Summary Click on "Learn more about this agency" button below to view Eligibilities being considered and other IMPORTANT information.
The primary purpose of this position is to serve as a senior technical authority and policy expert responsible for planning, developing, formulating, evaluating, and advocating enterprise-wide civilian personnel policies, directives, and legislative proposals governing Department of the Air Force (DAF)civilian employees across the total human capital lifecycle. Duties Are you a visionary Human Resources leader ready to architect personnel policy for a global workforce of over 170,000 civilian personnel?
The Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Manpower and Reserve Affairs (SAF/MR) is standing up and scaling a transformed Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Civilian Force Management (MRC). As a senior technical authority and policy expert, you will be responsible for planning, developing, formulating, evaluating, and advocating enterprise-wide civilian personnel policies, directives, and legislative proposals governing Department of the Air Force (DAF) civilian employees across the total human capital lifecycle.
If you are an agile, forward-thinking professional eager to help build organizational capability from the ground up, modernize enterprise-wide talent governance, and impact landmark civil service initiatives, we want you on our team!
- Formulates, develops, and coordinates Department of the Air Force civilian human capital policies and regulatory guidance across the full human resources lifecycle
- Analyzes legislative proposals, evaluates statutory authorities, and advocates DAF civilian workforce equities across interagency and defense governance forums
- Conducts policy oversight, programmatic compliance reviews, and strategic advisory services
- Leads special policy initiatives, complex workforce modernization projects, and executive deliverables
Qualifications
In order to qualify, you must meet the specialized experience requirements described in the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards for General Schedule Positions, Administrative and Management Positions, 0201 Series.
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Applicants must have at least one (1) year of specialized experience at the next lower grade GS-13 or equivalent in other pay systems. Examples of specialized experience include mastery of, and skill in applying, advanced HRM principles, concepts, laws, regulations, and practices, analytical methods, and seasoned consultative techniques to develop, implement, and evaluate Headquarters-level strategic plans, policies, and program directives. Mastery-level knowledge of federal and defense-wide personnel management systems based on Title 5 and Title 10, U.S.C., Executive Orders, OPM guidelines, and DoD Issuances to resolve critical enterprise human capital challenges not susceptible to treatment by standard methods. Mastery-level knowledge of research methodology to design, plan, and conduct comprehensive, enterprise-wide human capital studies and workforce compliance audits. Consultative and advisory skills to brief, advise, and influence senior leaders at all levels, to include Secretariat executives, General Officers, and Senior Executive Service (SES) members, on highly complex, sensitive, and controversial policy issues. Highly developed skill in technical and executive writing to author binding Department of the Air Force Instructions (DAFIs), secretariat policy memorandums, official statements of administration policy, legislative appeals, and congressional responses that present complex, sensitive legal and regulatory justifications clearly to diverse audiences.
FEDERAL TIME-IN-GRADE (TIG) REQUIREMENT FOR GENERAL SCHEDULE (GS) POSITIONS: Merit promotion applicants must meet applicable time-inÂ-grade requirements to be considered eligible. One year at the GS-13 level is required to meet the time-in-grade requirements for the GS-14 level. TIG applies if you are in a current GS position or held a GS position within the previous 52 weeks. NOTE: Applicants applying as VEOA candidates who are current GS civil service employees or are prior GS civil service employees within the past 52 weeks must also meet time-in-grade requirements.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs): Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas:
- Knowledge of the broad spectrum of federal civilian human resources laws, statutes (Title 5 and Title 10, U.S.C.), Executive Orders, Code of Federal Regulations, OPM guidelines, and DoD/DAF personnel policies across multiple HR functional lifecycle areas
- Knowledge of headquarters-level strategic planning, policy development, communications, and resourcing processes within the Department of War (DoW), Department of the Air Force (DAF), and executive/legislative branches
- Skill in applying qualitative and quantitative program evaluation methods, civilian workforce analytics, and compliance frameworks to assess policy execution and identify systemic issues; Skill in independent project management, critical thinking, action officer execution, and high-level technical writing to produce complex deliverables under tight timelines
- Skill in establishing collaborative working relationships and negotiating complex, precedent-setting policy positions with senior leaders, interagency counterparts, and labor organizations
- Ability to research, analyze, and synthesize large volumes of complex, ambiguous data to formulate innovative, enterprise-wide civilian human capital policies and legislative proposals; Ability to adapt and pivot strategically to meet rapid, emerging, and evolving program requirements and national defense missions with minimal sacrifice to work quality.
- Ability to communicate clearly, concisely, and persuasively, both orally and in writing, to draft definitive regulatory issuances, congressional responses, and policy analyses, and to deliver authoritative briefings to executive-level civilian and military leadership
PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE: Credit will be given for appropriate unpaid and or part-time work. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week.
VOLUNTEER WORK EXPERIENCE: Refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service Programs (i.e., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student and social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge and skills that can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Education
********************ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FOR ACTIVE DUTY SERVICES MEMBERS********************
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 (honorable or general) 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.How you will be evaluated You will be evaluated based on how well you meet the qualifications listed in this vacancy announcement. Your qualifications will be evaluated based on your application materials (e.g., resume, supporting documents), your responses on the application questionnaire, and your responses to all assessments required for this position.
