The United States Air Force at the Pentagon, Arlington, VA, is seeking a visionary and results-oriented leader to serve as the Chief Experience Officer (CXO).
Description: The Chief Experience Officer (CXO) serves as the primary champion for a user-centric digital culture within the Department's information technology and acquisition enterprises. In this high-impact role, the CXO spearheads the strategic integration of human-centered design principles to ensure that digital tools empower Airmen rather than hinder them. By providing expert counsel to senior leadership, the CXO influences the full lifecycle of Information Technology (IT)/Emerging Technology (ET) programs-from initial development and implementation to long-term sustainment. This position is not merely advisory; it is a driving force for organizational change, tasked with identifying systemic digital challenges, quantifying their impact on operational readiness, and deploying the modern tools and methodologies necessary to resolve them. The CXO operates at the nexus of technology and mission, ensuring that every digital touchpoint is optimized for efficiency, intuitiveness, and lethal effectiveness.
Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate is a visionary leader with an extensive background in human-centered design (HCD), digital product management, and large-scale organizational transformation. They possess a deep understanding of how to integrate user experience (UX) into the Department of the Air Force's (DAF) acquisition and IT lifecycles. They have a proven track record of moving organizations from a technology-first to a user-first culture, quantifying the impact of design on mission readiness, and navigating complex bureaucratic environments to achieve seamless, end-to-end digital journeys.
Key Skills and Abilities
Strategic UX Leadership and Operationalization: Ability to develop, integrate, and operationalize an enterprise-wide UX strategy aligned with Department of the Air Force digital transformation goals. This includes the establishment of measurable UX milestones, maturity models, and assessment frameworks that link user satisfaction directly to operational efficiency and lethal readiness.
Governance and Policy Excellence: Comprehensive knowledge of policy formulation processes with the ability to draft, coordinate, and publish authoritative UX guidance, design standards, and accessibility policies. Skill in ensuring these policies are consistent with Higher Headquarters (HHQ) directives while remaining flexible enough to adapt to the fast-paced evolution of ET.
Complex Analysis and Decision Support: Skill in conducting high-level meta-analysis of digital ecosystems to identify systemic friction points. Ability to distill complex qualitative and quantitative data into senior-leader decision support products-such as executive summaries and courses of action-that justify investments in user-centric infrastructure and process improvements.
Strategic Influence & Cross-Functional Leadership: Expert ability to champion DAF UX interests by leveraging the DAF IT Pulse Survey and 688th UX program dashboards to identify pain points and drive strategic improvements. Proven skill in building consensus among Program Managers and technical stakeholders, negotiating outcomes that prioritize the "Airman/Guardian Experience," and influencing policy decisions across siloed organizational boundaries.
Data-Driven Performance Management: Skill in designing and applying sophisticated performance measures, including Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), Measures of Effectiveness (MOEs), and Measures of Performance (MOPs) specific to the digital experience. Ability to build longitudinal assessment plans that use data-driven approaches to monitor progress, identify gaps in user journeys, and recommend corrective actions.
Executive Communication & Briefing: Mastery in translating complex design, business cases, and technical concepts into high-impact narratives for large audiences and senior leadership. Highly proficient in authoring executive-level strategy documents, policy memoranda, and staff packages that clearly articulate the "human element" of technology in terms that resonate with both military and civilian senior executives.
Males must be registered for Selective Service, see www.sss.gov
Disclosure of Political Appointments
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 Critical-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.
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.
HQEs contribute in a variety of occupational fields, such as soft and hard sciences, engineering, technology, human resources, business, transformation, education, medicine, languages, and logistics.
HQEs may be hired to mentor, lead, oversee, direct, manage, and or consult on DoD programs and initiatives, including high profile and fast track assignments.
HQEs serve at the pleasure of the Appointing Official and may be terminated at any time. When practicable, they should be given no less than 3-days' advance notice. Additional requirements include: executive-level experience in IT/ET architecture concepts and program management to include emerging technologies not currently in use within the DoD; a high level of personal initiative, creative problem solving skills, and innovative thought; and the
ability to present and defend independent positions at the highest levels of government.
Education
Basic Requirements
This standard allows eligibility through meeting either the requirements specified in the section titled Education or the requirements specified in the section titled Experience.
Education: All academic degrees and coursework must be from accredited or pre-accredited institutions
Undergraduate or Graduate Education: Degree in computer science, engineering, information science, information systems management, mathematics, operations research, statistics, or technology management or degree that provided a minimum of 24 semester hours in one or more of the fields identified above and required the development or adaptation of applications, systems or networks
Additional information
Direct Deposit: All federal employees are required to have direct deposit.
