This position leads the institute's research, sponsored programs, and strategic communication efforts, turning broad priorities into executable actions across the enterprise. The incumbent serves as the central coordinator for research activities, guiding and supporting commanders, the chancellor, deans, department heads, center directors, and faculty on all matters related to research, strategic communications, outreach, and partnerships.
Summary
This position leads the institute's research, sponsored programs, and strategic communication efforts, turning broad priorities into executable actions across the enterprise. The incumbent serves as the central coordinator for research activities, guiding and supporting commanders, the chancellor, deans, department heads, center directors, and faculty on all matters related to research, strategic communications, outreach, and partnerships.
Occasional travel - You may be expected to travel for this position.
Relocation expenses reimbursed
Yes—You may qualify for moving expenses, if authorized, it may be covered using PCS, Recruitment or Relocation Incentive in accordance with agency policy.
This position is to provide leadership of research, sponsored programs, technical transfer activities and the institutes strategic communications. This position provides advice and assistance to the chancellor, deans, department heads, center directors, and faculty on all matters relating to research, technology transfer, strategic communications, outreach, and partnership activities. This position also leads key outreach.
Establishes and directs effective research programs with the defense technical community and the Air Force laboratories; encouraging faculty contacts and participation in joint research with other universities, research organizations, and industry; serving as the primary point of contact for the strategic partnership Memorandum of Agreements, which includes the personnel exchange program, Institutional Review Board support. Advances research requirements, initiatives, concerns, and viewpoints of Air University; encourages and facilitates research productivity of the faculty, including professional development; maintaining a research/education initiative information conduit between AU and the potential users of research and education services of the schools to facilitate research/education initiative funding and sponsorship. Support operation of the Office of Sponsored Programs and Office of Research.
Provides advice and assistance to the chancellor, deans, department heads, center directors, and faculty on all matters relating to research, strategic communications, outreach, and partnership activities. Develops, maintains, and oversees a strategic communications plan and an institutional advancement strategy. Serves as a principal spokesperson and advocate for research across the AU enterprise
Must be registered for Selective Service, see Legal and Regulatory Guide
A top-secret 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 is subject to random drug testing.
Incumbent may be required to work other than normal duty hours, to include evenings, weekends and/or holidays
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.
Incumbent will be required to serve a 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.
Incumbent will be required to travel by commercial or military conveyance to perform temporary duty, including overseas travel.
Qualifications
The incumbent must be able to provide briefings, reports, and presentations to senior-level individuals, faculty, staff, and students.
Must be able to manage and coordinate large and complex projects under time constraints, while interacting with high-level professional.
Broad knowledge of all Air University programs and of current projects.
Knowledge of educational research and statistics, especially as applied to institutional research.
Knowledge of regional accreditation requirements and practices.
Skill in applying analytical and evaluative techniques to the identification, consideration, and resolution of issues or problems concerning efficiency and effectiveness in academic programs.
Ability to formulate and execute organizational management strategies.
Ability to supervise the work of a high-level group of civil service professionals.
Ability to coordinate the work of a group of individuals employed by others (e.g., AU schools and centers, other DoD educational institutions, and HHQ).
Ability to inspire and motivate others toward goal accomplishment.
Ability to deal with sensitive issues in a professional manner.
Ability to communicate with and interact with general officer, senior executive civilians, college presidents, regional accreditation representatives, and corporate CEOs.
Must have ability to design and interpret research projects.
Education
Master's Degree is required
ARE YOU USING YOUR EDUCATION TO QUALIFY? If position has a positive degree requirement or education forms the basis for qualifications, you MUST submit transcriptswith the application. Official transcripts are required at the time of application; however, if position has a positive degree requirement, qualifying based on education alone or in combination with experience; transcripts must be verified prior to appointment. 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.
Additional information
The position will be an initial three-year appointment including a one-year probationary period, with the potential for continued reappointment for additional 1-5-year terms. This position is subject to Air University's tenure and promotion policy this position is tenure-track eligible.
Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP): For information on how to apply as an ICTAP eligible click here. To be well-qualified and exercise selection priority for this vacancy, displaced Federal employees must be rated in the "Highly Qualified" or "Best Qualified" Category on the rating criteria for this vacancy. You must submit a copy of the agency notice, your most recent performance rating, and your most recent SF-50 noting position, grade level, and duty location.
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.
Current Federal Civilian employees may apply for temporary and term positions and if selected, a break in service may be required prior to appointment to the position.
Temporary and Term Appointments: If you are selected for a temporary or term position in the competitive service, your appointment may be extended to the maximum period allowed by law without further competition.
