Contracts Division Chief, S89

Air Force STEM$100K — $130K *
Aerospace & Defense
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 5-7 years of experience in systems acquisition and contracting
  • Advanced degree in relevant field preferred
  • Proven experience in leading senior acquisition teams
  • Exceptional communication skills for executive-level discussions
  • Expertise in managing multi-million-dollar acquisition portfolios
  • Strong understanding of national security objectives and defense operations

Responsibilities

  • Direct and develop acquisition strategies for complex space operations
  • Mentor and supervise senior acquisition professionals within the division
  • Lead innovative solutions to unprecedented acquisition challenges
  • Communicate complex acquisition issues to executive leadership
  • Manage division resources and optimize workflows for efficiency
  • Align acquisition strategies with U.S. national defense objectives

Benefits

  • Comprehensive federal benefits package
  • Opportunities for situational telework
  • Access to training and career advancement resources
  • Potential for relocation assistance
  • Eligibility for disabled veteran leave if applicable
Full Job Description
Summary

Do not email application. To submit your resume for this Direct Hire opportunity click here.

For additional information on other USSF direct hire opportunities visit the
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Duties

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The United States Space Force (USSF) at Vandenberg SFB, Lompac, CA is searching for a Contracts Division Chief to support S89 (NH-1101-04, GS-14/15 equivalent).

Description:

United States Space Forces-Space (S4S) at Vandenberg Space Force Base (VSFB), CA is searching for a well-qualified candidate to fill the Senior Technical Advisor for Space Operations position for 3-star Headquarters staff and combat deltas. Come join our amazing team as we Protect, Defend, Deliver, and Connect together!

There's a reason Vandenberg Space Force Base is a desirable assignment for many in the space industry. The Central Coast of California offers a unique blend of opportunities and lifestyle, including stunning Pacific Ocean views, access to world-class vineyards and agriculture, a moderate climate, and a close-knit community rooted in space exploration and innovation. While not as bustling as major metropolitan areas, the region provides a relaxed pace of life with access to outdoor activities like cycling, surfing, hiking, and exploring the California coastline.

IdealCandidate:

Contracts Division Chief serves as the senior technical authority and executive leader for the division. This position directs, develops, and implements enterprise-level acquisition strategies, governing multi-million-dollar portfolios to deliver critical space operations capabilities. The incumbent operates with exceptional autonomy to drive innovation, establish precedent-setting policies, and provide the full range of supervision to senior division personnel. Position involves 51% or more of time in direct support of acquisition positions.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

1. Expert Knowledge: Mastery of the laws, principles, policies, and practices of systems acquisition, contracting, and program management to direct an enterprise-level portfolio of highly complex, unprecedented, and high-visibility programs.

2. Supervisory Skill: Mastery of leadership principles with demonstrated skill in supervising a team of senior acquisition professionals (NH-03 equivalent), including the ability to direct, mentor, and appraise performance to achieve overarching strategic goals.

3. Executive Communication: Exceptional ability to serve as a senior-level advisor, effectively communicating highly complex acquisition issues, negotiating consensus, and defending strategies to executive-level leadership (GO/SES) and external stakeholders.

4. Strategic Problem Solving: Proven ability to pioneer, implement, and lead innovative, precedent-setting acquisition solutions and policies for unusual challenges that significantly impact the operational baseline and national security missions.

5. Resource Management: Skill in strategic planning to direct the work of a division, exercising exceptional autonomy to manage critical resources, optimize operational workflows, and resolve severe systemic risks.

6. Mission Alignment: Comprehensive knowledge of the strategic mission, roles, functions, and organizational structures of USSPACECOM, DoW, and key allied partners to ensure acquisition strategies seamlessly integrate with national defense objectives.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

  • U.S. Citizenship Required
  • This is a Centrally Managed position, relocation is authorized.
  • Must be able to obtain and maintain Top-Secret security clearance.
  • Required to handle and safeguard sensitive and classified information in accordance with regulations to reduce potential compromise.
  • May be required travel away from the normal duty station on military or commercial aircraft.
  • May be required to work overtime on an unscheduled or emergency basis.
  • Eligible for situational telework only, including Emergency and OPM prescribed "Unscheduled Telework".
  • Employee must within 30-days of assuming this position and by 31 October annually, thereafter, file an OGE-450, "Confidential Financial Disclosure Report.
  • This position has been designated for drug testing. Incumbent is subject to random urinalysis testing as a condition of employment.
  • This position is designated as Key/Emergency Essential.
  • Subject to Temporary Duty Assignment (TDY): Approximately 40 days per year.


Qualifications

The 1101 series does not have an individual occupational requirement that must be met. You can view the experience level requirements here. Please scroll down to the 3rd section titled Administrative and Management Positions.

Additional information

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.

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.

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Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

Benefits

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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

Review our benefits

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

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