Duties
Based upon full cognizance of SSC's programs and activities, appraises progress being made in terms of the stated goals and objectives. Gives executive-level direction to subordinate organizations, and advises the Commander on the feasibility of actions proposed or directed to resolve pressing problems. Assures sound management practices and principles are used throughout SSC in executing the mission. Assures consistency in management and technical approaches from program to program, and facilitates cross-feed of information among subordinate operating elements.
As the senior civilian in the Command, the Executive Director is the primary advisor to the Commander on all civilian matters. Oversees performance management execution, ensuring consistency, serves as management official related to personnel issues and maintains effective communications across the civilian workforce.
The Executive Director conducts independent assessments of selected programs, mission areas, or functional areas across the Command. In particular, the Executive Director is the primary advisor for the Command's Launch Enterprise comprising two Space Launch Deltas, two federal space launch ranges, and the Assured Access to Space program. This Launch Enterprise Executive Advisor oversight role includes Command level strategic planning, stakeholder engagement and communication within the government and with industry, ensuring policy compliance particularly related to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) interests, cross functional collaboration, and when necessary, executive-level crisis management.
Additionally, the position represents the Commander in high-level meetings throughout government, industry, and the academic community. Has executive-level interface and coordination with local, state, and Federal government establishments as well as with equivalent echelon representatives of foreign governments. The incumbent assists the Commander in the definition and improvement of organizational interfaces between SSC, the using commands and outside agencies which participate in Command programs or activities.
Formulates plans for the Commander to implement new policies for the management of SSC activities. This position participates in making key decisions concerning the utilization of resources allocated for accomplishment of the mission. Reviews plans and submissions to ensure that the resources needed are available and are being used most effectively. The position solves highly complex and unusual managerial problems. Furthermore, the incumbent stimulates the development of new procedures, approaches, tools, and practices to enhance execution of the mission.
Through subordinate supervisory personnel, assures the establishment of standards of professional and technical quality and ensures standards are maintained. Evaluates the background of prospective candidates for critical positions and recommends selection of key personnel for senior-level positions. The incumbent ensures that career development requirements of assigned personnel are established and that actions are being taken to satisfy those requirements. Organizes workshops, conferences, and action groups as deemed necessary to facilitate and enhance the competence of the management and technical community. As the SSC's Senior Civilian Executive, participates in and/or chairs senior-level meetings at the headquarters or elsewhere in the command. Such groups are formed to address command-wide policy or procedural issues impacting the accession, enhancement and retention of civilian leadership personnel.
Requirements
Conditions of Employment
- U.S. citizenship is required
- Males must be registered for Selective Service, see www.sss.gov
- Disclosure of Political Appointments
- Mobility is a condition of employment and appointment for SES members will be required to sign a Reassignment Rights and Obligations Agreement
- Selected candidate must file a Executive Personnel Financial Disclosure Report (OGE Form 278) in accordance with the Ethics in Government Act of 1978
- Position has been designated Special-Sensitive and the selectee must have or be able to obtain a Top Secret clearance
- Drug testing designated position. The incumbent is subject to random testing for drug use IAW Exec. Order 12564, dated 14 Sep 86. Position requires that the incumbent sign a Drug Testing letter and pass urinalysis testing prior to appointment.
- Position requires travel under conditions specified in the DoD Joint Travel Regulations. Incumbent is expected to travel on short notice to attend high-level meetings.
- Position may require incumbent to be available for other than normal duty hours to include weekends to support exercises and crisis planning.
- An initial SES career appointment becomes final only after the individual successfully completes a 1-year probationary period.
- Attendance to the Air Force's Senior Leader Orientation Course (SLOC) is generally required within 12 months of appointment, subject to course availability.
- Position may be subject to the post-government employment restrictions of Sections 207(a) and (f) of Title 18, United States Code.
- Applicants in receipt of an annuity based on civilian employment in the Federal Service are subject to the DoD Policy on The Employment of Annuitants.
Qualifications
Eligibility will be based upon a clear showing the applicant has training, education and experience of the scope and quality sufficient to effectively carry-out the duties of the position. Candidates must exemplify the corporate perspective, leadership vision, broad experience and character needed in the SES corps not only to satisfy the immediate vacancy, but future vacancies which will occur in a variety of organizations, functions and locations.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
A. Certification Requirements: This is a Critical Acquisition Position (CAP). Unless specifically waived by the appropriate component official (i.e., the Director of Acquisition Career Management for the Component, the Service Acquisition Executive, or the Service Secretary), the following are statutorily mandated requirements (Reference 10 U.S.C. 1731 and 1737):
1. Ten (10) years acquisition experience in an AWF position, at least 4 years of which was performed while assigned to a CAP.
2. Selectee must execute, as a condition of employment, a written agreement to remain in federal service in this position for at least three years. In signing such agreement, the employee does not forfeit any employment rights, nor does such agreement alter any other terms or conditions of employment.
3. Selectee must meet Advanced level certification requirements in Program Management or must be able to meet Advanced certification within 48 months of assignment.
4. Selectee must meet 80 hours of continuous learning requirements within the designated timeframe (80 hours of continuing learning (CL) every 2 years (with a goal of engaging in 40 hours annually)).
In addition, DoD requires an Enterprise Perspective. The individual must possess a broad point of view and an awareness and understanding of individual or organizational responsibilities in relation to DoD or government-wide strategic priorities. Executives should demonstrate ability to work with internal and external partners to support national security objectives. This perspective is typically gained through a variety of diverse work experiences. A separate narrative statement is not required-this information should be embedded within the application package (Resume).
Education
Education: A bachelor's degree from an accredited institution is highly desired. A master's or advanced degree in an appropriate technical/business field is highly desired.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
The mission of the United States Air Force is to fly, fight and win...airpower anytime, anywhere. To achieve that mission, the Air Force has a vision of Global Vigilance, Reach and Power. That vision orbits around three core competencies: Developing Airmen, Technology-to-Warfighting and Integrating Operations. Core competencies and distinctive capabilities are based on a shared commitment to three core values -- integrity first, service before self, and excellence in all we do.
SALARY: $167,804.00 - $217,000.00 per annum. (Air Force Tier 2) SES members are eligible for bonuses and/or ranks and stipends in addition to annual salary.
AREA OF CONSIDERATION: Applications will be accepted from all qualified persons.
SES members are eligible for Performance-Based Salary increases and/or bonuses. This is a SES Career Reserved position and is assigned a precedence priority code of DV-5/ Brig Gen, Tier 2 for protocol purposes.
MOBILITY: Organizational and geographical mobility is essential in developing and managing SES and DISES leaders and generally is a key to advancement. Therefore, mobility is a condition of employment and appointed SES and DISES members will be required to sign a Reassignment Rights and Obligation Agreement.
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.
This position is being filled using a Resume-based SES Hiring Method, a streamlined approach designed to make applying easier. Instead of a separate narrative statement, we ask that you demonstrate your qualifications and experience directly within your resume.
To help you craft a strong resume, we encourage you to review the OPM guidance on SES qualifications: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/senior-executive-service/reference-materials/guidetosesquals_2012.pdf. The Department of the Air Force also strongly recommends seeking advice from a current SES member as you prepare your application.
Important Information Regarding this Recruitment:
This position is filled under the FY2021 NDAA Section 1118 pilot program, allowing for appointments to the DoD SES without certain standard requirements. Please be aware that a career SES appointment made under this authority does not guarantee eligibility for transfer to another career SES appointment outside of the DoD without competing. Other Federal agencies may require OPM's QRB prior to appointment.
Application Evaluation:
Your application will be evaluated against the qualification requirements. A screening panel of senior executives and/or general officers will assess your resume for a high degree of executive competencies and technical expertise. Only those demonstrating mastery in these areas will be invited for an interview. Following interviews, the panel will recommend the Best Qualified candidates to the selecting official. Final selection is contingent upon approval by the Air Force Executive Resources Board and the Under Secretary of the Air Force.
REMINDER: Please ensure your resume does not exceed 2 pages when uploading it as a PDF.
Required Documents
To receive full consideration, each applicant must submit the MANDATORY documents in the format as designated. Packages that do not include all of the required documents or meet format requirements will not be forwarded for consideration.
