Summary
The primary duty is to lead and direct the faculty of Detachment 3, Space Delta 13, in the development and execution of the USSF Officer Professional Military Education (PME) curriculum at both the Intermediate and Senior levels. Under the supervision of the Detachment 3 Commandant, it operates under guidance, policies and expectations established in Joint Staff, Space Force, STARCOM, and Space Delta 13 Instructions and policies. Accomplishes additional taskings as directed by the Commandant.
Duties
The Dean of Space Education exercises primary and secondary levels of supervisory and personnel-management responsibilities. The Dean supervises, advises, and provides counsel to department chairs, subordinate deans and other employees regarding policies, procedures, and directives of management. The Dean selects or recommends selection of candidates for vacancies, promotions, details, and reassignments in consideration of skills and qualifications, mission requirements, and EEO and diversity objectives. The Dean develops, modifies, and/or interprets performance standards while also explaining performance expectations to employees and providing regular feedback on strengths and weaknesses. The Dean recommends awards when appropriate and approves within-grade increases and or step increases. The Dean is expected to resolve employee complaints and refer serious unresolved complaints to higher-level management as well as initiating actions to correct performance or conduct problems and preparing documentation to support actions taken. The Dean approves master leave schedule assuring adequate coverage for peak workloads and traditional holiday vacation time. The Dean discharges security responsibilities by ensuring education and compliance with security directives for employees with access to classified or sensitive material. The Dean should recognize and take action to correct situations posing a threat to the health or safety of subordinates while applying EEO principles and requirements to all personnel management actions and decisions, and ensuring all personnel are treated in a manner free of discrimination.
The Dean of Space Education also directs the development, execution, and sustainment of the USSF Officer Professional Military Education academic program. As such, the Dean interprets and executes guidance from higher headquarters, Joint Staff and the USSF Commandant in shaping the curriculum with the responsibility of approving all core and elective courses as well as special program elements of the curriculum. The Dean ensures appropriate level of curriculum integration, development of evaluation instruments, and the development of appropriate learning methodologies. The Dean represents the USSF at the Military Education Coordination Committee Working Group and other Joint, AF and AU-level forums.
The Dean of Space Education is expected to teach, lecture, and facilitate research related to Delta 13 curriculum: leadership, warfighting, strategy, national security, areas of regional expertise, and/or global security affairs. Additionally, the Dean supervises and advises student research in course work, research projects and Professional Studies Papers. As a teacher, the Dean provides detailed feedback and other guidance to students and documentation of student progress in core and elective courses. The Dean also engages in professional outreach in areas of expertise related to the Delta 13 curriculum and actively supports faculty publication of scholarly works such as articles, monographs, and book reviews in peer-reviewed scholarly journals, professional journals, and other outlets. The Dean should participate with other PME schools, professional organizations, AF/DoD institutions, universities, and colleges for professional development. The Dean maintains academic currency by delivering lectures, conducting seminars, participating in panel discussions related to Delta 13 curriculum and in area of expertise at various institutions such as other professional military education schools, civilian institutions, and other learned societies.
Requirements
Conditions of Employment
- U.S. Citizenship Required
- Must be registered for Selective Service, see Legal and Regulatory Guide
- A top security clearance is required
- You may qualify for moving expenses, if authorized, it may be covered using PCS, Recruitment or Relocation Incentive in accordance with agency policy.
- Position subject to initial and random drug testing.
- Employee may be required to work other than normal duty hours, to include evenings, weekends and/or holidays
- Employee will be required to travel by commercial or military conveyance to perform temporary duty, including overseas travel.
- This job is being filled by an alternative hiring process and is not in the competitive civil service. This is an Administratively Determined position in the excepted service.
Qualifications
A strong knowledge of joint, multi-agency and multinational military operations, doctrine, and processes. There is a strong preference for knowledge, operational experience, and/or practical application in the command, strategy, design, and planning of joint operations. This position is included in the Space Force PME programs' student-faculty ratio for purposes of Joint Professional Military Education accreditation.
- Broad knowledge of the subject matter that comprises the curriculum, including military history, thought and theory; development of grand strategy; strategic leadership; national and international security structures and strategy; organization, capabilities and limitations of US and allied armed forces; joint planning processes and products; and space power theory, application, and development. This knowledge should encompass this subject matter as it pertains to National Security Space.
