Assistant Director of the Front Range Consortium
U.S. Air Force Academy Association & Foundation, Denver, CO, United States
This is a civilian position that works for a 501(c)3 non‑profit that supports the Air Force Academy. This position does not require military service or graduation from the United States Air Force Academy.
UNITED STATES AIR FORCE ACADEMY ASSOCIATION & FOUNDATION The United States Air Force Academy Association & Foundation ('Association & Foundation') believe strongly that the United States Air Force Academy ('Academy') is a vital national resource, upholding the invaluable mission of developing leaders of character for our Air Force, Space Force and nation. The Association & Foundation have joined forces to accomplish their complementary missions to actively support these leaders as well as the Academy and its cadets.
The core values of the United States Air Force Academy are Integrity First, Service Before Self, and Excellence in All We Do. These same core values guide the Association & Foundation, as well as our boards and staff.
Association & Foundation - Front Range Consortium (donation funded) The Front Range Consortium (FRC) pursues the vision of elevating the Front Range of Colorado as a national leader in advanced solutions for tomorrow's security challenges by bridging academia (seven Colorado Universities and Colleges), national defense and industry. The FRC serves as a catalyst to advance defense priorities by fostering a vibrant ecosystem of research, education, and engagement with our partners, generating innovative solutions and cultivating leaders in national security.
The Overview The FRC seeks a qualified candidate for the full‑time, on‑site position of Assistant Director of the Front Range Consortium (FRC), who will report directly to the Director of the FRC. This is a donation‑funded position. The Assistant Director will be required to be on a Volunteer Services Agreement (VSA) with USAFA.
The Assistant Director of the FRC will act on behalf of the Director as required and lead, implement, promote, and expand the FRC's strategic pillars of: Research Excellence, Education and Workforce Development, Knowledge Dissemination/Discourse and Partnership Cultivation. Specifically, the Assistant Director will have primary responsibility for the FRC research program and conference/forum hosting. Secondary responsibilities will include involvement in other FRC programs to include: National Defense Student Scholars Program, Faculty/Student workshops, and the Annual Lecture Series. The Assistant Director will contribute to marketing, donor growth, and long‑range business planning.
Key Responsibilities
Research Program Strategy and Leadership
Lead the end‑to‑end strategy and execution of the FRC's defense and national security research portfolio, by aligning FRC university and colleges' institutional strengths with federal, state and industry research opportunities.
Lead and execute an annual faculty research grant program focused on increasing Colorado's profile in national security debates via research output.
Co‑host two annual university research forums with partner schools.
Coordinate interdisciplinary research initiatives across FRC universities and colleges, connecting faculty to relevant national security leaders, challenges and funding.
Act as a central resource and critical bridge for faculty and students navigating sponsor relationships and the DoD funding landscape.
Oversee and expand research and publishing opportunities for the Anschutz National Security Scholars program, Anschutz Lecture Series and the FRC Student‑Faculty workshops.
Mentor the Scholars in academic research and act as a central resource and critical bridge for faculty and students navigating sponsor relationships and the DoD funding landscape.
National Security Conference Strategy, Planning and Execution
Lead participation in and support of regionally applicable national defense conferences and associated panels with key stakeholders.
Lead the end‑to‑end strategy, content development, speaker engagement, and sponsor coordination for FRC's annual National Security Conference.
Ensure the event grows in visibility, relevance, and strategic impact across government, academia, and industry.
Build long‑term, high‑value relationships with defense sponsors, academic alliances, philanthropic orgs, and national security stakeholders.
Represent the FRC at senior‑level forums, roundtables, and briefings to promote institutional visibility and strategic alignment.
Assist with FRC marketing/media, donor stewardship activity and business planning. Provide reporting as necessary to the Director of the FRC, and the Foundation Senior Advisor to demonstrate progress towards achieving the requirement of the position.
Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities
Excellent communication and relationship building skills with stakeholders, including academic leadership, faculty, government leadership, and external organizations.
Evidence of superb management, organizational and collaboration skills with complex partnerships and limited resources.
Substantive understanding of the national security landscape via education in a field of study related to U.S. national security or experience in the U.S. national security workforce.
