Program Specialist

National Defense University • Fort McNair, DC

2d

About The Position

The Program Specialist supports National Defense University (NDU) in providing Joint Professional Military Education to U.S. Armed Forces members and selected others. The role serves as the primary point of contact for international students and families, guiding them through pre-arrival, onboarding, residency, and departure. It supports educational travel, field studies, events, sponsorship, outreach, and student services while maintaining program records and supporting continuous improvement. The position involves interaction with international students, foreign government representatives, and U.S. government stakeholders. Travel to support field studies, tours, and special events is required for approximately 60 days per academic year. The position may require access to classified information and requires the ability to obtain and maintain a Secret security determination.

Requirements

• Must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
• Must obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance/security determination; the position requires a favorable suitability review and background investigation.
• For GS-7, one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least GS-5 in an administrative setting, handling assigned tasks or projects of limited scope and complexity to develop occupational skills and proficiency; alternatively, one full year of graduate-level education or Superior Academic Achievement may substitute.
• For GS-9, one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least GS-7 in an administrative setting, working independently on assignments or projects using more advanced methods and established occupational principles, concepts, and techniques; alternatively, two full years of progressively higher-level graduate education or a master's/equivalent graduate degree may substitute.
• For GS-11, one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least GS-9 providing administrative, programmatic, customer service, or logistical support in an educational, military, international affairs, security cooperation, or governmental environment; alternatively, three full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree may substitute.
• Combinations of successfully completed graduate-level education and experience may be used to meet total experience requirements. Qualifying education must be from an accredited institution; foreign education must be shown to be equivalent to U.S. education.
• Submit transcripts when using education to substitute for specialized experience.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary point of contact for international students and families, providing guidance and support during pre-arrival, onboarding, residency, and departure.
• Coordinate and support educational travel, field studies, events, and sponsorship activities, including logistics, travel documentation, communications, and program execution.
• Maintain and analyze program records and databases to ensure accurate student information, reporting, and compliance with organizational requirements.
• Prepare correspondence, newsletters, web content, and promotional materials for outreach, engagement, and communications initiatives.
• Support alumni activities.
• Support program improvement through project management, data analysis, reporting, process documentation, briefings, and recommendations to improve operational effectiveness.
• Plan and support educational programs, outreach events, and student services activities.

Benefits

• Federal employees and their families have access to a comprehensive range of benefits; specific benefits depend on position type and eligibility.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed