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Executive Director

Department of the Air Force
Department of the Air Force - Agency Wide
U.S. Space Force - Space Systems Command
This job announcement has closed

Summary

Click on "Learn more about this agency" button below for IMPORTANT additional information.

The Executive Director is the principal and only assistant to the Commander for overall civilian employee and acquisition issues.

Overview

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Reviewing applications
Open & closing dates
06/06/2025 to 06/20/2025
Salary
$167,804 to - $217,000 per year
Pay scale & grade
ES 00
Location
1 vacancy in the following location:
Huntsville, AL
Remote job
No
Telework eligible
No
Travel Required
25% or less - You may be expected to travel for this position.
Relocation expenses reimbursed
Yes—You may qualify for reimbursement of relocation expenses in accordance with agency policy.
Appointment type
Permanent
Work schedule
Full-time
Service
Senior Executive
Promotion potential
00
Supervisory status
Yes
Security clearance
Top Secret
Drug test
Yes
Position sensitivity and risk
Special-Sensitive (SS)/High Risk
Trust determination process
Financial disclosure
Yes
Bargaining unit status
No
Announcement number
MRL2025-00868A
Control number
838249900

Duties

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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

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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.

Additional information

Veterans' Preference: Veterans' preference is not applicable to the SES.

Relocation Authorized: Payment of Permanent Change of Station (PCS) costs is authorized in accordance with the Joint Travel Regulations (JTR).

Recruitment/Relocation Incentive: May be offered.

Employed Annuitants (Reemployed Annuitants): 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. Click here for more information.

Direct Deposit: All federal employees are required to have direct deposit.

Tax Law Impact for PCS: On 22-Dec-2017, Public Law 115-97 - the "Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017" suspended qualified moving expense deductions along with the exclusion for employer reimbursements and payments of moving expenses effective 01-Jan-2018 for tax years 2018 through 2025. When you perform a Civilian Permanent Change of Station (PCS) with the government, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) considers the majority of your entitlements to be taxable. Visit GSA Bulletin FTR 20-04 here for additional information.

If you have questions regarding this announcement and have hearing or speech difficulties click here.

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.

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