Principal Director Deputy Under Secretary of the Navy Policy Jobs 2026 Full Time

Introduction

If you have strong leadership experience in national security defense policy and strategic planning this could be an excellent career opportunity within the Department of the Navy

The Principal Director Deputy Under Secretary of the Navy Policy is a senior executive level role that supports high level decision making and helps shape future policy goals strategic priorities and defense initiatives

This position is based at the Pentagon in Arlington Virginia and gives professionals the chance to work with senior government leaders military officials and policy experts on matters that affect national defense and security cooperation

The person selected for this role will provide leadership manage important policy initiatives and represent Department of the Navy interests across government agencies and international organizations

Job Overview

About the Position

• The Principal Director works as a senior leader supporting the Deputy Under Secretary of the Navy for Policy
• The role focuses on developing long term policy goals strategic capabilities and defense initiatives that support the mission of the Department of the Navy
• This position requires someone who can work independently while handling sensitive assignments related to foreign policy defense cooperation security planning and future force development
• The selected candidate will help guide policy decisions that affect both the Navy and Marine Corps while ensuring those decisions support broader national security goals
• This role is part of the Senior Executive Service also known as SES which represents the highest level of civilian leadership in the federal government
• People serving in SES positions are expected to demonstrate strong leadership sound judgment and the ability to deliver results in challenging environments

Daily Duties and Responsibilities

This position includes responsibilities related to strategic planning policy development and executive level coordination

Key duties include

• Directing long range planning efforts related to future Department of the Navy capabilities
• Supporting the development and implementation of strategic defense policies
• Representing senior Navy leadership during policy discussions and planning activities
• Evaluating force posture capability requirements and future operational needs
• Coordinating policy initiatives with military commands and federal agencies
• Working closely with senior officials across the United States Government
• Promoting Department of the Navy interests during executive level meetings
• Building relationships with private industry research organizations and nonprofit groups
• Supporting security cooperation activities with international partners and allied nations
• Identifying opportunities for organizational improvement and resource optimization
• Providing leadership on complex national security issues that require cooperation across multiple agencies

Success in this role requires strategic thinking leadership skills and a strong understanding of government operations

Work Environment and Leadership Expectations

• This position is located at the Pentagon and involves regular interaction with senior military leaders government executives and policy specialists
• The work environment is fast paced and focused on achieving mission objectives
• Occasional travel may be required depending on organizational needs
• Travel may include both domestic and international locations in support of defense policy and security cooperation activities
• The selected individual must be able to handle sensitive information exercise independent judgment and provide recommendations that may influence important policy decisions
• Because of the nature of the work applicants must be able to obtain and maintain the required security clearance

Required Qualifications

Applicants should have significant experience in policy development strategic planning resource management and executive leadership

The Department of the Navy is looking for candidates who can clearly demonstrate achievements and expertise in the following areas

Technical Qualification One

Experience working within the United States Government interagency process at a senior level and successfully representing organizational interests during policy discussions and decision making activities

Technical Qualification Two

Strong knowledge of resource management including setting objectives evaluating options developing analytical approaches and implementing improvements that increase efficiency and effectiveness

Technical Qualification Three

Experience working with external stakeholders such as private industry think tanks nonprofit organizations and foreign partners to support strategic goals and initiatives

Applicants should clearly show these qualifications in their resume

Skills Needed for Success

To perform well in this role candidates should have a combination of leadership experience policy expertise and strong communication abilities

Important skills include

• Strategic planning
• National security policy development
• Executive leadership
• Resource management
• Organizational improvement
• Relationship building
• Public sector management
• Interagency coordination
• Critical thinking
• Decision making
• Communication and presentation skills
• Program evaluation
• Team leadership
• Change management

Professionals who have led large organizations or managed complex government programs may be especially strong candidates

Career Growth and Advancement

The Senior Executive Service is one of the highest levels of civilian leadership within the federal government

Professionals selected for SES positions often help shape major policy decisions and influence long term organizational strategy

This role provides valuable exposure to senior leaders across the Department of Defense federal agencies international partners and national security organizations

The experience gained can strengthen expertise in defense policy executive leadership and strategic management

For professionals who want to contribute to future defense capabilities and national security objectives this position offers significant responsibility and influence

Salary and Benefits

The salary for this position ranges from $199172 to $228000 per year

Actual pay may vary depending on qualifications experience and other employment factors

Federal employees may also be eligible for benefits such as

• Health insurance
• Retirement programs
• Paid leave
• Life insurance
• Professional development opportunities
• Federal employee assistance programs
• Long term career stability

Benefits eligibility may vary according to federal employment policies

Who Should Apply

This opportunity is ideal for experienced leaders who have achieved success in defense policy government administration national security planning or executive management

Suitable candidates may include

• Senior federal executives
• Defense policy professionals
• Military leaders moving into civilian executive positions
• Strategic planning specialists
• Security cooperation experts
• Government administrators with extensive leadership experience

Applicants should be comfortable working in highly visible environments where decisions can have a major organizational and national impact

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is this position located

The position is located at the Pentagon in Arlington Virginia

What is the salary range

The salary range is $199172 to $228000 per year

Is a security clearance required

Yes applicants must be able to obtain and maintain a Sensitive Compartmented Information SCI security clearance

What type of position is this

This is a full time Senior Executive Service position within the Department of the Navy

Is travel required

Yes occasional travel may be required depending on mission and organizational needs

What is the application deadline

Applications must be submitted by June 18 2026

How do I apply

Interested candidates should apply through the official USAJOBS application process and follow all instructions provided in the vacancy announcement

Conclusion

The Principal Director Deputy Under Secretary of the Navy Policy position is an outstanding opportunity for experienced leaders who want to contribute to national security and defense policy at the highest levels of government

The role involves policy development resource management strategic planning and security cooperation making it an important leadership position within the Department of the Navy

Professionals with strong leadership backgrounds policy expertise and experience working across government organizations should review the requirements carefully and apply before the closing date

For qualified candidates this role offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact while serving in one of the most important civilian leadership positions in the federal government