You will be assessed on the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics):
- Decision Making (Occupational Judgment Assessment (G2))
- Reasoning (Occupational Reasoning Assessment)
- Reading (Occupational Reading Assessment)
- Interpersonal Skills (Occupational Interaction Assessment)
The resume/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. Cheating on an assessment may also result in your removal from consideration.
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.
APPRAISALS/AWARDS: Hiring Managers use objective methods and consider previous performance appraisals and awards in the selection process. Current Federal Civilian employees should list any relevant performance related rating and/or awards in your resume.
BASIS OF RATING: The assessments for this job will also measure
- Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSA) as listed under Qualifications
Your application will be rated under the Cut Point procedures based on the extent to which the quality, depth, and complexity of your experience and education relate to the qualification requirements. Additional points are not added for Veteran's Preference; however, Veteran's Preference is considered where applicable.
Best Qualified Group: Candidates in this category possess exceptional skills and experience to exceed well above the minimum requirements.
Fully Qualified Group: Candidates in this category possess good skills and experience above the minimum requirements.
Basically Qualified Group: Candidates in this category meet the minimum education and/or experience requirements.
To be considered for this position, you must complete all required steps in the process. In addition to the application and application questionnaire, this position requires an online assessment. The online assessment measures critical general competencies required to perform the job.
Overstating your qualifications and/or experience in your application materials or application questionnaire may result in your removal from consideration. Cheating on the assessment may also result in your removal from consideration.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
OPTIONAL DOCUMENTS:
Performance Appraisals for Current Federal Civilian Employees - Most recent performance appraisals (dated within last 3 years) showing the official rating of record signed by a supervisor.
Awards for Current Federal Civilian employees - List any awards received within the last 3 years on the resume.
Note: Applicant must not submit award Notification of Personnel Actions (SF50s). How to apply Please read the entire announcement and all instructions before starting the application. To apply and be considered for this position, you must complete all required questionnaires, assessments and submit all required documentation as specified in the How to Apply and Required Documents section. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 11/17/2026, closing date of the announcement to receive consideration. The application process is as follows:
To preview the Application Questionnaire, please click the following link: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13112244
- Click the Apply Online button.
- Answer the questions presented in the application and attach all necessary supporting documentation.
- Click the Submit Application button prior to 11:59PM (ET) on the announcement closing date, 11/17/2026.
- Your Resume. If you submit more than one resume, only the most recent will be reviewed. The "most recent" is considered the resume with the latest timestamp.
- Resumes may not exceed two pages. The two-page resume ensures the most relevant experience is reviewed and considered, which is a common practice in both the public and private sectors. Resumes exceeding two pages will be removed from consideration. Additional information on how to complete or update your resume may be located here.
- For qualification determination your resume 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 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.
- 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.
- A complete Application Questionnaire
- Additional Required Documents (see Required Documents section). Ensure all submitted documents contain your full name.
- 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
- If you are required to complete any USA Hire Assessments, you will be notified after submitting your application. The notification will be provided in your application submission screen and via email. The notification will include your unique assessment access link to the USA Hire system and the completion deadline. Additionally, in USAJOBs you can click "Track this application" to return to your assessment completion notice.
- Access USA Hire using your unique assessment link. Access is granted through your USAJOBS login credentials.
- Review all instructions prior to beginning your Assessments. You will have the opportunity to request a testing accommodation before beginning the assessments should you have a disability covered under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended.
- Set aside at least 3 hours to take the USA Hire assessments; however, most applicants complete the assessments in less time. If you need to stop the assessments and continue later, you can re-use your unique assessment link.
- Your responses to the USA Hire Assessments will be reused for one year (in most cases) from the date you complete an assessment. If future applications you submit require completion of the same assessments, your responses will be automatically reused.
Visit the USA Hire Applicant Resource Center for practice assessments and assessment preparation resources, click here.
To update your application, including supporting documentation: During the announcement open period, return to your USAJOBS account, find your application record, and click Edit my application. This option will no longer be available once the announcement has closed.
To view the announcement status or your application status: Click here. Your application status page is where you can view your application status, USA Hire assessment completion status, and review your notifications sent by the hiring agency regarding your application.
Human Resources WILL NOT modify or change any answers submitted by an applicant. Other information 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 well qualified or above for this position. 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.
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.
Military Spouse Preference (MSP) Eligible: MSP applicants, if determined best qualified, must be selected and placed at the highest grade for which they applied. You must include a completed copy of the DD Form 3145-4, Military Spouse PPP Self-Certification Checklist dated within 30 days along with the documents identified on the checklist to verify your eligibility for MSP. Click here to obtain/download a copy of the DD Form 3145-4, Military Spouse PPP Self-Certification Checklist.
Priority Placement Program (PPP) Applicant Eligible: PPP Applicants, if determined well qualified and selected, will be placed at the at the full performance level. You must include the applicable completed copy of the PPP Self-Certification Checklist dated within 30 days along with the documents identified on the checklist to verify your eligibility as a PPP Applicant. Click here to obtain/download a copy of the applicable PPP Self-Certification Checklist (DD3145-1 through DD3145-4, select the appropriate checklist for your claimed preference). To determine the applicable PPP Self-Certification Checklist required to substantiate the eligibilities you are claiming, refer to the AF Civilian Employment Eligibility Guide located in the Required Documents section of this vacancy announcement.
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.
