Job Title: Director of HVAC Programs
Location: San Antonio, TX
Position Type: Full-Time
Reports To: President / Executive Leadership
Department: Skilled Trades Education
Position Overview
Propel Career Academy is seeking an experienced, hands-on, and execution-focused leader to serve as the Director of HVAC Programs. This is a unique opportunity to lead the implementation and growth of a new HVAC program that already has a foundational curriculum in place and is ready for operational leadership, lab development, and launch execution.
The Director of HVAC Programs will be responsible for bringing the program to life by building out the HVAC shop/lab environment, refining and implementing curriculum, establishing systems, and creating a high-quality student experience.
This role is ideal for an HVAC professional who combines strong technical knowledge and instructional experience with leadership ability and enjoys building programs, teams, and training environments that produce job-ready graduates.
Key ResponsibilitiesProgram Implementation & Launch
- Lead execution of the HVAC program from planning stage to student ready launch.
- Review, refine, and implement existing curriculum to ensure strong instructional delivery and industry relevance.
- Develop course schedules, training calendars, hands-on lab sequencing, and operational readiness plans.
- Establish systems, processes, and standards for a successful new program rollout.
- Partner with leadership on launch timelines, enrollment readiness, and growth strategy.
HVAC Shop / Lab Development
- Lead setup and buildout of HVAC training labs and shop spaces.
- Determine tools, equipment, and instructional materials required for delivery.
- Create a clean, organized, safe, and hands-on training environment aligned with industry expectations.
- Manage startup budgets and purchasing recommendations for equipment and lab needs.
Instructional Leadership
- Hire, train, coach, and evaluate HVAC instructors.
- Teach courses as needed during startup or early phases of launch.
- Establish expectations for lesson planning, classroom management, student engagement, and hands-on instruction.
- Ensure students receive strong preparation in troubleshooting, installation, service, safety, and employability skills.
Student Outcomes & Operations
- Monitor attendance, retention, completion, certifications, and placement outcomes.
- Build a student-centered culture focused on accountability, professionalism, and career readiness.
- Maintain inventory, lab organization, tool accountability, and operational efficiency.
- Support continuous improvement through data, feedback, and employer input.
Industry Engagement & Growth
- Build relationships with HVAC contractors, service companies, facilities employers, and workforce partners.
- Support student placement opportunities and employer hiring pipelines.
- Represent Propel at community, recruiting, and industry events.
- Recommend future expansion opportunities such as advanced certifications or continuing education offerings.
QualificationsRequired
- 7+ years of HVAC field experience in residential, commercial, industrial, or service environments.
- Strong technical knowledge of refrigeration systems, electrical controls, diagnostics, installation, and code practices.
- Leadership experience as supervisor, trainer, foreman, manager, or instructor.
- Strong project management and organizational skills.
- Ability to execute plans, solve problems, and build operational systems.
Preferred
- Teaching or workforce training experience.
- EPA 608 Certification.
- NATE, NCCER, HVAC Excellence, or similar credentials.
- Experience setting up labs, shops, or training environments.
- Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in related field.
Ideal Candidate Profile
- Builder and implementer mindset
- Strong field credibility with leadership presence
- Organized, dependable, and action-oriented
- Passionate about student success and workforce development
- Comfortable balancing strategy with hands-on execution
- Takes ownership and drives results
What Success Looks Like in Year One
- HVAC shop fully built out and operational
- Curriculum successfully implemented
- Program launches on time with strong student experience
- Instructor team established and supported
- Students progressing toward completion and employment
- Strong reputation established with employers and community partners
Why Join Propel Career Academy
This is an opportunity to take an already-developed program foundation and turn it into a premier HVAC training experience. You will play a direct role in building facilities, launching instruction, and shaping the future of skilled trades education.
Lead the launch. Build the lab. Develop the next generation of HVAC professionals.
Pay: $75,000.00 - $80,000.00 per year
Work Location: In person
