Recruitment Specialist - DIRECT HIRE

Summary This is a Full-Time, Permanent position in the Office of Admissions at the United States Merchant Marine Academy. NOTE: All applications received by April 20, 2026 will receive early consideration. We will do monthly reviews and referrals of applications on an as needed basis with the final review occurring after June 19, 2026 (closing date). You must meet all eligible requirements at the time of consideration. Learn more about this agency Duties The Recruitment Specialist: Develops a national recruitment network with organizations to ensure accomplishment of recruitment strategies, policies, and procedures of those program objectives that are in accordance with regulations. Develops networks with educational and professional organizations to build awareness about opportunities for students at the USMMA. Works closely with congressional staff, midshipmen, alumni, counselors, parents, etc. to recruit candidates for admission. Represents the Academy at high school programs, college fairs, career days, and other similar functions. Interprets and explains academic programs, admissions standards, and admissions procedures. Provides information pertaining to the maritime industry, the Merchant Marine, and military career opportunities. Conducts pre-screening of applications from prospective students. Reviews applications for completeness and ensures that applicants meet academic requirements prior to submission to the Candidate Evaluation Board. Reviews and evaluates candidates based on their academic records, extracurricular participation, personal qualities, leadership ability, potential for success at the Academy, and motivation for a maritime/military career. Maintains email, text, telephonic and virtual communication with applicants throughout the admissions process. Provides advice and mentorship to improve their competitiveness for appointment to the Academy. The ideal candidate for this position will be a professional with relevant experience in a college or university setting, experience mentoring and advising high school students, or recruiting experience. Requirements Conditions of employment You must be a U.S. citizen & meet specialized experience to qualify Submit application and resume online by 11:59 PM EST on the closing date Required documents must be submitted by the closing date. Direct Hire Authority will be used to fill this position CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT: As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance the organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your probationary period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest. SELECTIVE SERVICE: Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered for the Selective Service. PROBATIONARY PERIOD: Applicants may be required to successfully complete a one-year probationary period (unless already completed). Qualifications To meet the minimum qualifications for this position, you must meet either the education or specialized experience requirements. To qualify for the GS-11 on Experience, you must have at least one year of experience equal or equivalent to the GS-09 it must include: Experience conducting small and large-scale group presentations. Experience applying policies and procedures related to college or university admissions, recruitment or, outreach efforts. Experience reviewing and screening documents, such as transcripts, essays, or resumes. Experience collaborating with stakeholders (such as educational institutions, community organizations, or government entities) to support recruitment and outreach efforts. To qualify for the GS-11 on Education alone, you must have: 3 years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree or Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree. You can also qualify based on a combination of higher level graduate education and experience. This must be fully supported by your resume and transcripts, provided with your application. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs): Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas: Program Knowledge: Gives recruitment presentations at selected high schools and other forums to stimulate interest in the academy. Communication: Utilizes the latest marketing and recruitment techniques to execute a nationwide recruitment program and deliver effective presentations at educational institutions. Program Development: Develops networks with educational and professional organizations to facilitate information about opportunities for students at USMMA. Interpersonal Skills: Maintains virtual communication with applicants throughout the admissions process, and provides advice and mentorship to improve their competitiveness for appointment to the Academy. For all types of consideration, experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social).  Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment.  You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experienceFor additional information about applying to Federal positions, please click on the following link: https://www.opm.gov/frequently-asked-questions/employment-faq/federal-hiring/how-do-i-apply-for-federal-jobs/Students enrolled in a qualifying degree program can apply if the anticipated graduation date is within six months of closing date of the announcement. Graduation transcript must be received before start date. Other applicants must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement. Education This job does not have an education qualification requirement. Additional information The Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act prohibits the Department of Transportation and its Operating Administrations from requesting an applicant's criminal history record before that individual receives a conditional offer of employment. In accordance with 5 U.S. Code § 9202(c) and 5 C.F.R § 920.201 certain positions are exempt from the provisions of the Fair Chance to Compete Act. Applicants who believe they have been subjected to a violation of the Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act, may submit a written complaint to the Department of Transportation by email at, [email protected]. To learn more, please visit our page at: The Fair Chance to Compete Act | US Department of Transportation  This announcement may be used to fill additional positions if similar vacancies occur within 90 days of the issue date of the referral certificate. Qualified CTAP/ICTAP candidates receive priority and will be referred to the hiring manager. Expand Hide  additional information Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution. Benefits A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits. Review our benefits Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.