**************ALL DOCUMENTS MUST BE UPLOADED IN PDF FORMAT*******************
The Qualifications Documents must be formatted using Times New Roman, size 12 font, with 1-inch margins. Do not use borders, provide photos, or list a Social Security Number on any of the Qualifications Documents. DO NOT COMBINE DOCUMENTS.
A. (Mandatory) Resume in the preferred format (Limit 2 Pages Total). Upload in PDF format. PLEASE DO NOT USE USAJOBS RESUME BUILDER.
B. Most recent completed Performance Appraisal (current and/or former federal employees) or Performance Report (OPR or EPR). For applicants in the private sector, please provide a copy of your equivalent Evaluation Report.
C. Most recent Notification of Personnel Action, SF-50, noting your current position, grade level and salary level (applies only to current or former civilian government employee).
D. College transcript(s) (copy is acceptable) which demonstrates the acceptable combinations of education and experience as noted by OPM.
E. (Mandatory) Military: Retired - a copy of your DD214 and/or Retirement orders; Active Duty - Are you an active duty service member with a statement of service showing that you expect to be honorably discharged or released from the armed forces under honorable conditions no later than 120 days after submitting your application? PLEASE NOTE: you will be ineligible for consideration if your statement of service is not submitted with your application or it shows an expected discharge or release date greater than 120 days from the date of the submission of the certification. Documents are required.
F. (Optional): Ethnicity and Race Identification, SF-181 -- Form available at: https://www.opm.gov
G. (Optional): Self-Identification of Disability, SF-256 -- Form available at: https://www.opm.gov
How to Apply
Please follow the below instructions to submit applications. Any applications received that do not include all of the required documents or do not meet format requirements will not be forwarded for consideration.
The complete Application Package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 06/19/2025.
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.
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.
PREFERRED RESUME FORMAT: (Limit 2 pages/Times New Roman 12-font) (Do Not Use the USAJOBS Resume Builder) - Please submit a typewritten resume (upload as a PDF), including the following information:
Job Information: Announcement number (MRL2025-00868A) and title of the position to which you are applying.
Personal Information: Full name, mailing address (with zip code), day and evening phone numbers (with area code) and complete e-mail address where you would like to receive correspondence regarding your application. **PLEASE DO NOT INCLUDE SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER**
Active-Duty/Retired Military: State highest rank held, date of promotion and date eligible to retire or date of retirement, (e.g., Colonel/June 2006/December 2014). NOTE: IAW 5 U.S.C. 3326, a 180-day waiver will be required for retired or retiring members of the armed forces during the period of 180 days immediately after retirement. Please note: you will be ineligible for consideration if your statement of service is not submitted with your application or it shows an expected discharge or release date greater than 120 days from the date of the submission of the certification.
Education: Educational information, including the name, city and state of colleges or universities you attended, as well as the type and year of any degree received. Report only attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For more information, you may refer to the following U.S. Department of Education website: http://www.ed.gov/admins/finaid/accred/index.html
Work Experience: Give the following information for your paid and non-paid work experience related to the job for which you are applying: (Do not send job descriptions).
- Starting and ending dates (month and year)
- Job title (for government position, include civilian series and grade or military rank)
- Employer's name and address
- Supervisor's name and phone number, please indicate if we may contact your current supervisor
- Salary (current)
HELPFUL HINTS FOR YOUR RESUME:
- Reflect on the ECQs and think about how your past experiences and education relate to each ECQ.
- Read the vacancy announcement carefully.
- Adhere to the 2-page limitation (in PDF format and 12 point font)
- Quantify your accomplishments.
* Applicants should focus on recency of experience - Recruitment Panels, Executive Resources Boards, and Hiring Officials may consider experience over 10 years outdated.
* Seek mentoring assistance from a current SES or equivalent to review your package before submission.
References: Provide the names, addresses and telephone numbers of three individuals who can comment on your qualifications for this position. Please do not list supervisors already listed above.
This agency provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, please notify this office. The decision on granting reasonable accommodations will be on a case-by-case basis.
SAF/MRL CONTACT INFORMATION: Questions regarding this announcement may be directed to Charles Andrews at charles.andrews.14@us.af.mil.
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.