Education Program Specialist
Smithsonian Institution
Posted: March 31, 2026 (2 days ago)
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HQ USAF and Support Elements
Department of the Air Force
Location
Salary
$143,913 - $187,093
per year
Type
Full-Time
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This role involves leading and overseeing voluntary education programs for Air Force personnel, their families, and Guardians, including advising top Department of Defense leaders on education policies and initiatives.
It focuses on supporting lifelong learning, career transitions, and training across the military.
A good fit would be someone with extensive experience in adult education, military training systems, and organizational leadership who enjoys shaping policies that help service members succeed.
Click on "Learn more about this agency" button below to view Eligibilities being considered and other IMPORTANT information.
PRIMARY PURPOSE: Responsible for oversight and direction of Depart of the Air Force (DAF) Voluntary Education (Vol Ed) programs in support of Total Force Airmen, Guardians and their adult family members as well as advisement to DoD senior leaders on programs/issues encompassing the entire spectrum of Voluntary Education programs.
In order to qualify, you must meet the specialized experience requirements described in the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards for General Schedule Positions, Professional and Scientific Positions, to include the Individual Occupational Requirements (IOR) for the GS-1740, Education Services Series.
BASIC REQUIREMENT FOR GS-1740 POSITIONS: A Bachelor's degree (or higher degree that included or was supplemented by at least 24 semester hours appropriate to the position to be filled in one or a combination of the areas described below.
At least one course must have been from (1) or (2) below. For guidance counselor positions, a college or university-sponsored practicum in counseling is also required.
1.Tests and measurement: 2.Adult education 3.Educational program administration 4.Curriculum development or design 5.Teaching methods (Study of adult learner) 6.Guidance and counseling 7.Career planning 8.Occupational information NOTE: You must submit a copy of your transcripts with your application.
AND In addition to meeting the basic requirement above, to qualify for this position you must also meet the qualification requirements listed below: SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Applicant must have one (1) year of specialized experience for GS-1740-14 which includes: 1) Providing knowledge of voluntary education, military education and training laws, executive orders, regulations, policies, directives, instructions, concepts, theories, practices, techniques and procedures.
2) Using a working knowledge of safety and security regulations, practices, and procedures. 3) Planning, organizing, and directing the functions and staff of a small to medium sized organization.
4) Communicating effectively, both orally and in writing. 5) Using a working knowledge of installation level military training and education programs.
6) Implementing and managing MEO organizations under A-76. 7) Experience as Education Services Chief at installation level and staff experience at headquarters or higher level.
This definition of specialized experience is typical of work performed at the GS-13 grade/level or equivalent in the federal service.
NOTE: You must submit a copy of your transcripts with your application.
FEDERAL TIME-IN-GRADE (TIG) REQUIREMENT FOR GENERAL SCHEDULE (GS) POSITIONS: Merit promotion applicants must meet applicable time-in-grade requirements to be considered eligible.
One year at the GS-09 level is required to meet the time-in-grade requirements for the GS-11 level. TIG applies if you are in a current GS position or held a GS position within the previous 52 weeks.
NOTE: Applicants applying as VEOA candidates who are current GS civil service employees or are prior GS civil service employees within the past 52 weeks must also meet time-in-grade requirements.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs): Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas: 1.
Professional knowledge in adult higher education trends, theories, and practices including knowledge of statutes, executive orders, regulations, and directives in order to provide counsel in development and implementation of multi-level higher education programs, credentialing and transition programs.
2.
Knowledge of applicable DoD organizational structures, strategic planning and congressional programs to effectively interpret, develop and implement policy and guidance that affect personnel DAF wide.
3.
Knowledge of planning, programming, and budgeting cycles; financial systems and restrictions on expenditure of funds; financial reporting; and standard contracting regulations, practices, and procedures.
Able to interpret and analyze financial data. 4. Ability to recognize and analyze complex analytical problems, conduct research, summarize results, and make appropriate recommendations for resolution.
5.
Ability to gather, assemble, and analyze facts; draw conclusions; conduct analysis; devise recommended solutions; and package the entire process in briefings, papers, or reports suitable for top management use and decision-making.
6. Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing, negotiate complex issues and maintain good working relations.
PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE: Credit will be given for appropriate unpaid and or part-time work.
You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week.
VOLUNTEER WORK EXPERIENCE: Refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service Programs (i.e., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student and social).
Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge and skills that can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment.
You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Major Duties:
Serves as DAF Voluntary Education Technical Advisor for specialized and congressionally mandated programs.
Develops policies and procedures supporting the AF Vol Ed portfolio consisting of five Congressionally mandated programs.
Serves as the HAF Alternate Program Manager for the Air Force Automated Education Management System (AFAEMS) IT system platform incorporating the AF Virtual Education Center (AFVEC), and the Academic Institutions (AI) Portal.
Oversees IT Platform deliverables that support DAF, MAJCOMs, MilTA Central Office, Base Education & Training Centers, CCAF, AF COOL, SkillBridge as well as providing integration with academic institutions, military Services and other partnering agencies.
Serves as AF technical advisor and Service representative on councils, committes, working groups, etc.
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