Careers at AFA
The Air & Space Forces Association (AFA) is a non-profit, independent, professional military and aerospace education association.
Our mission is to promote dominant U.S. Air and Space Forces as the foundation of a strong National Defense; to honor and support our Airmen, Guardians, and their Families; and to remember and respect our enduring Heritage.
Whether your background is military or civilian, journalism or policy, education or marketing, or you’re just getting started in your career—AFA’s mission has a role for you.
An Office with a Mission
Our office is located in Pentagon City, just a short walk from the Air Force Memorial (a constant reminder of our heritage) and a half-mile walk from the Pentagon, making our staff and amenities accessible to leaders within the Department of the Air Force.
Our facility features state-of-the-art video and podcast studios, cutting-edge meeting spaces and classrooms, a vast library containing the history of aerospace power, and museum-grade artifacts and artwork. AFA employees work a minimum of three days in the office, but many choose to take advantage of our amenities five days a week.
A Company That Cares
AFA is an equal opportunity employer. We offer competitive compensation and a generous benefits package including matching contributions to our 401(k)-retirement plan, paid vacation and holidays, medical, dental, and life insurance.
Generous 401(k)
AFA contributes an unconditional and automatic 4% of your base salary to your 401(k), and matches employee contributions up to 5%.
Medical
AFA offers comprehensive, flexible medical plans that fit your family’s unique shape, size, and situation. Plans include HSA and FSA options.
Paid Time Off
AFA observes 12 annual holidays, and offers starting employees up to 15 days of PTO to spend how they wish each year.
Parental Leave
New parents enjoy 12 paid weeks off to spend with their growing family.
AFA Life Membership
Every employee is a member of AFA, which includes lifetime access to all of our perks.
And More!
Vision, dental, group life insurance, tuition assistance, wellness perks, and other benefits are all available.
Job Openings
Videographer/Video Editor (Hybrid)Posted: Sep 24, 2026
Salary Range: $71,400 to $89,280 annually.
COMPENSATION:
We offer a generous employee benefits package in addition to cash compensation. Our hiring range for this role is $71,400 to $89,280. More experienced candidates are invited to apply and are encouraged to include their salary requirements with their application.
JOB SUMMARY:
The Videographer/Video Editor is the primary videographer for the Air & Space Forces Association, producing original content and curating from outside sources for the association. The Videographer/Video Editor is responsible for photographing and filming Air & Space Forces Association events; creating videos to document or promote AFA programs, initiatives, and messaging; creating both in house and paid commercials; assisting with virtual and hybrid events in our studio; and developing unique content specifically for our social media platforms with the intention of broadening AFA’s reach and attracting a young membership base. Candidates are asked to submit a cover letter and portfolio for consideration.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
Video, Photo, Graphics Editing and Animation (approximately 85% of effort):
Pre-Production & Shooting (Videography)
• Operate professional cinema cameras, mirrorless systems, and support gear (gimbals, sliders, tripods)
• Manage professional lighting setups (LED panels, softboxes) and record clean multi source audio (lavaliers, boom mics)
• Direct and coach on-camera talent, employees, or interview subjects
Animation & Effects (Motion Graphics)
• Produce or assist in the production of motion graphics, complex infographics, or illustrations.
• Work with others to record live and virtual events using cinema video cameras and/or Zoom/Teams
• Edit content as needed, either for release in whole or part
• Create original videos combining b-roll, voice over, music, still photos; edit event videos to add opens, closes, graphics, lower thirds, etc.
Post-Production (Video Editing)
• Perform color correction and color grading to establish consistent visual tones
• Mix and master location audio, incorporating royalty-free or custom background music and sound effects
• Design and animate custom text, lower thirds, logo reveals, and dynamic transitions
• Build branded graphical elements, data visualizations, charts, or maps to simplify complex concepts
• Acquire, edit, assemble, animate, or create photographs, graphics, or videos suitable for both print and digital media.
• Manage file organization, maintain standardized workflows, and project archives
• Export and optimize production-ready video files for varied distribution specs (web, broadcast, mobile reels)
• Ensure all assignments are shot and edited on time for publication.
Create and edit original video and photo content for social media and sponsored content (approximately 10% of effort):
• Coordinate with editors and staff to identify video and photography needs.
• Photograph, video, and present AFA events, locations, people, or other illustrative or educational material for use in publications and digital platforms.
