Trades Program Manager

CHARTER COLLEGE:

Program Manager - Welding & HVAC Programs

Location: Remote | Preferred: Pacific (PST) or Mountain (MST) Time Zone

Department: Academic Affairs / Trades Programs

Reports To: Academic Dean / Director of Programs

Employment Type: Full-Time

About Charter College:

Charter College is a career-focused institution dedicated to preparing students for meaningful careers in high‑demand fields. Our Welding and HVAC programs reflect our commitment to trades education and producing workforce‑ready graduates. We are seeking a driven, credible Program Manager to lead and grow these programs.

Position Overview:

The Program Manager for Welding and HVAC will provide oversight, leadership, and strategic direction for both programs. This individual will serve as the academic and operational lead - ensuring curriculum quality, faculty performance, employer alignment, and accreditation compliance. The ideal candidate brings real trades industry experience, understands the expectations of employers, and can lead with credibility among faculty and students.

Key Responsibilities:

Program Leadership:

• Oversee daily operations, curriculum delivery, and academic quality of the Welding and HVAC programs.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for faculty, students, and industry partners within these programs.
• Monitor student outcomes, retention, and graduation rates and implement improvement strategies as needed.
• Ensure programs remain current with industry standards and employer expectations.

Faculty Development & Management:

• Recruit, onboard, mentor, and evaluate program faculty.
• Provide instructional coaching and professional development to faculty.
• Foster a culture of accountability, engagement, and continuous improvement among instructors.

Curriculum & Accreditation:

• Lead curriculum development, review, and updates in alignment with accreditation body requirements.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable accreditation standards and documentation requirements.
• Collaborate with the academic team on program reviews, outcomes assessment, and reporting.

Industry & Employer Engagement:

• Build and maintain relationships with employers, industry associations, and advisory board members.
• Align program content and graduate competencies with current employer expectations.
• Support externship, practicum, and job placement efforts for graduates.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree required (field relevant to trades, education, business, or related discipline) - required per accreditation standards.
• Meaningful experience in the trades industry (Welding, HVAC, or related skilled trades sector).
• Demonstrated ability to lead, coach, or develop employees, instructors, or trainees.
• Strong communication skills - able to speak credibly with both industry professionals and academic stakeholders.
• Familiarity with accreditation bodies and compliance expectations in career/vocational education.
• Located in or willing to work in PST or MST time zone.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in career education, vocational training, or post‑secondary academic administration.
• Direct experience managing or developing training programs within a large trades company or organization.
• Prior experience with curriculum development or instructional design
• Familiarity with accreditation bodies.
• Experience with both Welding and HVAC disciplines (one area of depth is acceptable).

What We Offer:

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience.
• Comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, and vision.
• A mission‑driven environment focused on student success and workforce development.
• Opportunity to shape and grow two high‑demand trades programs.
• Collaborative, supportive leadership team.

Charter College is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.