Deputy Assistant Secretary for Special Programs
What you'd do
Click on "Learn more about this agency" button below for IMPORTANT additional information. This role is responsible for the planning, development, coordination, and direction of all Special Access Program activities associated with the Department of the Air Force to include budget formulation, justification, and execution Air Force-wide.
Major duties
Architects a Dual Financial Ecosystem: Orchestrates a sophisticated financial enterprise that operates in both standard and compartmented environments. Designs and governs unique, often non-standard, accounting and funding frameworks specifically for classified activities, ensuring these bespoke systems provide absolute discretion and auditability while seamlessly integrating with the DAF's overall financial structure. Drives Secure Financial Innovation for Mission Assurance: Champions the development of agile and resilient financial systems capable of operating within highly secure and often disconnected environments. As the designated Accounting and Finance Officer (AFO) for Special Programs, engineers and directs clandestine funding and disbursement channels which protect operational security and provide the mission-critical resources required for strategic deterrence and technological superiority. Cultivates an Elite Cadre of Cleared Financial Experts: Leads a highly vetted organization of military, civilian, and contractor personnel, setting the standard for excellence in classified financial management. Oversees a leadership pipeline entrusted with the nation's most sensitive fiscal information, ensuring they possess the unique skills and unwavering integrity required to operate in a high-stakes, zero-fail environment. Forges a Unified and Resilient Special Programs Team: Builds a cohesive, high-impact culture that thrives on complexity and discretion. Optimizes the team's structure and capabilities to ensure the execution of unconventional financial operations, unifying diverse experts toward the common goal of protecting and enabling the DOW's most vital secrets. Serves as the Trusted Insider and Senior Counsel on Classified Resourcing: Acts as the principal financial advisor to DAF's top leadership on the resourcing of all classified and Special Access Programs. Provides expert guidance critical in shaping strategic decisions on sensitive capabilities, ensuring that financial realities and opportunities are fully considered in the nation's most secret defense plans. Defends Sensitive Programs at the Highest Levels of Government: Represents and justifies the unique fiscal requirements of the special programs portfolio before select committees in Congress, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), and the Office of the Secretary of War. Leverages deep subject matter expertise and established trust to navigate classified budgetary debates and secure the protected funding essential for maintaining a decisive strategic advantage.
What you need to qualify
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. Candidates will not be hired based on their race, sex, color, religion, or national origin. In accordance with new OPM requirements to streamline Senior Executive Service (SES) hiring, applicants are no longer required to submit lengthy narrative essays, including those for Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) or Mandatory Technical Qualifications (TQs), when applying. Instead, the initial application will be resume-only, capped at two pages. This change streamlines the application process and more closely aligns with private industry practices. Applicants identified for potential selection will have their ECQs assessed by undergoing a structured interview with the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualifications Review Board (QRB). To meet the minimum qualification requirements for this position, you must show that you possess the Executive Core Qualifications (ECQ) and Technical Qualifications (TQ) related to this position within your resume (not to exceed 2 pages). Resumes over the 2-page limit will be disqualified. Your resume should include examples of experience, education, and accomplishments applicable to the qualification(s). If your resume does not reflect demonstrated evidence of the ECQs and TQs, you may not receive further consideration for the position. This is a Financial Management Level 3 Certified position IAW the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) 2012, Public Law 112-81, Subtitle F-Financial Management, Section 1599d. Incumbent shall comply with the requirements of this certification program. The incumbent must have DAWIA Level III certification in Business-Financial Management or be able to obtain within 24 months. Ten years of acquisition experience or equivalent, four of which were in a Critical Acquisition Position or equivalent is highly desired. This is a Key Leadership Position (KLP), which carries significant responsibility, primarily involving supervisory or managerial duties in acquisition. A 3-year tenure agreement is required for the position. Please indicate in your resume the level and source of certification or eligibility for certification. Mission Essential: This is a Mission Essential (ME) Position. The position performs Mission Essential Functions (MEFs) of which certain MEFs must continue [uninterrupted or resumed during the first 12 hours] after the occurrence of an emergency and continued through full resumption of all functions IAW, DoDI 3020-42, Defense Continuity Plan Development, dated February 17, 2006, certified current as of April 27, 2011 TECHNICAL QUALIFICATIONS (TQs): Your resume should demonstrate accomplishments that satisfy the technical qualifications. TQ1. Demonstrated expert knowledge and experience in the Department of War corporate PPBE process regarding financial management matters related to operating, developing, acquiring & sustaining weapon systems. Demonstrated mastery as a key financial advisor to executive leadership on the resourcing of critical capabilities. Proven success representing and justifying multi-billion dollar defense congressional committees, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), and senior defense officials. Expert capability in navigating complex, high-stakes budget negotiations to secure and protect critical funding for strategic national security assets. TQ2. Demonstrated ability to govern and direct financial ecosystems operating across standard and complex environments. Proven expertise in designing and supporting accounting and funding frameworks. The ideal candidate will have experience with financial policy and systems that support Special Access Programs (SAPs) and intelligence portfolios, maintaining strict operational security and auditability standards. EXECUTIVE CORE QUALIFICATIONS (ECQs): All new appointees to the Senior Executive Service (SES) under a career appointment will be assessed for executive competency against the five mandatory ECQs: ECQ 1. Commitment to the Rule of Law and the Principles of the American Founding: Demonstrated knowledge of the American system of government, commitment to uphold the Constitution and the rule of law, and commitment to serve the American people. ECQ 2. Driving Efficiency: Demonstrated ability to strategically and efficiently manage resources, budget effectively, cut wasteful spending, and pursue efficiency through process and technological upgrades. ECQ 3. Merit and Competence: Demonstrated knowledge, ability, and technical competence to effectively and reliably produce work that is of exceptional quality. ECQ 4. Leading People: Demonstrated ability to lead and inspire a group toward meeting the organization's vision, mission, and goals, and to drive a high-performance, high-accountability culture. This includes, when necessary, the ability to lead people through change and to hold individuals accountable. ECQ 5. Achieving Results: Demonstrated ability to achieve both individual and organizational results, and to align results to stated goals from superiors Please note: If you are a member of the SES or have been certified through successful participation in an OPM approved SES Candidate Development Program, or have SES reinstatement eligibility, you must attach proof (e.g., SF-50 or Certification by OPM's SES Qualifications Review Board) of your eligibility for noncompetitive appointment to the SES.C. JOINT DUTY ASSIGNMENT REQUIREMENT: Joint IC Duty certification is a prerequisite for appointment to senior executive, senior professional, and DCIPS positions classified above GG grade 15. NOTE: Applicants without Joint Duty Credit are still highly encouraged to apply for the position and this requirement can be waived. Candidates for this position will be reviewed for receipt of joint duty credit. You must provide evidence of having obtained joint duty credit by submitting a previously approved Joint Duty Claim Form(s) or by requesting approval of a joint duty claim by submitting the Joint Duty Claim Form with supporting documentation. Your claim will be reviewed, approved/disapproved and returned to you. Information, to include forms and instructions on joint duty can be found on the JDA website by clicking the link below. JDA Website and from: https://www.dni.gov/index.php/careers/joint-duty.
Before you apply
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