Lead Academic Excellence: Chief of Graduate Professional Education at Air University
Air University is seeking a visionary leader to serve as the Chief of Graduate Professional Education and Program Enhancement. This critical role sits at the heart of the intellectual development center for the U.S. Air and Space Forces. If you are an expert in instructional design, academic policy, and higher education accreditation, this is your opportunity to influence the training of future military leaders at the historic Maxwell Air Force Base.
Job Responsibilities
As the Chief, you will wear many hats, ranging from strategic policymaker to academic advisor. Your primary responsibilities include:
- Curriculum Oversight: Managing the integration of Learning Management Systems and instructional best practices across graduate programs.
- Accreditation and Compliance: Ensuring all academic programs meet strict regional and specialized standards.
- Policy Leadership: Drafting executive-level policy guidance and briefing senior military leaders on academic effectiveness.
- Innovation: Leading the integration of emerging technologies—such as Artificial Intelligence—into the curriculum to enhance learning outcomes.
Requirements
To be eligible for this position, candidates must meet the following criteria:
- Education: A Master’s degree from a regionally accredited institution is required. A Ph.D. or terminal degree is preferred.
- Experience: Demonstrated experience in higher education principles, academic program review, and instructional systems design.
- Compliance: The ability to navigate complex federal regulations and policies.
- Security: Must be eligible for a Secret security clearance.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Salary Range | $100,558 - $136,805 |
| Location | Maxwell AFB, Alabama |
| Appointment Type | 3-Year Term (renewable) |
| Security Clearance | Secret (Noncritical-Sensitive) |
Salary Overview
This position offers a competitive salary range of $100,558 to $136,805 annually, commensurate with your experience and qualifications.
Benefits
Working for the Department of the Air Force provides access to a robust federal benefits package, including health insurance, generous retirement plans, and paid federal holidays. Employees are encouraged to pursue continuous professional development to stay at the forefront of their field.
Application Tips
- The Digital Statement: Make your digital education statement stand out by providing concrete examples of how you have used technology to solve real-world academic challenges.
- Resume Precision: Federal hiring is detail-oriented. Ensure every job entry includes the start date, end date, and hours worked per week.
- Supporting Documents: Do not forget to attach your transcripts and any required veteran preference documentation at the time of initial application.
This role is more than just a job; it is a chance to contribute to the mission of the Air and Space Forces. If you are ready to apply your academic leadership skills to a high-stakes, rewarding environment, we encourage you to submit your application before the September 9, 2026, deadline.
Why This Chief Graduate Professional Education And Program Enhancement Job Matters
Shape the future of military graduate education at Air University, the premier intellectual hub for the U.S. Air and Space Forces.
Chief Graduate Professional Education And Program Enhancement Job Overview
As the Chief of Graduate Professional Education and Program Enhancement at Air University, you will play a pivotal role in aligning graduate-level curricula with national defense strategies. Based at Maxwell AFB, you will lead efforts in instructional design, academic policy development, and regional accreditation compliance to ensure our warrior leaders receive a world-class education.
Requirements for Chief Graduate Professional Education And Program Enhancement
- U.S. Citizenship.
- Master's degree from a regionally accredited institution (ideally in curriculum/instructional development, management, or academic leadership).
- Expert knowledge of higher education principles and instructional design best practices.
- Ability to interpret and implement Department of Air Force and Air University academic policies.
- Demonstrated experience in academic program reviews and accreditation management.
- Proficiency in Student Information Systems (SIS) and Learning Management Systems (LMS).
- Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance.
Preferred Qualifications for Chief Graduate Professional Education And Program Enhancement
- Earned Ph.D. or other terminal degree in a relevant academic field.
- Extensive experience in managing complex academic compliance and quality assurance processes.
- Proven track record of stakeholder collaboration in a large-scale university environment.
- Expertise in integrating AI, data analytics, and emerging technologies into graduate curriculum.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- âś“Competitive federal salary package.
- âś“Professional development and leadership training opportunities.
- âś“Access to federal health and life insurance plans.
- âś“Participation in the federal retirement system.
- âś“Paid federal holidays and leave accrual.
- âś“Potential for recruitment or retention incentives.
đź’ˇ How to Apply Chief Graduate Professional Education And Program Enhancement Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Chief Graduate Professional Education And Program Enhancement Job
- Prepare a detailed resume including hours worked per week and specific dates of employment.
- Create or update your account on the USAJOBS portal.
- Complete the online application questionnaire.
- Submit your resume, cover letter, and a statement on digital education integration.
- Upload transcripts displaying official registrar markings.
- Provide a list of three professional references.
- Submit all documentation before the closing date of September 9, 2026.
đź’ˇ General Tips
- Ensure your resume explicitly lists the start and end dates (month/year) and hours worked for each position.
- The digital education statement is a critical evaluation component; use it to showcase your experience with AI and data analytics in teaching.
- Verify your transcripts are legible PDF files with official seals or watermarks.
- Double-check your application packet status in the USAJOBS portal after submission to confirm receipt.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a Secret security clearance required?
Yes, this position is designated as Noncritical-Sensitive (NCS) and requires the ability to obtain and maintain a Secret clearance.
Can I apply if I only have a Master's degree?
Yes, a Master's degree is the minimum education requirement, though a Ph.D. or terminal degree is preferred.
Is this a permanent position?
This is an initial three-year appointment with a two-year probationary period, with the possibility of reappointment for additional 1-5 year terms.
What is the primary focus of this role?
The primary focus is aligning Air University’s graduate curricula with institutional priorities, accreditation standards, and national defense needs.
Is relocation assistance provided?
Yes, relocation benefits may be authorized for this position.
Job from Air Education And Training Command
Headquartered at Maxwell AFB, Alabama, Air University (AU) is the lead agent for Air Force education. Since its establishment in 1946, AU has provided a comprehensive spectrum of professional military development. From pre-commissioning programs to doctoral-level degrees, the university is a major component of the Air Education and Training Command, dedicated to fostering warrior leaders through scholarly excellence.