MEP Program Manager

About VDCI

The Virtual Design & Construction Institute (VDCI) is a leading online vocational school serving the Architecture, Engineering, Construction, and Design (AEC) industries. We deliver professional-grade, video-based asynchronous courses that prepare students for real-world careers. We are growing our MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing) program and are looking for a passionate, industry-connected professional to build it from the ground up.

The Opportunity

This is a rare chance to own and shape an entire program vertical at a fast-growing online institution. As VDCI's MEP Program Manager, you will split your time equally between two high-impact responsibilities: building the MEP curriculum and instructor ecosystem, and forging the industry partnerships that create real career pathways for our students. You will be the face of VDCI in the MEP industry — at unions, certification bodies, and employer organizations — while also being a working practitioner who records courses, mentors students, and sets the academic standard for the program.

Key Responsibilities

Industry Partnerships & Workforce Development (50%)

• Build and maintain relationships with MEP certification agencies (e.g., NCCER, NATE, NFPA, SMACNA, IBEW, UA)
• Develop pathways for VDCI students into union apprenticeships, employer pipelines, and job placement programs
• Represent VDCI at industry events, trade organizations, and professional associations
• Identify and negotiate articulation agreements with certification bodies to enhance credential value for students
• Stay current on MEP industry trends, licensing requirements, and workforce demand to inform curriculum strategy

Curriculum & Instruction – Player/Coach (50%)

• Actively participate in MEP course development — not just oversight, but hands-on creation
• Record on-camera video lessons for VDCI's asynchronous course library
• Serve as a subject matter expert (SME), fielding student questions and providing expert feedback
• Recruit, manage, and hold accountable external SMEs contributing to MEP course development
• Mentor students one-on-one and in cohort settings, supporting their academic and career goals
• Ensure MEP curriculum meets industry standards and aligns with certification requirements

What We're Looking For

Required

• Hands-on MEP field or project experience; you have done the work, not just managed it
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Education, or a related field required; Master's degree preferred
• 3 to 5 years of experience in academic program management, department leadership, or educational administration within a higher education or vocational training environment
• Demonstrated ability to build, lead, and grow an academic program, including curriculum oversight, faculty/SME management, and student success initiatives
• Experience managing direct reports or contractors in an educational setting
• Proven track record of building external partnerships with industry organizations, certification bodies, employers, or workforce agencies
• Demonstrated ability to communicate technical concepts clearly, including on camera
• Strong organizational and project management skills; this role requires juggling partnerships, content, and people simultaneously

Preferred

• Journeyman license or equivalent trade certification in a relevant MEP discipline
• Experience as an on-camera instructor or online course creator
• Familiarity with vocational education, apprenticeship programs, or workforce development initiatives
• Prior experience managing SMEs or leading a team in an educational context

Why VDCI

• Build something from scratch — you will have genuine ownership of the MEP program
• Remote-first culture with a collaborative, mission-driven team
• Work at the intersection of industry and education — your real-world expertise will directly shape student careers
• Competitive compensation and a growing organization with room to advance

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit a resume and a brief cover letter describing their MEP background and any experience with workforce development, certification agencies, unions, or online instruction

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. We look forward to meeting you.

Pay: $85,000.00 - $100,000.00 per year

Application Question(s):

• What existing relationships do you have with unions, trade associations, or certification bodies?
• Have you ever created or assisted in the development of an accredited MEP academic curriculum. If so...what role did you play, what was the scope and what were the outcome?
• How would you get a meeting with someone at IBEW or NCCER who doesn't know VDCI exists?

Work Location: Remote