• Create special memorial videos and photos.
• Edit and produce videos, including text, special effects, sound recordings, and transitions.
Photograph AFA events (approximately 5 percent of effort):
• Assist Photo Editor in capturing still photos and b-roll of AFA conferences and events
• Edit still photos and post to AFA’s Flickr channel
REQUIRED JOB QUALIFICATIONS:
Education and Experience Required:
Experience: 3 to 5+ years of multimedia production experience, or equivalent
Software Mastery: Expert-level proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud (Premiere Pro, After Effects, Photoshop, Illustrator, Audition, and Media Encoder)
Technical Skills: Comprehensive knowledge of camera mechanics, lighting physics, audio signal flow, codecs, and frame rates
Portfolio: A robust showreel demonstrating both field-shooting capability and clean post-production/motion graphic design execution
Certifications & Licenses Required: None
Department Core Competencies:
Written and visual communications
Strategic Planning
Business Acumen
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required:
• Must be a creative, flexible thinker and self-starter who can tackle both complex and technical human/emotional story telling
• Expert-level proficiency in motion graphic design
• Expert-level proficiency in video editing for producing short videos and posting video content on social media
• Expert-level proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite (Premiere, After Effects, Audition)
• Strong organizational skills and ability to consistently attend to details and meet deadlines
• Ability to work independently and responsively with internal and external stakeholders, balancing multiple deadlines at once
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Ability and commitment to act with integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality
• Ability to deploy sound judgment, sort through information, and curate effectively
• Proficient with Microsoft Office product suites, WordPress, and other programs as needed.
PREFERED JOB QUALIFICATIONS:
• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Film, Video Production, Graphic Design, or equivalent hands-on experience
• Experience working with military subject matter strongly preferred
WORKING CONDITIONS:
• Works out of AFA headquarters in Arlington, Va., a minimum of three days a week, or as needed based on events and workload
• Office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday to Friday, subject to modification based on the needs of each program or site
• Operate in a professional office environment with travel to local offices, community partners, and events
• Routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, copiers, filing cabinets, and fax machines
• Must be able to travel as needed
Physical Demands:
• The position requires sedentary work (sitting most of the time with no adverse environmental exposure) and occasional exertion of up to 25 pounds of force occasionally and or negligible amounts of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects. The position also includes the following physical requirements;
• The employee in this position needs to carry photographic equipment, lights, and other objects on location, including set pieces. The employee must be able to set up equipment and sets on a stage or in the studio, and to climb ladders to adjust production lights.
• The employee in this position needs to be able to operate a computer, other office productivity machinery such as a copy machine and printer, and cameras and photo and video-editing equipment.
• The employee is required to communicate and hold verbal conversations with others by means of the spoken word. Employee must be able to exchange accurate information in these situations.
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Senior Resident Fellow, Spacepower StudiesPosted: Jun 17, 2026
Salary Range: $167,440 to $200,000 annually.
The Mitchell Institute, an affiliate of the Air & Space Forces Association (AFA) is the only aerospace power-focused think tank in the nation’s capital. The Institute informs the national security debate, educates about the essential role of aerospace power, and cultivates aerospace-minded talent.
COMPENSATION:
We offer a generous employee benefits package in addition to cash compensation. Our hiring range for this role is $167,440–$200,000. More experienced candidates are invited to apply and are encouraged to include their salary requirements with their application.
JOB SUMMARY:
As a member of the Mitchell Institute Spacepower Advantage Center of Excellence (MI-SPACE), the Senior Resident Fellow, Spacepower Studies is responsible for leading and developing areas of research specific to spacepower strategy, operational concepts, and technologies. The position also provides executive leadership regarding Mitchell Institute strategy, priorities, and events, as well as maintaining a constructive relationship with external partners and stakeholders. Through executing these functions, this position should strive to enhance spacepower strategy, operational concepts, policy, and budget outcomes.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
Oversee and assess research initiatives for the Mitchell Institute (MI-SPACE) (approximately 65% of effort):
• Provide executive input on strategy and assist in developing resources to support Mitchell Institute research priorities.
• Lead and manage the requisite research to facilitate bodies of work developed by Mitchell Institute.
• Draft reports, opinion pieces, and issue briefings regarding space and national security topics; contribute to those written by colleagues in Mitchell Institute.