- Broad knowledge of and experience in both military and academic cultures; knowledge of and experience in maintaining the standards for academic accreditation in a graduate-level program; knowledge of and experience in maintaining and communicating the requirements for Joint PME certification.
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively with graduate-level faculty and exercise leadership in working with senior and mid-level college leadership in the development of a senior leader development program, with an ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
- Skilled at teaching at the graduate level in a field relevant to the curriculum, including the ability to develop curriculum and present the material at the graduate level, appropriately evaluate student performance, and provide effective feedback for student improvement.
- Demonstrated ability to effectively plan, organize, and direct the functions of the staff; mentor, motivate, and appraise the staff, and plan and prioritize tasks to efficiently fulfill all staff work and taskings.
- Knowledge of health, safety, security, personnel management, and EEO regulations, practices, and procedures.
- Knowledge of research methods and ability to conduct research in area of expertise.
- A suitable record of publications in fields related to space, strategy, and national security.
- Incumbent may be asked to teach in the Intermediate Level and/or Senior Level Education programs, depending on personnel and other considerations.
- This position is included in the school's student-faculty ratio for purposes of Joint Professional Military Education accreditation.
- Incumbent may be required to travel by commercial or military conveyance (or other means of travel) to perform multi-day temporary duty.
- This position is designated by the Air Force as a Test Designated Position (TDP) under the Air Force Civilian Drug Testing Program. Employee must pass initial and periodic short notice drug testing. Illegal drug use by employees in sensitive positions presents a clear threat to the mission of the Air Force, national security, and public safety.
- Incumbent will obtain and maintain Top Secret security clearance.
Education
A doctoral degree with an emphasis on or dedicated research in Space Policy, Space Power Theory, Space History, Space Law, Space Acquisitions, and/or Space Strategy, with significant professional experience in a field relevant to professional military education, is required.
EDUCATION: This position has a positive degree requirement, or education forms the basis for qualifications, you MUST submit official transcriptswith the application. An accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education must accredit education. Click here to check accreditation.
FOREIGN EDUCATION: Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the requirements. You must show proof the education credentials have been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education program. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying.
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.
How You Will Be Evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
Your application package (resume, supporting documents, and responses to the questionnaire) will be used to determine your eligibility, qualifications, and quality ranking for this position. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your rating or consideration for employment.
Your responses to the questionnaire may be compared to the documents you submit. The documents you submit must support your responses to the online questionnaire. If your application contradicts or does not support your questionnaire responses, you will receive a rating of "not qualified" or "insufficient information" and you will not receive further consideration for this job.
Applicants who disqualify themselves will not be evaluated further.
Required Documents
The following documents are required and must be provided with your application for this Public Notice: Applicants who do not submit required documentation to determine eligibility and qualifications will be eliminated from consideration. Other documents may be required based on the eligibility/eligibilities you are claiming. Click here to view the AF Civilian Employment Eligibility Guide and the required documents you must submit to substantiate the eligibilities you are claiming.
- Cover letter, which should address your qualifications for the position described above.
- Digital Education Statement: Applicants will submit a statement describing their approaches to integrating digital education into teaching, scholarship, life experiences and/or service. The statement needs to highlight examples of leveraging technology to enhance learning, promote innovation, or advance digital literacy in an academic setting. Applicants are encouraged to address the use of emerging technologies, such as AI or data analytics, and their potential contributions to Air University's mission of preparing students, faculty, and staff for a rapidly evolving digital environment.
- Curriculum vitae (CV) or academic resume [2 page limit]: Do NOT include photographs (or links to social media such as LinkedIn), inappropriate material, inappropriate content, nor personal information such as age, gender, religion, social security number, etc., on your resume.
- Transcripts/Registration/License: If qualifying on education/position requires education, you must submit copies of your official transcripts - must contain the university logo (can be a copy), and if required for the position, submit an active, current registration/license.
- Separate List of Professional References: Names and contact information for three individuals who can speak to your accomplishments, work ethic, and character. These individuals should have no stake in the outcome of this search.
