Memorial Affairs and of Kin Services Manager

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.

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 Association & Foundation, in support of the United States Air Force Academy, seek a positive, energetic, and detail‑oriented professional to serve as Memorial Affairs & Next of Kin (NOK) Services Manager. This position resides within the Alumni Relations Division and reports to the Director of Heritage.

This role is critical in supporting families of deceased graduates, preserving their legacy, and ensuring seamless coordination of memorial programs and services across departments and external partners.

The Memorial Affairs & NOK Services Manager leads the Association & Foundation’s programs supporting the families of deceased graduates and members, ensuring dignified memorial recognition, compassionate engagement with NOK, and alignment with the traditions and mission of the Department of the Air Force and Air Force Academy.

This role requires collaboration across internal teams, Academy partners, and external stakeholders to support families and uphold the legacy of graduates.

• Understand, uphold, and promote the ethical standards and core values of the Academy, and the Association & Foundation
• Learn and understand how the Association & Foundation interacts with the Academy and other Academy‑related nonprofit organizations that support various areas of the Academy
• Lead and oversee memorial and survivor‑related programs, serving as the primary liaison with Association & Foundation staff, Mortuary Affairs, USAFA leadership and staff, Academy Ladies and Gentlemen (ALAG), and other constituents as required.
• Serve as the lead, in partnership with the Engagement & Events Team, to assist USAFA in the execution of the annual USAFA Memorial commemoration.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for NOK, managing correspondence, coordinating family communications, and facilitating donation opportunities with Development and Planned Giving teams.
• Manage relationships with surviving spouses and families to ensure continuity of Association membership benefits, support services, and tailored communications.
• Establish and maintain protocols supporting NOK benefits, including memorial tributes, condolence correspondence, and recognition practices.
• Lead the Gone, But Not Forgotten (GNBF) notification process, sharing obituary and funeral/memorial information with the Graduate community as appropriate
• Support the maintenance and review the Gone But Not Forgotten (GBNF) webpage and assist with compiling tribute information for Checkpoints and Here’s a Toast publications.
• Support the Reunion team with Class Memorial Brochures and Ceremonies (Fall) and coordinate support with NOK of reunion classes, ensuring visit support.
• Develop and maintain program guidelines, standards, and Standard…