Chief, Strategic Engagements Division

The United States Space Force (USSF) Headquarters (HQ) Combat Forces Command (CFC) International Affairs (IA) at Peterson Space Force Base, Colorado is searching for a Division Chief (NH-0130-04, GS 14/15 Equivalent).

Description:
If you possess expert experience in international affairs, strategic engagements, and security cooperation, and you are ready to lead and inspire your own dedicated team of strategic engagement officers, the United States Space Force's (USSF) Combat Forces Command (CFC) is looking for you to serve as the Strategic Engagements Division Chief within our elite International Affairs Directorate. Located at Peterson Space Force Base, this critical leadership role is situated in the heart of Colorado Springs-a city consistently ranked among the top ten places to live in the United States. The breathtaking Pikes Peak Region offers spectacular mountain views, boundless year-round outdoor recreation, robust economic growth, top-tier school districts, and fantastic family attractions ranging from parks and museums to world-class zoos. Do not miss this unparalleled opportunity to shape global partnerships and be part of history in America's newest military service branch!

The ideal candidate is a highly motivated self-starter who possesses a master's degree in political science, international affairs, or a closely related field (a non-waivable requirement) and exhibits an exceptional ability to comprehend and apply complex international affairs policies, principles, and security cooperation methodologies. As the Strategic Engagements Division Chief within Combat Forces Command International Affairs (CFC/IA), you will supervise assigned personnel, direct all division activities, and lead the planning, formulation, and execution of Department of the Air Force (DAF), United States Space Force (USSF), and CFC international affairs and security cooperation policies. This critical leadership role requires deep expertise in U.S. foreign and security policy formulation, country plans, multinational or combined operations, and Security Cooperation (SC) management, alongside a strongly desired background in developing strategic engagement plans and security strategies. The successful candidate must possess the analytical acumen to synthesize diverse source inputs, devise innovative solutions, conduct alternative assessments, manage program requirements within resource constraints, advocate effectively for funding, and formulate and champion strategic Command positions to senior commanders, U.S. government officials, and international partners through flawless written and oral communications.

Key Skills and Abilities:
1. Deep knowledge of international affairs, foreign engagement and security/foreign policy formulation with demonstrated expertise and experience in US foreign and security policy formulation and implementation. Experience and knowledge should also demonstrate expertise in the formulation or implementation of international agreements, foreign policy, U.S. posture policies, multinational/combined operations, Security Cooperation (SC) management, including operations, policies and procedures, concepts, theories, and best-practices.
2. Experience in and knowledge of the development of Strategic Engagement Plans, Security Cooperation Strategies, Concepts of Operations (CONOPS), Concepts of Employment (CONEMPs), Capability Development Documents (CDDs), Initial Capability Documents (ICDs), Mission Area Plans (MAPs), the integrated planning process, Strategic Master Plans, the Combatant Commanders' Integrated Priority List (IPL) development, US Embassy Integrated Country Strategies (ICS), DoS Joint Regional Strategy (JRS), space system acquisition process, and the directive instructions governing these processes and procedures and the skill to apply this knowledge in executing of duties.
3. Ability to analyze and derive pertinent information from a variety of source inputs and devise solutions, conduct assessments of alternatives, determine trades between cost and capabilities, advocate for needed funding, formulate Command position and then successfully advocate for those positions.
4. Expertise and experience in multiple geographic regions, with advanced understanding of history, politics and geopolitical dynamics in region of expertise.
5. Ability to analyze and plan to meet program requirements and objectives within available resources. Ability to communicate both orally and in writing clearly, concisely, and with technical accuracy.
6. Knowledge of safety and security regulations, practices, and procedures

Conditions of employment

• U.S. Citizenship Required
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a Top-Secret security clearance with SCI access.
• This is a drug testing designated position. The incumbent is subject to pre-employment drug testing as a condition of employment, and participation in random drug testing.
• Required to handle and safeguard sensitive and/or classified information in accordance with regulations to reduce potential compromise.
• May be required to travel in military and/or commercial aircraft to perform temporary duty assignments.
• May be required to work overtime on an unscheduled or emergency basis.
• Employee must meet the mandatory standards of experience and training and the desired standards of education for a Security Cooperation Work Force Development level 2 certification within two years of accepting the position.
• A minimum of a master’s degree in political science, international affairs, or other applicable areas of study is required.
• Experience working internationally with foreign governments and/or foreign military on a CCMD Staff, in a U.S. Embassy, internationally focused Congressional Committee, or as a member of an international security organization is strongly desired.
• PCS will be paid IAW JTR and AF Regulations. If receiving an authorized PCS, you may be subject to completing/signing a CONUS agreement. More information on PCS requirements, may be found at: https://afciviliancareers.com/regulatory/.
• Depending on the type of position (competitive/excepted) you are selected for, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period OR 2-year trial period.
• Upon completion of your probationary/trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.
• Proficiency in a minimum of one foreign language is strongly desired.
• Eligible for situational telework only, including Emergency and OPM prescribed "Unscheduled Telework".
• Subject to Temporary Duty Assignment (TDY): Approximately 45 days per year.
• Incentive is not authorized.
• This position will close after 5 business days or 75 applications, whichever comes first.

Qualifications

The 0130 series does not have individual occupational requirements. You can view the experience level requirements here. Please scroll down to the 4th section titled Professional and Scientific Positions.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs): Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies as related to the series and grade of the position being filled. Final qualifications determinations will be assessed based on OPM's General Schedule Qualifications Standards found here:

Interviews: You will be contacted by e-mail and/or telephone if your application is identified as qualifying for a position being filled. An interview may be conducted. If interviewed, you will be asked to address the same knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies used to initially qualify your application for the position.

Resume:You must submit a resume that may NOT exceed two pages, and the font size should not be smaller than 10 pts. You will not be considered for this vacancy if your resume exceeds two pages or is illegible/unreadable. Do NOT include photographs, inappropriate material, inappropriate content, nor personal information such as age, gender, religion, social security number, etc., on your resume. If the resume you submit contains such information you will not be considered for this vacancy. Your resume must provide:

1. Personal information - your full name, email and mailing addresses, phone number
2. Education information - the name of the school and the dates you attended
3. Work experience - paid and unpaid work with the following information:
   • Job title
   • Detailed duties and accomplishments
   • Employer's name and address
   • Supervisor's name and phone number
   • Starting and ending dates (If actual dates are not known, provide your best-estimated timeframes.)
   • Hours per week
   • Salary, if applicable
4. Other qualifications - skills, certifications/licenses, honors, awards, special accomplishments, and job-related training courses

College Transcripts (if applicable): Please see the Education section of this announcement for detailed information about transcripts.

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