- Veterans: If claiming VRA, VEOA or Veterans' Preference - Submit VOW certification memo or copy of the official DD Form 214, which must include the character of service/type under honorable conditions (i.e., with an honorable or general discharge). This will be annotated in block 24 on member copy 2, 4, or 7 of the DD Form 214. If you are also claiming 10-point preference and/or 30% Disabled Veteran, you must submit a VA Letter or a disability determination from a branch of the Armed Forces (or documentation of Purple Heart, if applicable).
- Current or Former Federal Civilian Employees (includes current Air Force employees): You must submit a legible copy of a SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action. The SF-50, block 24 must contain "1" or "2" AND block 34 must be a "1". Employees eligible under an OPM approved interchange agreement, block 34 may contain a "1" or "2".
ACTIVE DUTY SERVICE MEMBERS: The VOW Act requires federal agencies to treat an eligible active duty service member as a veteran, disabled veteran, and preference eligible (as applicable) when applying for civil service positions before the effective release or discharge date. Appointment of military members before the release or discharge date is permissible if the member is on terminal leave. At the time the active duty member applies for a civil position, he or she must submit a "certification" memo in lieu of a DD Form 214,
Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty. Active duty members applying for a civil service position without submitting a valid certification memo or DD-Form 214 with their application will render the member ineligible for the position. The certification memo must originate from the member's military service branch on official letterhead and contain the following:
- Name/Rank/Grade of Service Member
- Branch of Armed Forces
- Dates of Active Service (Start and End Date(s)
- Expected Date of Discharge/Release from Active Duty
- Terminal leave start date (if applicable)
- Expected character of service/discharge and type of separation (i.e. separation or retirement)
- Must be certified within 120 days of anticipated discharge
- Signature by, or by direction of the adjutant, personnel office, unit commander, or higher headquarters commander.
Note: The VOW Act provides tentative preference. If appointed, a DD Form-214 must be submitted upon receipt.
OPTIONAL DOCUMENTS:
Performance Appraisals for Current Federal Civilian Employees - Most recent performance appraisals (dated within last 3 years) showing the official rating of record, signed by a supervisor, or statement why the performance appraisal is unavailable.
Awards for Current Federal Civilian employees - List any awards received within the last 3 years on the resume.
Note: Applicant must not submit award Notification of Personnel Actions (SF50s).
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from
schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
How to Apply
The complete Application Package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 09/18/2025
To preview the Application Questionnaire, please click the following link: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12792880
To begin the process, click the Apply Online button to create an account or log in to your existing USAJOBS account. Follow the prompts to complete the application questionnaire. Please ensure you click the Submit My Application button at the end of the process.
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:
1. Your Resume (your latest resume will be used to determine your qualifications), 2-page limit. If you submit more than one copy of your resume, only the most recent (latest) version will be reviewed. The latest timestamp will be used to determine which version of your resume is "most recent."
- It is your responsibility to check the status and timestamp of all documents you submit as part of your application.
- If your resume includes a photograph or other inappropriate material or content, you will not be considered for this vacancy.
- For qualification determinations your resume must contain hours worked per week (if part-time) and dates of employment (i.e., hours per week and month/year to month/year or month/year to present). If your resume does not contain this information, your application may be marked as insufficient and you will not receive consideration for this position.
2. A complete Application Questionnaire
3. Additional Required Documents (see Required Documents section). Ensure all submitted documents contain your full name.
PLEASE NOTE: It is the applicant's responsibility to verify that information entered and/or uploaded, (i.e., resume) is received, accurate, and submitted by the closing date. You may verify your documents have been processed with your application package successfully. You can access your USAJOBS account to do so by clicking
here. Uploaded documents may take up to one hour to clear the virus scan.
Human Resources
WILL NOT modify or change any answers submitted by an applicant.
Next steps
Once your application package is received an acknowledgement email will be sent.
If you provided an email address, you will receive an email message acknowledging receipt of your application.Your application package will be used to determine your eligibility and qualifications for consideration. If you are determined to be ineligible or not qualified, your application will receive no further consideration.
To check the status of your application or return to a previous or incomplete application, log into your USAJOBS account, select My Applications, and click on the more information link under the application status for this position.
If you do not provide an email address, you are responsible for checking status updates and notifications in USAJOBS. Hard copy notifications will not be sent to you.