Executive Director ' Madera Cyber Innovation Center; MCIC

This is a civilian employee 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.

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.

The Madera Cyber Innovation Center (MCIC) is a 48,000-square-foot facility opened in April 2025 at the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, CO—a campus hub for cyber education, training, and innovation.

The MCIC houses three core organizations: the Institute for Future Conflict (donor‑funded cadet education for emerging threats),
Air Force Cyber Worx (Air Combat Command‑funded technology procurement and innovation), and the Department of Computer and Cyber Sciences (classrooms, electronics labs, and cyber training). The facility includes 14 labs and classrooms, three SCIFs, and specialized spaces for digital forensics, reverse engineering, robotics, autonomous systems, telecommunications, IC&S, and UAV operations. Its centerpiece is “Cyber City,” where cadets simulate offensive and defensive operations against realistic urban infrastructure.

The Association & Foundation, in support of the U.S. Air Force Academy, seeks its first Executive Director—a civilian leader who will serve as the principal integrator and strategic driver across all resident organizations. The success of this role will be measured by the success of the tenant organizations, the coherence of cyber initiatives undertaken by them, and the impact of the MCIC on the missions of the Academy in supporting DAF objectives.

This is a full‑time, on‑site and donation funded position (initial duration of three years). The Executive Director will be required to be on a Volunteer Services Agreement (VSA) with USAFA.

The role requires someone who can operate credibly across three very different worlds: the academic environment of USAFA, the operational tempo of active‑duty cyber and space units (16th Air Force / Air Combat Command and U.S. Space Force Combatant Command), and the commercial cyber industry. This person will partner closely with the senior military officer in the MCIC (currently the O‑6 leading Cyber Worx), the Director of the Institute for Future Conflict, and the Chair of the USAFA Computer Science and Cyber Department;

coordinate between the MCIC Board of Advisors and active AF/Space Force units, and report to the Superintendent of USAFA.

• Unified the three resident organizations around a shared strategic plan. Forged a common vision and partnership strategy across IFC, Cyber Worx, and the Department of Computer and Cyber Sciences—each with different funding, reporting lines, and cultures—into a coherent, mutually reinforcing mission.
• Established a productive civil‑military operating rhythm with the senior O‑6. Built a high‑trust partnership with clear lanes of responsibility, shared decision‑making norms, and a unified front to external stakeholders.
• Become the Superintendent's and Dean's trusted cyber advisor. Serve as the go‑to resource on cyber operational practice and technology trends, threats, and educational innovation—translating commercial and military developments into actionable strategy for Academy leadership.
• Built operational bridges to active‑duty cyber and space units. Established collaboration frameworks with 16th Air Force and U.S. Space Force operational units,…