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.
Resume-based Hiring Method will be used for this recruitment.A well-written 2-Page resume for this announcement should demonstrate the knowledge and experience listed in the duties section of the vacancy announcement. Applications will be evaluated against the position's requirements. Failure to meet the position duties and qualifications will eliminate a candidate from further consideration.
REMINDER: Before uploading your required PDF documents (Resume), please ensure they DO NOT EXCEED the noted page limits.
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.
A complete application includes the items specified below. If you do not provide all required information, as specified in this announcement, you may not be considered for this position or may not receive the special consideration for which you may be eligible.
APPLICATION DOCUMENTS: Some documents may not apply to all applicants. Please carefully review for applicability. Do not combine documents. Upload documents in pdf format.
1. Resume (Required):PLEASEDO NOT USE USAJOBS RESUME BUILDER. Your resume must be 2 pages in length (or less), type written, and formatted using 1-inch margins, no smaller than 10-font, and uploaded as a pdf. Do not include borders, photos, or your social security number.
2. Notification of Personnel Action, SF-50 (As applicable): Noting your current position, grade level and salary level (applies only to current or former civilian government employee).
3. Statement of Service/DD-214 (As applicable): Active Duty/Retired Service Members must submit a DD-214 or statement of service printed on command letterhead and signed by the command. The statement of service must provide the branch of service, rate/rank, all dates of service, the expected date of discharge and anticipated character of service (Honorable, General, etc.).
4. Performance Appraisal (Optional): Applicants are encouraged to provide their most recent performance appraisal or equivalent performance evaluation document.
5. College transcript(s) (As applicable): Applicants must provide transcript(s) which demonstrate the acceptable combinations of education and experience as noted by OPM (if applicable). A copy is acceptable.
6. License(s) or certification(s) (As applicable): Applicants must provide copies of any licenses, certifications, or professional credentials required by the position (e.g. Bar membership, medical license, CPA certification, DAWIA certification, etc.) with their application.
* Applicants are responsible forproviding documentation that supports the eligibility and qualification claims made in their resume and/or assessment questionnaire. Applicants must submit the applicable documents listed here and those listed with the eligibilities selected in the announcement questionnaire with the application package. Applicants who do not provide supporting documentation that fully support their claims will not be referred to the hiring manager.
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 04/21/2026.
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 5 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 (MRL2026-00359) 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)
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 brian.bobo@us.af.mil
AF Senior Executive Management
1040 Air Force Pentagon Room 4D
Washington, DC 20330
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.
A complete application includes the items specified below. If you do not provide all required information, as specified in this announcement, you may not be considered for this position or may not receive the special consideration for which you may be eligible.
APPLICATION DOCUMENTS: Some documents may not apply to all applicants. Please carefully review for applicability. Do not combine documents. Upload documents in pdf format.
1. Resume (Required):PLEASEDO NOT USE USAJOBS RESUME BUILDER. Your resume must be 2 pages in length (or less), type written, and formatted using 1-inch margins, no smaller than 10-font, and uploaded as a pdf. Do not include borders, photos, or your social security number.
2. Notification of Personnel Action, SF-50 (As applicable): Noting your current position, grade level and salary level (applies only to current or former civilian government employee).
3. Statement of Service/DD-214 (As applicable): Active Duty/Retired Service Members must submit a DD-214 or statement of service printed on command letterhead and signed by the command. The statement of service must provide the branch of service, rate/rank, all dates of service, the expected date of discharge and anticipated character of service (Honorable, General, etc.).
4. Performance Appraisal (Optional): Applicants are encouraged to provide their most recent performance appraisal or equivalent performance evaluation document.
5. College transcript(s) (As applicable): Applicants must provide transcript(s) which demonstrate the acceptable combinations of education and experience as noted by OPM (if applicable). A copy is acceptable.
6. License(s) or certification(s) (As applicable): Applicants must provide copies of any licenses, certifications, or professional credentials required by the position (e.g. Bar membership, medical license, CPA certification, DAWIA certification, etc.) with their application.
* Applicants are responsible forproviding documentation that supports the eligibility and qualification claims made in their resume and/or assessment questionnaire. Applicants must submit the applicable documents listed here and those listed with the eligibilities selected in the announcement questionnaire with the application package. Applicants who do not provide supporting documentation that fully support their claims will not be referred to the hiring manager.
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 04/21/2026.
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 5 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 (MRL2026-00359) 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)
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 brian.bobo@us.af.mil
AF Senior Executive Management
1040 Air Force Pentagon Room 4D
Washington, DC 20330
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.