120-Day Register: This announcement may result in a 120-day register that may be used to fill like vacancies for 120 days after the closing date. Applicants may be referred for consideration as vacancies occur.
Selective Service: Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service. For additional information, click here.
Direct Deposit: All federal employees are required to have direct deposit.
Incentives: Recruitment and/or retention incentives may or may not be used.
Disabled veteran leave is available to a Federal employee hired on/after 5 Nov 2016, who is a veteran with a service-connected disability rating of 30% or more. For more information, click here.
If you have questions regarding this announcement and have hearing or speech difficulties click here.
Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
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.
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.
Starting September 27, 2025, USAJOBS began restricting all resumes to two pages in length. The restriction does NOT apply to this position. Please upload your Resume/Curriculum Vitae using the Other Documents (3) - Curriculum Vitae option. You are still required to provide a document in the Resume section to successfully submit your application. Please upload a blank document in the Resume section, or a document informing your Resume/Curriculum Vitae was submitted using Other Documents.
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.
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.
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.
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. Include the Announcement Number for this position in your letter.
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.
Transcripts for graduate degrees. Official transcripts are required for initial application submission. If an official transcript is not yet available due to a recent graduation, a letter of degree completion provided by the university awarding the degree will suffice. However, if selected, you will be required to provide original copies of official transcripts.
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".
Promotion Consideration: If you wish to be considered as a promotion candidate and your SF-50 has an effective date within the past year, it may not clearly demonstrate you meet the one-year time-in-grade requirements. You will need to provide additional SF-50s which clearly demonstrates you meet the time-in-grade requirements (examples of appropriate SF-50s include Promotions, Within-Grade, Grade/Range Increases, and SF-50s with an effective date more than one year old).
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.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
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.
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/ Curriculum Vitae
If you submit more than one Resume/Curriculum Vitae, only the most recent (latest) will be reviewed to determine your qualifications. The "most recent" is considered the resume with the latest timestamp.
For qualification determination your Resume/Curriculum Vitae must contain hours worked per week and dates of employment (i.e., month/year to month/year or month/year to present). If your Resume/Curriculum Vitae does not contain this information, your application may be marked as insufficient, and you will not receive consideration for this position. If you are a current Federal employee or previous Federal employee, provide your pay plan, series and grade, i.e. GS-0301-09. Current Federal Civilian Employees may list any relevant performance related rating (given within the last three years) and/or incentive awards in your Resume/Curriculum Vitae.
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 name, first and last, MUST be included on your resume.
2. A complete Application Questionnaire
3. Additional Required Documents (see Required Documents section). Ensure all submitted documents contain your full name.
4. Help recruiters find you. Make your resume and profile searchable, which means recruiters may contact you about possible jobs. Additional information may be located here.
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.
AETC Maxwell Faculty
50 Lemay Plaza South
Maxwell AFB, AL 36112
US
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.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
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. Include the Announcement Number for this position in your letter.
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.
Transcripts for graduate degrees. Official transcripts are required for initial application submission. If an official transcript is not yet available due to a recent graduation, a letter of degree completion provided by the university awarding the degree will suffice. However, if selected, you will be required to provide original copies of official transcripts.
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".
Promotion Consideration: If you wish to be considered as a promotion candidate and your SF-50 has an effective date within the past year, it may not clearly demonstrate you meet the one-year time-in-grade requirements. You will need to provide additional SF-50s which clearly demonstrates you meet the time-in-grade requirements (examples of appropriate SF-50s include Promotions, Within-Grade, Grade/Range Increases, and SF-50s with an effective date more than one year old).
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.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
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.
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/ Curriculum Vitae
If you submit more than one Resume/Curriculum Vitae, only the most recent (latest) will be reviewed to determine your qualifications. The "most recent" is considered the resume with the latest timestamp.
For qualification determination your Resume/Curriculum Vitae must contain hours worked per week and dates of employment (i.e., month/year to month/year or month/year to present). If your Resume/Curriculum Vitae does not contain this information, your application may be marked as insufficient, and you will not receive consideration for this position. If you are a current Federal employee or previous Federal employee, provide your pay plan, series and grade, i.e. GS-0301-09. Current Federal Civilian Employees may list any relevant performance related rating (given within the last three years) and/or incentive awards in your Resume/Curriculum Vitae.
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 name, first and last, MUST be included on your resume.
2. A complete Application Questionnaire
3. Additional Required Documents (see Required Documents section). Ensure all submitted documents contain your full name.
4. Help recruiters find you. Make your resume and profile searchable, which means recruiters may contact you about possible jobs. Additional information may be located here.
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.
AETC Maxwell Faculty
50 Lemay Plaza South
Maxwell AFB, AL 36112
US
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.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