Program management execution and growth successes.
Ability to travel regionally and nationally as needed.
Required Qualifications
M.S., M.A. is required.
Depth of national defense experience.
Proven cross‑organizational networking, partnership, and stakeholder‑relationship cultivation experience.
Experience successfully leading new and innovative programs involving multiple stakeholders.
Substantive experience successfully planning and executing conferences and events within academia, industry, NGOs or government.
Must be a U.S. citizen and either possess or be able to obtain a security clearance at the secret level.
Preferred Qualifications
Ph.D. in a defense‑relevant discipline.
Academic institution engagement or employment experience.
Business or Non‑Profit experience, particularly in fundraising and/or donor relations arenas.
Experience coordinating or managing large‑scale interdisciplinary proposals or research programs.
Experience as a program officer or similar role in defense or national security related research agency.
Experience successfully providing direct support for competitive research proposal development for DoD or federal government programs and national security challenges — offering strategy, team formation, editing, compliance oversight, and submission guidance.
In‑depth knowledge of DoD and federal government research structures, funding methods (FOA, BAA, SBIR, STTR, etc) and sponsor expectations.
Experience planning and executing large‑scale, multi‑day public‑facing conferences with high‑level government, industry and academics in attendance.
Compensation And Benefits The salary range for this position is $85,000 - $105,000 (commensurate with experience). The Association & Foundation offers a competitive benefits package for full‑time employees including but not limited to:
Medical/Dental/Vision
401(k) up to a 6% match
Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) policy
12 Holidays
Employer Paid Life Insurance
Free tickets to Air Force Basketball, Hockey, etc.
Gym access
At the Association & Foundation, collaboration and teamwork are critical to our success. For this reason, we value our time working side by side in the office. We also know that the flexibility to work remotely from time to time can provide a healthy balance throughout the week. Our goal is to create a flexible, supportive work environment that fosters employee well‑being and productivity.
Employees are expected to work from the office location Monday through Thursday and have the option to work remotely on Fridays.
Funding is available for approximately three years. The Assistant Director will be required to be on a Volunteer Services Agreement (VSA) with USAFA.
Submission Instructions Applicants must submit a cover letter and a resume to receive full consideration. The position will remain open until filled.
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UNITED STATES AIR FORCE ACADEMY ASSOCIATION & FOUNDATION The United States Air Force Academy Association & Foundation ('Association & Foundation') believe strongly that the United States Air Force Academy ('Academy') is a vital national resource, upholding the invaluable mission of developing leaders of character for our Air Force, Space Force and nation. The Association & Foundation have joined forces to accomplish their complementary missions to actively support these leaders as well as the Academy and its cadets.
The core values of the United States Air Force Academy are Integrity First, Service Before Self, and Excellence in All We Do. These same core values guide the Association & Foundation, as well as our boards and staff.
Association & Foundation - Front Range Consortium (donation funded) The Front Range Consortium (FRC) pursues the vision of elevating the Front Range of Colorado as a national leader in advanced solutions for tomorrow's security challenges by bridging academia (seven Colorado Universities and Colleges), national defense and industry. The FRC serves as a catalyst to advance defense priorities by fostering a vibrant ecosystem of research, education, and engagement with our partners, generating innovative solutions and cultivating leaders in national security.
The Overview The FRC seeks a qualified candidate for the full‑time, on‑site position of Assistant Director of the Front Range Consortium (FRC), who will report directly to the Director of the FRC. This is a donation‑funded position. The Assistant Director will be required to be on a Volunteer Services Agreement (VSA) with USAFA.
The Assistant Director of the FRC will act on behalf of the Director as required and lead, implement, promote, and expand the FRC's strategic pillars of: Research Excellence, Education and Workforce Development, Knowledge Dissemination/Discourse and Partnership Cultivation. Specifically, the Assistant Director will have primary responsibility for the FRC research program and conference/forum hosting. Secondary responsibilities will include involvement in other FRC programs to include: National Defense Student Scholars Program, Faculty/Student workshops, and the Annual Lecture Series. The Assistant Director will contribute to marketing, donor growth, and long‑range business planning.
