Deputy Director, Plans and Programs Directorate

The United States Space Force (USSF) Headquarters Space Force Command (HQSF) Plans and Programs Directorate (S8P) at The Pentagon is searching for a Deputy Director (NH-0343-04, GS 14/15 equivalent).

Description:

As the Deputy Director for the Plans and Programs Directorate (S8P), you will hold a key leadership position within HQ USSF/S5/8, responsible for developing the future years resource plan and budget request for all research, development, test, and evaluation; procurement; manpower; MILCON; and operations and sustainment funding. In close partnership with the Director, you will focus on executing the USSF corporate process, associated budget programming, and necessary planning for the Service budget across all aspects of appropriations. This pivotal role shapes future investments and involves working closely across all S8 divisions, the Space Warfinghting Analysis Center, OSW entities, and counterpart offices in the United States Air Force to ensure investments appropriately account for current requirements, joint mission needs, and future warfighting capabilities of the DAF. As a Subject Matter Expert, you will be the focal point for engagement and coordination with S5/8 USSF, DAF leadership, the Office of the Secretary of War, Combatant Commands, and Legislative Liaisons to outline and execute the USSF’s investment priorities on behalf of the Secretary of the Air Force and Chief of Space Operations.

The ideal candidate is a seasoned professional with significant experience in Department of War (DoW) operations, planning, acquisitions, budgeting, or staff roles, with a strong preference for a background in space operations. This individual must be highly well-versed in the DoW Planning, Programming, Budgeting, and Execution (PPBE) process, bringing proven expertise in critically analyzing operational risk, capability development, long-range planning, forecasting, and overall force readiness. As a capable leader and manager equipped to establish office processes, supervise teams, and direct complex tasks, the candidate must possess highly effective oral and written communication skills essential for presenting technical budget and program data to senior-level leadership. Furthermore, the preferred candidate will hold a Master’s degree and demonstrate strong technical proficiency, including comfort with database tools, software applications, and a working knowledge of planning and analysis programs.

Key Skills and Abilities:

1. Mastery knowledge of the relationship of the various Space Force, Air Force, and OSD entities involved in overall planning and execution of the Space Force budget.

2. Extensive knowledge in leading, defining, managing, and integrating efforts of several groups or teams.

3. In-depth knowledge of Planning, Programming, and Budget Execution (PPBE) processes and of the DoD acquisition processes.

4. Skill in development and fostering development of others by providing guidance or sharing expertise.

5. Skill in defining and establishing organizational focus with challenging and highly complex project/programs and to identify and optimize resources. to accomplish multiple projects/programs goals.

6. Skill in presenting briefings and advocating to senior leaders to obtain consensus/approval on issues of varying complexity and to present organizational briefings to convey strategic vision or organizational policies.

7. Ability to lead and guide others in formulating and execution team plans, achieving organizational goals, to participate on high-level teams, solve broad organizational issues and implements strategic plans within and across organizational components.

8. Ability to work with senior management to establish new fundamental concepts and criteria and stimulate the development of new policies, methodologies, and techniques.

9. Ability to anticipate problems, develop sound solutions and action plans toward program/mission accomplishment.

10. Ability to assess and provide strategic direction for resolution of mission critical problems, policies, and procedures.

Requirements:

1. Must be a U.S. Citizen.

2. Must be able to obtain and maintain a Top-Secret security clearance with SCI access.

3. This is a drug testing designated position. The incumbent is subject to pre-employment drug testing as a condition of employment, and participation in random drug testing.

4. Required to handle and safeguard sensitive and/or classified information in accordance with regulations to reduce potential compromise.

5. Eligible for situational telework only, including Emergency and OPM prescribed “Unscheduled Telework”.

6. May be required to work overtime on an unscheduled or emergency basis.

7. Subject to Temporary Duty Assignment (TDY): Approximately 15 days per year.

8. PCS is authorized. Incentive is not authorized.

9. This position will close after 5 business days or 75 applications (whichever comes first).

Organization:

The United States Space Force (USSF) is a military service that organizes, trains, and equips military members and civilians to protect U.S. and allied interests in space and provide space capabilities to the joint force. USSF responsibilities include developing Guardians, acquiring military space systems, maturing the military doctrine for space power, and organizing space forces to present to our Combatant Commands (CCMDs).

The strategic importance of space can’t be overstated. Political and humanitarian interests as well as commercial concerns vital to the world economy all rely on space-based systems. Launched in 2019 as the nation’s sixth and newest military branch, the USSF was created to protect the interests and assets of America and its allies in this heavily contested realm. The Department of War relies on satellites and advanced space-based technology for secure communications, navigation, real-time reconnaissance, precision targeting on the battlefield, early warning of potential missile launches, and even weather forecasting. Guardians and civilians of the USSF are challenged every day to reach new heights in protecting and amplifying these space-based capabilities and defending our way of life by maintaining our edge in space.

The Space Force wants to attract talent with the character and potential to excel, empower them with information and choices, and develop them in line with their desires and the Space Force’s needs to create a high-performing organization necessary to secure and defend space.