Job Overview

OPEN TO CURRENT AFRL CIVILIAN EMPLOYEES ONLY.

Resumes are to be limited to two pages in length only.

This position may be located at any of the AFRL geographic locations.

Join AFRL’s Personnel Directorate team and help shape the workforce policies, programs, and initiatives that enable AFRL’s world‑class science and technology mission. As a Strategic Personnel Advisor, you will play a critical role in advising senior leadership, developing innovative personnel strategies, and ensuring AFRL’s civilian workforce remains agile, capable, and aligned with mission needs. This position offers the opportunity to influence major personnel policies, lead or support enterprise initiatives, and collaborate with senior leaders across AFRL, the Air Force, and external agencies.

As a key member of the DP team, you will contribute to the development, implementation, and oversight of personnel programs spanning manpower, personnel management, awards, training, APDP, civilian performance management, and workforce development. You will work closely with technical directorates, functional leaders, and HR professionals to deliver effective, compliant, and mission‑focused human capital solutions. This role provides a unique blend of strategic influence, policy development, and hands‑on problem solving, with direct impact on AFRL’s ability to recruit, develop, and retain a high‑performing civilian workforce.

If you are passionate about strategic human capital and personnel management, thrive in a dynamic environment, and enjoy partnering with senior leaders to solve complex personnel challenges, we encourage you to apply.

Position duties may include, but are not limited to:

• Strategic Personnel Advisory: Serve as a key advisor to the Director/Commander on strategic and transactional personnel matters, providing expert guidance in an environment of continual program change.
• Policy Development: Support or lead the study, analysis, and development of innovative or improved personnel policies, instructions, plans, and procedures across manpower, personnel management, awards, training, APDP, and civilian performance programs.
• Workforce Management: Plan, coordinate, and oversee workforce recruitment, development, and retention efforts; ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.
• Strategic Problem Solving: Develop or contribute to strategies that address complex, sensitive, or controversial personnel issues and support a high‑performance workforce.
• Communication: Clearly communicate complex HR concepts to senior leaders, supervisors, and employees through briefings, presentations, and written products.
• Liaison & Collaboration: Serve as a key link between technical and personnel directorates; collaborate with AFRL, Air Force‑level organizations, and external agencies to support policy implementation.
• Coalition Building: Build productive relationships with senior technical and functional officials to support personnel initiatives and represent AFRL’s human capital interests.
• Special Projects: Participate in AFRL‑wide initiatives, process improvement efforts, and special assignments as directed
• HR Team Readiness: Ensures HR team maintains readiness, professional development, and implements effective use of performance metrics to support a high‑performance organizational environment.

Telework

Yes, this position is eligible for situational telework; as determined by agency policy

Remote Work (CONUS)

No, this position is not approved for remote work.

Eligible for a Referral Bonus?

No

Required Qualifications

• United States Citizenship
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance
• At least one (1) year of specialized experience at the next lower grade (DO‑02/GS‑13 for DO‑03; DO‑03/GS‑14 for DO‑04), or equivalent experience in other pay systems

Desired Qualifications

Experience in the following areas is highly desirable:

• Strategic workforce planning and analysis
• Civilian personnel management and policy development
• Manpower and organizational structure
• APDP, training, and professional development programs
• Civilian performance management and pay pool operations
• Leading cross‑functional teams or enterprise initiatives
• Senior‑level briefing and communication
• Building coalitions with senior leaders and external partners

Additional Information

Req#49330

Series

0343

Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) employs approximately 11,500 military, civilian and contractor personnel, and manages a $7 billion portfolio of investments. The lab supports external customers and partners with industry while investing in basic research, applied research and advanced technology development. As one integrated lab, AFRL seamlessly supports the Science & Technology needs of two services: the Air Force and the Space Force.