Summary
This leadership position is essential for providing global capabilities that support national, strategic, operational, and tactical requirements. The Director influences national policy, manages the Planning, Programming, Budgeting, and Execution (PPBE) process for training, and serves as a primary advocate for Command priorities. Additionally, the Director advises the Commander on highly complex issues and provides expert preparation for Congressional testimony.
Duties
The Director of Joint Exercises, Training, and Assessments is a critical leadership position supporting the USSTRATCOM Commander and the Department of War (DoW). Acting as the primary representative to the Joint Staff, Office of the Secretary of War (OSW), other Combatant Commands, and Allied partners, the Director shapes national policy and ensures Command alignment with higher-echelon directives. They routinely coordinate with senior military and civilian leaders to advocate for USSTRATCOM requirements, provide expert counsel for Congressional testimony, and foster globally integrated operations. A central operational responsibility is the planning and execution of premier Tier 1 exercises, such as GLOBAL THUNDER and GLOBAL LIGHTNING, alongside vital Nuclear Command and Control (NC2) training programs. By managing the USSTRATCOM Wargame Center, the Director provides advanced analytical environments that refine cognitive problem-solving, reduce complexity, and enhance readiness across strategic deterrence, space, cyber, and missile defense missions. To inform leadership and shape future strategy, the Director leads comprehensive mission area assessments. This includes evaluating the Risk of Strategic Deterrence Failure (RoSDF) and measuring progress against the National Military Strategy and global campaign plans. These independent assessments generate critical insights for the J3, J5, and J8 directorates, directly influencing operational decisions, strategic investments, and 4-star input to the DoW. Beyond operational and assessment duties, the Director exercises full executive authority over personnel and resource management. They are responsible for recruiting, developing, and leading a diverse workforce while resolving complex issues across organizational lines. Furthermore, the Director provides rigorous fiscal oversight of the multi-million dollar Joint Training, Exercise, and Evaluation (JTEEP) budget, utilizing the PPBE process to ensure optimal resource allocation and mission effectiveness.
Education
Bachelor's degree from an accredited college/university is desired.
How you will be evaluated
Once the application process is complete, a review of your resume and supporting documentation will be conducted. If you meet minimum qualifications, your Application Package will be further reviewed to determine if you possess the Executive Core Qualifications (ECQ) and Technical Qualifications (TQ) listed above. ECQs and TQs must be thoroughly addressed within your two (2) page resume. Separate narratives will not be accepted or reviewed. Applicants will be evaluated against the qualifications requirements by a screening panel composed of senior executives and/or general officers selected for organizational and/or functional backgrounds relevant to this position. Highly Qualified applicants may undergo one or more interviews and may be referred to the selecting official for further consideration. Final selection is contingent on approval by the Under Secretary of the Air Force. Upon selection, if not already a member of the SES serving under a career appointment, the selected candidate must have his/her executive qualifications certified by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualifications Review Board (QRB) prior to appointment. The selected candidate's application will be forwarded to OPM for review and certification by the QRB, unless the selectee provides evidence of their noncompetitive status (i.e., a current SES, OPM QRB certified SESCDP graduate, or SES reinstatement eligible). Once QRB certified, the selected candidates will be required to serve a one-year probationary period. For more information regarding the SES, please visit: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/senior-executive-service/.