• Author and publish in relevant and prestigious journals, websites, and other mediums.
• Engage defense officials, Congress, the broader policy and budget community, and reporters to advance research objectives and findings.
• Provide data to facilitate broader Mitchell Institute and Air & Space Force Association strategic planning, event coordination, budget planning, communications efforts, and general enterprise cooperation.
Business Development for Mitchell Institute programs (approximately 25% of effort):
• Seek business opportunities for broader Mitchell Institute program portfolio.
• Develop and promote the profile and contacts of Mitchell Institute, AFA, and specific research bodies of work to further revenue and growth.
• Maintain necessary professional networks to facilitate issue expertise, subject matter currency, subject matter expert access, fundraising capability, and general mission execution.
• Share network access with Mitchell Institute staff to facilitate broader enterprise goals.
Support Mitchell Institute program events (approximately 5% of effort):
• Partner with the Mitchell Institute Operations Team and AFA Communications Team to facilitate event logistical arrangements (book event venue, catering arrangements, on-site coordination, media coordination, necessary speaker coordination, serve as official event host, etc.).
• Assist in developing event strategy and tactics; support individual event goals and overall standards of quality are met.
• Serve as a key point of contact during events to support speakers and attendees.
• Participate and assist in executing workshops, tabletop exercises tied to research projects, forums, and dinners.
• Be willing to host our digital events as needed (Schriever Spacepower Series, Aerospace Advantage, etc.)
Other (approximately 5% of effort):
• Other duties as assigned.
REQUIRED JOB QUALIFICATIONS
Education and Experience Required:
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience required.
• 10 years minimum experience in national security community, with a focus on Spacepower strategy, operational concepts, tactics, and technologies.
• Space Force or Air Force veteran with relevant operational experience status preferred.
• Experience building and marinating relationships at the highest levels of government, private industry, and relevant research and policy organizations.
Education and Experience Preferred:
• Master’s degree in a related field preferred.
Certifications & Licenses Required:
• None
Department Core Competencies:
• Technical Competencies (Research)
• Strategic Planning
• Decision-Making
• Business Acumen
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required:
• Demonstrated knowledge of national defense, strategic deterrence, military space issues, and spacepower.
• Experience developing and ability to grow an extensive professional network in the space sector, national security community, and strategic deterrence cadre.
• Demonstrated ability to produce and publish written work in topic areas and formats appropriate to the role.
• Experience as, and continuing ability to convey a strong leadership presence in highly hierarchical organizations, including military and government.
• Experience with budget planning and execution.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Strong adaptability to stressful situations.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office with extra focus on Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Ability to be consistently thorough and demonstrate attention to detail in completing tasks.
• Demonstrated ability to complete, organize, and appropriately document activities.
• Demonstrated ability to be honest and ethical in work.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
• Works out of Air & Space Forces Association’s headquarters in Arlington, VA.
• Office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday to Friday, subject to modification based on the needs of each program or site.
• Operates in a professional office environment with travel to local offices, community partners, and events.
• Routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, copiers, and filing cabinets.
• Must be able to travel (5%).
Physical Demands:
The position requires sedentary work (sitting most of the time with no adverse environmental exposure) and occasional exertion of up to 25 pounds of force occasionally and/or negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects. The position also includes the following physical requirements:
• Movement. The employee in this position needs to occasionally move about inside the office to access file cabinets, office machinery, etc.
• The employee in this position needs to be able to operate a computer and other office productivity machinery such as a copy machine and printer.
• The employee is required to communicate and hold verbal conversations with others by means of the spoken word. Employee must be able to exchange accurate information in these situations.
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Senior Resident Fellow, Airpower StudiesPosted: Jun 16, 2026
Salary Range: $167,440 to $200,000 annually.
The Mitchell Institute, an affiliate of the Air & Space Forces Association (AFA) is the only aerospace power-focused think tank in the nation’s capital. The Institute informs the national security debate, educates about the essential role of aerospace power, and cultivates aerospace-minded talent.
COMPENSATION:
We offer a generous employee benefits package in addition to cash compensation. Our hiring range for this role is $167,440–$200,000. More experienced candidates are invited to apply and are encouraged to include their salary requirements with their application.
