Director, Joint Exercises, Training and Assessments

Job Details

Qualifications & Requirements

Eligibility will be based upon a clear showing the applicant has training, education, and experience of the scope and quality sufficient to effectively carry-out the duties of the position. Candidates must exemplify the corporate perspective, leadership vision, broad experience and character needed in the SES corps not only to satisfy the immediate vacancy, but future vacancies which will occur in a variety of organizations, functions and locations. Candidates will not be hired based on their race, sex, color, religion, or national origin. In accordance with new OPM requirements to streamline Senior Executive Service (SES) hiring, applicants are no longer required to submit lengthy narrative essays, including those for Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) or Mandatory Technical Qualifications (TQs), when applying. Instead, the initial application will be resume-only, capped at two pages. This change streamlines the application process and more closely aligns with private industry practices. Applicants identified for potential selection will have their ECQs assessed by undergoing a structured interview with the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualifications Review Board (QRB). To meet the minimum qualification requirements for this position, you must show that you possess the Executive Core Qualifications (ECQ) and Technical Qualifications (TQ) related to this position within your resume (not to exceed 2 pages). Resumes over the 2-page limit will be disqualified. Your resume should include examples of experience, education, and accomplishments applicable to the qualification(s). If your resume does not reflect demonstrated evidence of the ECQs and TQs, you may not receive further consideration for the position. TECHNICAL QUALIFICATIONS (TQs): Your resume should demonstrate accomplishments that satisfy the technical qualifications. TQ1. Executive-level experience in program development and management; a high-level of personal initiative, creative problem solving skills, and the ability to rapidly formulate and communicate decisions; and the ability to present and defend independent positions at the highest levels of government. National recognition as evidenced by significant technical achievements and contributions; participation on national/international level committees and panels, etc.; high-level honors and awards; and other equivalent recognition are necessary. TQ2. A strong background in formulation of strategic and operational level military joint training, exercise, war gaming and assessment policies and plans related to USSTRATCOM mission areas. The position requires the incumbent to have strong knowledge of Department of War general business practices, joint exercise, training and war gaming programs, and possess the ability to develop or adapt policy as needed. Working knowledge of the National Security structure with emphasis on the Joint Staff, OSD, Services and unified and specific commands' role and communication lines is also necessary. EXECUTIVE CORE QUALIFICATIONS (ECQs): All new appointees to the Senior Executive Service (SES) under a career appointment will be assessed for executive competency against the five mandatory ECQs: ECQ 1. Commitment to the Rule of Law and the Principles of the American Founding: Demonstrated knowledge of the American system of government, commitment to uphold the Constitution and the rule of law, and commitment to serve the American people. ECQ 2. Driving Efficiency: Demonstrated ability to strategically and efficiently manage resources, budget effectively, cut wasteful spending, and pursue efficiency through process and technological upgrades. ECQ 3. Merit and Competence: Demonstrated knowledge, ability, and technical competence to effectively and reliably produce work that is of exceptional quality. ECQ 4. Leading People: Demonstrated ability to lead and inspire a group toward meeting the organization's vision, mission, and goals, and to drive a high-performance, high-accountability culture. This includes, when necessary, the ability to lead people through change and to hold individuals accountable. ECQ 5. Achieving Results: Demonstrated ability to achieve both individual and organizational results, and to align results to stated goals from superiors. Please note: If you are a member of the SES or have been certified through successful participation in an OPM approved SES Candidate Development Program, or have SES reinstatement eligibility, you must attach proof (e.g., SF-50 or Certification by OPM's SES Qualifications Review Board) of your eligibility for noncompetitive appointment to the SES.

Position Overview

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.