utilizes classified wargaming to examine the operational aspects of conflict with Russia.
Responsibilities. The Director, working under the supervision of the Chair, SORD, provides leadership for the Institute’s operations, including: sets research priorities; undertakes analytic and academic engagement with, and outreach to Navy, Joint, DoD, and USG leadership; manages joint research projects undertaken by the Institute; publishes scholarly articles in addition to translations of Russian source media pertaining to the maritime domain and their Navy in particular; organizes and hosts conferences, workshops, lectures, and other academic events; fosters active engagement with RMSI-affiliated scholars, officials, military officers, and other counterparts; mentors junior faculty and provides direction for student research; oversees the teaching and research of the Holloway ARP; supports other Russia-related teaching and research activities at the College; manages the time and activities any interns or visiting scholars; and sets the future direction of the Institute. The Director also maintains and advances a research portfolio and teaching/curricular schedule of his/her own. The Director works closely with the Center and College’s leadership to foster and maintain cooperative relationships with other departments, institutes, centers, and programs, and encourages integration across college departments. The Director also maintains and advances a research portfolio and teaching/curricular schedule of his/her own. The Director works closely with the Center and College’s leadership to foster and maintain cooperative relationships with other departments, institutes, centers, and programs, and encourages integration across College departments.
Qualifications and Competencies. Qualified candidates must have an advanced degree from an accredited university. A master’s degree is required; a research-oriented Ph.D. is preferred. Candidates without a Ph.D. must demonstrate advanced subject matter expertise and knowledge of research design and methods. The successful candidate must possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills and demonstrated experience and strong team-building skills in leading and managing multifarious faculty or other professionals. Highly desirable candidates will have significant experience researching on Russian security issues; experience in developing innovative approaches to research and analysis; an existing research agenda and publication record focusing on Russian strategy, policy, military, maritime, and/or deterrence issues; academic experience; and Russian language expertise. Candidates must be U.S. citizens and capable of obtaining a Department of Defense TOP SECRET/SCI security clearance. The selected candidate will be subject to a pre-employment drug screening test and to random drug testing thereafter.
Appointment. The appointment is governed by provisions of 10 USC 8748 as delegated by the Secretary of the Navy, and the regulations of the U.S. Office of Personnel Management that apply to “Excepted” appointments under Schedule A. For the successful candidate, the initial term of appointment is expected to be two years in length with provision for renewal dependent on performance. This is not a remote work position; however, the incumbent may be eligible for telework as determined by policy and the position requirements. The incumbent may be expected to travel on occasion. Upon selection, career track determination (tenure, non-tenure) will be jointly determined by the candidate and NWC based on their experience and credentials.
Salary Considerations. Salary is competitive and is accompanied by a generous Federal Civil Service package that includes health insurance, pension and retirement saving plans (with employer matching contributions), paid annual vacation and sick leave, and other benefits. Salary is commensurate with credentials and experience in accordance with the Department of the Navy Faculty Schedule.
Application Process. Applicants must reference VA#NWC-25-04 and submit their application package via email to: nwc-25-04@usnwc.edu. The application package should include: (1) cover letter, (2) curriculum vitae, and (3) names and contact information for three references. Applications will be accepted until 11:59 pm (EST), 6 January 2025.
Questions about this position should be directed via email to CAPT Michael Holland, USN, at michael.holland1@usnwc.edu.
NOTICE OF VETERANS PREFERENCE: There is no formal rating system for applying veterans’ preference to the excepted service; however, the Department of Defense considers veterans’ preference eligibility a positive factor for hiring. Applicants eligible for veterans’ preference must include that information in their cover letter or resume and attach supporting documentation (e.g., DD Form 214, “Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty”) to their submissions. Although the point-preference system is not used, applicants eligible to claim 10-Point preference must submit a Standard Form (SF) 15, “Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference,” and supporting documents required for specific type of preference claimed. (SF 15, which lists the types of 10-Point Preference and the required supporting documents, is available from the Office of Personnel Management Website at www.opm.gov.) Within the Department of Defense (DoD), the appointment of retired military members within 180 days immediately following retirement date to a civilian position is subject to the provisions of 5 United States Code 3326. Active-duty members must submit a statement of service with their application.
The U.S. Naval War College is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