JOB SUMMARY:
As a member of the Mitchell Institute, the Senior Resident Fellow, Airpower Studies is responsible for leading and developing areas of research specific to airpower strategy, operational concepts, and technologies. The position also provides executive leadership regarding Mitchell Institute strategy, priorities, and events, as well as maintaining a constructive relationship with external partners and stakeholders. Through executing these functions, this position should strive to enhance airpower strategy, operational concepts, policy, and budget outcomes.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
Research, publish, and develop a body of work for Mitchell Institute (approximately 65% of effort):
• Provide executive input on strategy and assist in developing resources to support Mitchell Institute research priorities.
• Lead and manage the requisite research to facilitate bodies of work developed by Mitchell Institute.
• Draft reports, opinion pieces, and issue briefings regarding space and national security topics; contribute to those written by colleagues in Mitchell Institute.
• Author and publish in relevant and prestigious journals, websites, and other mediums.
• Engage defense officials, Congress, the broader policy and budget community, and reporters to advance research objectives and findings.
• Provide data to facilitate broader Mitchell Institute and Air & Space Force Association strategic planning, event coordination, budget planning, communications efforts, and general enterprise cooperation.
Business Development for Mitchell Institute programs (approximately 20% of effort):
• Seek business opportunities for broader Mitchell Institute program portfolio.
• Develop and promote the profile and contacts of AFA, Mitchell Institute, and specific research bodies of work to further revenue and growth.
• Maintain necessary professional networks to facilitate issue expertise, subject matter currency, subject matter expert access, fundraising capability, and general mission execution.
• Share network access with Mitchell Institute staff to facilitate broader enterprise goals.
• Coordinate within Mitchell Institute and AFA to execute programmatic goals in a collaborative and organized approach.
Support Mitchell Institute program events (approximately 10% of effort):
• Partner with the Mitchell Institute Operations Team and AFA Communications Team to facilitate event logistical arrangements (book event venue, catering arrangements, on-site coordination, media coordination, necessary speaker coordination, serve as official event host, etc.).
• Manage event strategy and ensure individual event goals and overall standards of quality are met.
• Serve as a key point of contact during events to support speakers and attendees.
• Participate and assist in executing workshops, tabletop exercises tied to research projects, forums, and dinners.
• Be willing to host our digital events as needed (Aerospace Nation, Aerospace Advantage, etc.)
Other (approximately 5% of effort):
• Other duties as assigned.
REQUIRED JOB QUALIFICATIONS
Education and Experience Required:
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience required.
• 10 years minimum experience in national security community, with a focus on strategic deterrence issues.
• Experience building and marinating relationships at the highest levels of government, private industry, and relevant research and policy organizations.
Education and Experience Preferred:
• Master’s degree in a related field preferred.
• Air Force veteran with relevant operational experience status preferred.
Certifications & Licenses Required:
• None
Department Core Competencies:
• Technical Competencies (Research)
• Strategic Planning
• Decision-Making
• Business Acumen
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required:
• Demonstrated knowledge of national defense, strategic deterrence, military space issues, and aerospace power.
• Experience developing and ability to grow an extensive professional network in the aerospace sector, national security community, and strategic deterrence cadre.
• Ability to set strategy and goals for events, and deploy organizational, management, planning and presenting skills effectively.
• Experience with budget planning and execution.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Strong adaptability to stressful situations.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office with extra focus on Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Ability to be consistently thorough and demonstrate attention to detail in completing tasks.
• Demonstrated ability to complete, organize, and appropriately document activities.
• Demonstrated ability to be honest and ethical in work.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
• Works out of Air & Space Forces Association’s headquarters in Arlington, VA.
• Office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday to Friday, subject to modification based on the needs of each program or site.
• Operates in a professional office environment with travel to local offices, community partners, and events.
• Routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, copiers, and filing cabinets.
• Must be able to travel (5%).
Physical Demands:
The position requires sedentary work (sitting most of the time with no adverse environmental exposure) and occasional exertion of up to 25 pounds of force occasionally and/or negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects. The position also includes the following physical requirements:
• Movement. The employee in this position needs to occasionally move about inside the office to access file cabinets, office machinery, etc.
• The employee in this position needs to be able to operate a computer and other office productivity machinery such as a copy machine and printer.
• The employee is required to communicate and hold verbal conversations with others by means of the spoken word. Employee must be able to exchange accurate information in these situations.
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.