Key Responsibilities
Research Program Strategy and Leadership
Lead the end‑to‑end strategy and execution of the FRC's defense and national security research portfolio, by aligning FRC university and colleges' institutional strengths with federal, state and industry research opportunities.
Lead and execute an annual faculty research grant program focused on increasing Colorado's profile in national security debates via research output.
Co‑host two annual university research forums with partner schools.
Coordinate interdisciplinary research initiatives across FRC universities and colleges, connecting faculty to relevant national security leaders, challenges and funding.
Act as a central resource and critical bridge for faculty and students navigating sponsor relationships and the DoD funding landscape.
Oversee and expand research and publishing opportunities for the Anschutz National Security Scholars program, Anschutz Lecture Series and the FRC Student‑Faculty workshops.
Mentor the Scholars in academic research and act as a central resource and critical bridge for faculty and students navigating sponsor relationships and the DoD funding landscape.
National Security Conference Strategy, Planning and Execution
Lead participation in and support of regionally applicable national defense conferences and associated panels with key stakeholders.
Lead the end‑to‑end strategy, content development, speaker engagement, and sponsor coordination for FRC's annual National Security Conference.
Ensure the event grows in visibility, relevance, and strategic impact across government, academia, and industry.
Build long‑term, high‑value relationships with defense sponsors, academic alliances, philanthropic orgs, and national security stakeholders.
Represent the FRC at senior‑level forums, roundtables, and briefings to promote institutional visibility and strategic alignment.
Assist with FRC marketing/media, donor stewardship activity and business planning. Provide reporting as necessary to the Director of the FRC, and the Foundation Senior Advisor to demonstrate progress towards achieving the requirement of the position.
Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities
Excellent communication and relationship building skills with stakeholders, including academic leadership, faculty, government leadership, and external organizations.
Evidence of superb management, organizational and collaboration skills with complex partnerships and limited resources.
Substantive understanding of the national security landscape via education in a field of study related to U.S. national security or experience in the U.S. national security workforce.
Program management execution and growth successes.
Ability to travel regionally and nationally as needed.
Required Qualifications
M.S., M.A. is required.
Depth of national defense experience.
Proven cross‑organizational networking, partnership, and stakeholder‑relationship cultivation experience.
Experience successfully leading new and innovative programs involving multiple stakeholders.
Substantive experience successfully planning and executing conferences and events within academia, industry, NGOs or government.
Must be a U.S. citizen and either possess or be able to obtain a security clearance at the secret level.
Preferred Qualifications
Ph.D. in a defense‑relevant discipline.
Academic institution engagement or employment experience.
Business or Non‑Profit experience, particularly in fundraising and/or donor relations arenas.
Experience coordinating or managing large‑scale interdisciplinary proposals or research programs.
Experience as a program officer or similar role in defense or national security related research agency.
Experience successfully providing direct support for competitive research proposal development for DoD or federal government programs and national security challenges — offering strategy, team formation, editing, compliance oversight, and submission guidance.
In‑depth knowledge of DoD and federal government research structures, funding methods (FOA, BAA, SBIR, STTR, etc) and sponsor expectations.
Experience planning and executing large‑scale, multi‑day public‑facing conferences with high‑level government, industry and academics in attendance.
Compensation And Benefits The salary range for this position is $85,000 - $105,000 (commensurate with experience). The Association & Foundation offers a competitive benefits package for full‑time employees including but not limited to:
Medical/Dental/Vision
401(k) up to a 6% match
Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) policy
12 Holidays
Employer Paid Life Insurance
Free tickets to Air Force Basketball, Hockey, etc.
Gym access
At the Association & Foundation, collaboration and teamwork are critical to our success. For this reason, we value our time working side by side in the office. We also know that the flexibility to work remotely from time to time can provide a healthy balance throughout the week. Our goal is to create a flexible, supportive work environment that fosters employee well‑being and productivity.
Employees are expected to work from the office location Monday through Thursday and have the option to work remotely on Fridays.
Funding is available for approximately three years. The Assistant Director will be required to be on a Volunteer Services Agreement (VSA) with USAFA.
Submission Instructions Applicants must submit a cover letter and a resume to receive full consideration. The position will remain open until filled.
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