UHP (Unlock Human Potential)

UHP is a veteran-focused education and leadership development organization based on an 800-acre campus in Northwest Arkansas. Through immersive, high-impact programs, we develop service members and veterans into leaders—equipped with the skills, mindset, and purpose to thrive in their next chapter.

Our approach is built on four core pillars: Think. Train. Feel. Lead.
We integrate human performance, leadership development, and real-world skill building to prepare individuals for meaningful, long-term careers.

Director of HVAC School

The Opportunity

As UHP launches Ignite America Trade Schools—a modernized approach to skilled trades education—this is a rare opportunity to build and lead a modern HVAC training program from the ground up. 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 to redefine how HVAC education is delivered.

This is not a traditional academic administrator role. We are seeking 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.

What You’ll Do

Program Leadership & Development

• 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

Instruction & Training

• 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

Instructor Leadership

• 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

Industry & Workforce Alignment

• 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

Operational Leadership

• 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

What You’ll Bring

Required Experience

• 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

Preferred Experience

• 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

What Success Looks Like

• Building a respected, workforce-aligned HVAC program

• Developing highly capable instructors and students

• Creating immersive, hands-on training experiences

• Establishing strong employer and industry relationships

• Helping scale Ignite America into a nationally recognized skilled trades education platform

Why This Role Is Different

This is an opportunity to help build something meaningful from the ground floor. You will help shape the future of HVAC education within a mission-driven organization focused on leadership, performance, and workforce development. This role combines skilled trades education, leadership development, workforce impact, program building, operational leadership, and mission-driven work. We are looking for individuals who want to build, lead, and leave a lasting impact.

Why UHP

This is an opportunity to help build and shape the future of Human Performance education within a mission-driven organization focused on impact, leadership, and transformation. The Head of Curriculum will play a critical role in ensuring UHP’s educational experiences are scientifically credible, operationally scalable, and capable of preparing individuals to perform and lead in demanding real-world environments. You will help develop programs that directly impact the lives of veterans, students, coaches, and future leaders while helping establish a new standard for immersive performance education.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive compensation package

• 401(k)

• Health, dental, and vision insurance

• Paid time off

• Professional development support

• Access to UHP performance and recovery facilities

Why UHP

• Belong to something, Believe in something, Strive for something.

• Work alongside a team committed to excellence, growth, and purpose

• Direct impact on the lives of service members and veterans

• Work in a unique, high-performance campus environment