Division Chief, Mission Support Division

OPEN TO DEPT OF AIR FORCE (DAF) CIVILIAN EMPLOYEES ONLY

This announcement will be accepting candidate submissions until 11:45 PM EST, 14 August 2026.

The Mission Support Division (RAY) Chief serves as a senior leader responsible for directing, planning, and executing a diverse portfolio of programs and operations that provide critical support to the Air Warfare Directorate. RAY ensures the foundational stability and operational success of research endeavors through its four branches: Research Operations, Infrastructure Engineering, Protection, and Business and Research Support.

This position provides executive-level oversight across these multiple functional areas and ensures alignment with organizational priorities, mission objectives, and statutory requirements. The incumbent leads a multidisciplinary workforce and collaborates with internal and external stakeholders to deliver high-impact results that enable the directorate's research and development mission.

Major Duties Include, But Not Limited To

• Provide strategic leadership, vision, and direction for a division responsible for ensuring mission execution and organizational effectiveness.
• Oversee the development, implementation, and evaluation of policies, programs, and initiatives that support enterprise goals.
• Lead and manage a diverse team of supervisors, specialists, analysts, and technical experts; establish contribution expectations and foster a culture of accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Allocate resources, manage budgets, and ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and organizational standards.
• Identify risks, assess impacts, and implement mitigation strategies to ensure operational resilience and mission continuity.
• Drive data-informed decision-making and champion process improvements to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.
• Oversee development of long-range plans, strategic roadmaps, and workforce strategies to meet emerging mission needs.
• Foster a culture of technical excellence and continuous learning to build, grow, and maintain the deep, multi-disciplinary expertise essential for a premier lab mission.

• US Citizenship.
• Must possess a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited academic institution.
• Must have at least one year of specialized experience at the GS-13/DO-02/DR-02 or equivalent grade level. Specialized experience is experience in working independently, leading multi-functional teams, leading multi-agency collaboration, working in teams and using these approaches to find and solve complex problems, briefing large groups, leading process improvement, and developing long-term strategies.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a Top Secret security clearance.
• This position is an Acquisition Professional Development Program (APDP) position requiring Level II Non-Critical certification in Science and Technology Management (STM). The selectee will have 24 months to meet APDP requirements or a waiver must be obtained. Applicants for this position must list any acquisition certifications and status as an acquisition corps member in their resume.

• Master’s Degree is preferred.
• At least one year of prior supervisory experience.
• Experience working with the Department of Defense research community.
• Ability to cultivate and sustain a professional environment of cooperation, cohesion, and teamwork.

Yes, this position is eligible for situational telework; as determined by agency policy

Eligible for a Referral Bonus?

No

Series

08XX

1101

Other

Additional Information

Requisition Number 82463

Posting End Date

08/14/2026