Director of Falcon Nexus

This is a civilian position that works for a 501(c)3 non-profit that supports the Air Force Academy. This position does not require military service or graduation from the United States Air Force Academy.

UNITED STATES AIR FORCE ACADEMY ASSOCIATION & FOUNDATION

The United States Air Force Academy Association & Foundation ('Association & Foundation') believe strongly that the United States Air Force Academy ('Academy') is a vital national resource, upholding the invaluable mission of developing leaders of character for our Air Force, Space Force and nation. The Association & Foundation have joined forces to accomplish their complementary missions to actively support these leaders as well as the Academy and its cadets.

The core values of the United States Air Force Academy are Integrity First, Service Before Self, and Excellence in All We Do. These same core values guide the Association & Foundation, as well as our boards and staff.

Association & Foundation ' Falcon Nexus (donation funded)

Falcon Nexus, a newly established, Bloomberg Philanthropies'funded initiative in close partnership with the United States Air Force Academy (USAFA).

Falcon Nexus is designed to identify and mentor high-performing, STEM-focused USAFA cadets across their full four-year curricular development. The initiative provides sustained, individualized guidance that integrates academic excellence, experiential learning, and professional formation, with particular emphasis on preparing cadets to compete for elite national and international scholarships and fellowships. Through this longitudinal model, Falcon Nexus strengthens pathways to advanced study and public service in areas critical to national security and technological innovation.

The Overview

The Association & Foundation seeks a qualified candidate for the full time, on-site position of Director of Falcon Nexus, who will report directly to the Graduate Studies Director. This is a donation funded position. The Director will be required to be on a Volunteer Services Agreement (VSA) with USAFA.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide overall leadership for Falcon Nexus, shaping strategic vision and translating that vision into executable programs and sustainable structures. To include providing direct supervision, mentorship, and performance evaluation for the Falcon Program Coordinator, ensuring alignment of day-to-day operations with the program's strategic vision and objectives.
• Lead the integration of Falcon Nexus into the academic and experiential fabric of the Academy, coordinating across academic departments and administrative units.
• Guide selection of high achieving cadets with a STEM-emphasis, and provide mentorship, and experiential learning opportunities, with particular emphasis on graduate studies, public service, and national security'relevant pathways.
• Work closely with the USAFA Martinson Honors Program and the USAFA Graduate Studies offices to ensure Falcon Nexus is fully integrated with honors education and graduate studies advising, including coordinated cadet identification, mentoring, and experiential programming.
• Develop and sustain external partnerships with industry, academia, philanthropic organizations, and national security stakeholders.
• Facilitate graduate level experiential learning.
• Oversee the Falcon Nexus Distinguished Mentorship Program, designed to connect USAFA cadets with external mentors to advance technical depth, research exposure, and professional development within their respective STEM subfields.
• Design and oversee immersive learning initiatives, including applied research, simulations, and other experiential programs aligned with contemporary national security challenges.
• Upon request teach courses within the Director's disciplinary expertise.
• Serve as the principal steward of the Bloomberg Philanthropies grant, ensuring programmatic coherence, accountability, and measurable impact.
  
  

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Demonstrated leadership experience in academic, research, policy, or applied national security environments
• Strong strategic, organizational, and communication skills
• An in-person work requirement
• Occasional travel may be required
• An ability to pass a DBIDS Background check which is required to maintain access to the Association & Foundation's principal offices on the Academy
  
  

Required Qualifications

• Master's degree in a relevant field (e.g., national security, public policy, STEM discipline, or related area)
• Two or more years instructing or advising students at the college or university setting
• Two or more years of demonstrated experience advising or mentoring students pursuing national or international post-collegiate scholarships
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Terminal degree in a relevant field (e.g., national security, public policy, STEM discipline, or related area)
• 2 plus years instructing or advising at USAFA or another Military Service Academy
• Experience working at the intersection of technology and national security
• Familiarity with higher education, service academies, or military institutions
• Experience mentoring high-performing students or early-career professionals
  
  

Compensation And Benefits

The salary range for this position is $95,000 - $115,000. A higher salary may be negotiable based on commensurate experience and qualifications. Relocation assistance is not provided for this position. The Association & Foundation offers a competitive benefits package for full-time employees including but not limited to:

• Medical/Dental/Vision
• 401(k) ' up to a 6% match
• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) policy
• 12 Holidays
• Employer Paid Life Insurance
• Free tickets to Air Force Basketball, Hockey etc.
• Gym access
  
  

This position will most likely be located in Fairchild Hall.

Initial funding is available for approximately three years. The Director will be required to be on a Volunteer Services Agreement (VSA) with USAFA.

Submission Instructions

Applicants must submit a cover letter and a resume to receive full consideration. The position will remain open until filled.