Director of HVAC School

UHP (Unlock Human Potential)•Gentry, AR

8d•Onsite

About The Position

UHP — Unlock Human Potential is building a new category of education centered around whole-human experiential vocational training, leadership development, and purpose-driven transformation. UHP serves veterans, transitioning service members, and purpose-driven individuals through immersive programs that integrate human performance, leadership, wellness, vocational skills, and personal growth. Our environment is fast-moving, mission-driven, and deeply experiential. We are not a traditional university, gym, military program, or trade school — we are building a scalable human development institution designed for the future workforce. The Director of HVAC School will serve as the founding leader responsible for designing, developing, and scaling the HVAC education program within Ignite America Trade Schools. This individual will help shape curriculum, training environments, instructor development, employer partnerships, and student outcomes while helping redefine how HVAC education is delivered. This is not a traditional academic administrator role. We are looking for a builder, operator, educator, and leader who understands both the technical side of HVAC and the importance of developing people. The ideal candidate brings deep HVAC industry experience along with the ability to build systems, lead instructors, create immersive hands-on learning environments, and align training with real-world workforce needs. This is a fully onsite leadership role based in Gentry, Arkansas.

Requirements

7+ years of HVAC industry experience
Experience in HVAC training, instruction, workforce development, or apprenticeship leadership
Strong understanding of residential and commercial HVAC systems
Experience with diagnostics, controls, refrigeration systems, and preventive maintenance
Experience leading teams, instructors, or technical personnel
Strong operational and organizational leadership abilities
Ability to build programs, systems, and processes from the ground up

Nice To Haves

EPA 608 Certification
NATE Certification or equivalent industry credentials
Experience building or scaling technical training programs
NCCER experience or familiarity
Experience developing curriculum or instructional programs
Military or veteran community experience is a plus

Responsibilities

Lead the design, development, and execution of the HVAC training program
Build scalable curriculum aligned with workforce and industry demands
Develop immersive hands-on training experiences across residential, commercial, and industrial HVAC systems
Ensure curriculum aligns with applicable industry standards, licensing requirements, EPA guidelines, and NCCER frameworks
Continuously improve program quality, effectiveness, and student outcomes
Support and oversee classroom, lab, and field instruction
Ensure students receive practical, real-world HVAC troubleshooting and systems experience
Integrate diagnostics, controls, refrigeration systems, airflow, preventive maintenance, and safety into training delivery
Help establish modern learning environments utilizing simulation, technology, and hands-on application
Recruit, develop, mentor, and evaluate HVAC instructors
Establish instructional standards and classroom expectations
Foster a high-performance culture focused on accountability, professionalism, and student development
Support instructor growth and ongoing technical development
Build relationships with employers, contractors, and industry partners
Ensure training aligns with workforce expectations and hiring needs
Assist in developing apprenticeship, placement, and workforce pipeline opportunities
Help position Ignite America as a leading HVAC workforce development program
Support planning and development of HVAC labs, equipment, and training environments
Assist in equipment procurement and program infrastructure decisions
Maintain safety, compliance, and operational standards across all HVAC training areas
Collaborate cross-functionally with leadership, operations, and program teams