HVACR Program Director

Job Summary

The Program Director for HVAC&R provides strategic leadership, administrative oversight, and instructional excellence for the HVAC&R department. This role balances curriculum development, faculty management, student recruitment/retention, and regulatory compliance. The Director ensures the program meets industry standards, aligns with local workforce needs, and prepares students for relevant EPA certifications.

Key Responsibilities

1. Academic Leadership & Curriculum Development

• Review, update, and design the HVAC&R curriculum to ensure it meets current industry trends, technological advancements (e.g., smart thermostats, eco-friendly refrigerants), and accreditation standards.
• Select appropriate textbooks, lab equipment, digital learning tools, and training aids.
• Ensure a safe, organized, and fully functioning laboratory environment that mirrors real-world residential, commercial, and industrial settings.

2. Faculty Management & Development

• Recruit, hire, onboard, and evaluate qualified HVAC&R instructional staff.
• Conduct classroom observations and provide constructive feedback to faculty to maintain high teaching standards.
• Coordinate professional development and technical training opportunities for instructors.
• Manage faculty scheduling and teaching assignments.

3. Administrative & Compliance Oversight

• Maintain full compliance with state licensing boards, national accrediting bodies, and federal regulations.
• Oversee department budget allocation, tracking expenditures for equipment, tools, and consumable supplies.
• Ensure all EPA Section 608 testing and documentation are handled strictly according to federal guidelines.
• Maintain accurate records of student attendance, grades, and graduation rates for reporting.

4. Industry & Community Relations

• Establish and lead a Program Advisory Committee comprising local HVAC employers, contractors, and alumni to ensure the program remains relevant.
• Develop partnerships with local businesses to secure internship, apprenticeship, and job placement opportunities for graduates.
• Represent the trade school at career fairs, community events, and industry expos.

5. Student Success & Retention

• Provide academic advising, mentorship, and career counseling to students.
• Monitor student progress and implement intervention strategies for those at risk of dropping out.
• Collaborate with the admissions department to assist in recruiting new students.

Required Qualifications

• 3 years in field experience
• Certifications:
• • Universal EPA Section 608 Certification (Required).

Fortis Institute is proud of our long history of providing education to students that leads to the opportunity to learn, grow, and move into a rewarding career. We provide educational programs that are focused on assisting our graduates in obtaining employment and a lifetime of professional growth. The hard work and dedication of our employees has been a key factor in our success.

Our parent company, Education Affiliates, is a company that takes pride in the importance we place upon our employees. Our success as a company is due to the people who work in our schools: they take care of our students and help them learn and grow into their careers while maintaining compliance with all regulatory agencies. We strive to be known as a high-quality organization which values our students above everything else.

In order to remain a leader in our industry, Education Affiliates is focused on hiring new employees who will contribute to our students’ success. We look for employees who are passionate about education and