Director, Critical Infrastructure Instructor Development

SUMMARY

The Director, IT & Critical Infrastructure Instructor Development serves as a department lead within the L&D branch of the Instructor Development & Quality Assurance (IDQA) team and is responsible for the training, development, readiness, and quality assurance of instructional staff supporting Per Scholas's IT and Critical Infrastructure programs.

This role serves as the organization's primary technical training and instructor development leader across Data Center Operations, Low Voltage / Structured Cabling & Fiber Optics, and Critical Facilities career tracks. The Director combines hands-on technical expertise with strong facilitation, coaching, and instructor development capabilities to ensure instructors are prepared to deliver high-quality, industry-aligned technical training.

The Director directly manages a Manager of Instructional Development & Delivery while remaining actively involved in technical training, Train-the-Trainer (TTT), instructor coaching, skills validation, program launches, and high-priority instructor readiness initiatives. This individual serves as the bridge between curriculum design, instructional delivery, workforce expectations, and operational execution.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Leadership & Instructor Development

• Serve as the senior technical training leader for the portfolio, balancing functional leadership with hands-on instructor training, technical coaching, and development.
• Establish training standards and processes that support instructional excellence across technical pathways.
• Directly manage and mentor a Manager of Instructional Development & Delivery.
• Design and oversee instructor onboarding, technical training, certification, Train-the-Trainer, and ongoing professional development pathways.
• Establish instructor competency standards, readiness assessments, and launch-readiness processes.
• Assess and validate instructor technical and instructional proficiency through hands-on skills evaluations, observations, coaching, and targeted development plans.
• Develop instructor resources, technical guides, lab activities, and support tools for hands-on and equipment-based learning environments.
• Deliver and support instructor onboarding programs, including Universal Basic Training (UBT).
• Travel to training locations nationwide to facilitate instructor training, technical skills validation, quality assurance activities, and launch support.

Technical Training & Readiness

• Facilitate and support technical instructor training across Data Center Operations, Low Voltage / Fiber Optics Technician, and Critical Facilities pathways.
• Validate hands-on instructor competency in applicable areas such as; server and network hardware, rack-and-stack operations, virtualization, structured cabling, fiber termination and testing, electrical and mechanical systems, power and cooling, building systems, and structured troubleshooting.
• Support pilot programs, new program launches, and instructor readiness initiatives through direct training, coaching, co-teaching, and technical support.
• Ensure instructors understand and consistently apply applicable safety, equipment, and operational requirements.
• Identify technical capability gaps and develop scalable training solutions that strengthen instructor performance.

Quality Assurance & Performance Improvement

• Conduct classroom observations, instructional audits, technical skills reviews, and readiness assessments.
• Monitor instructor performance and relevant program metrics and implement targeted interventions to improve instructional effectiveness and learner outcomes.
• Identify instructional risks, technical skill gaps, and systemic challenges and develop solutions that strengthen program quality.
• Provide ongoing coaching and development to instructors requiring additional technical or instructional support.

Campus Support & Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with the Curriculum Solutions & Educational Technology teams, site leadership, and operational stakeholders to align instructor development with curriculum, program goals, and workforce expectations.
• Support new program implementations and pathway expansions by evaluating instructor readiness and developing appropriate training strategies.
• Provide technical and instructor-development expertise during curriculum and program design.
• Provide instructional coverage for IT and Critical Infrastructure programs when necessary to ensure continuity of training

QUALIFICATIONS

Required Experience

• 8+ years of combined experience in any of the following; Critical Facilities, Data Center Operations, Low Voltage Systems, Electrical Infrastructure, Building Systems, Industrial Maintenance, Mechatronics, Automation & Controls, Advanced Manufacturing, Facilities Engineering, or related infrastructure-focused environments.
• 3+ years of experience leading technical training, instructor development, workforce development, apprenticeship, or technical education programs.
• Experience managing and developing technical talent, including instructors, trainers, technicians, or technical teams.
• Demonstrated experience troubleshooting complex technical systems and equipment, including electrical, mechanical, automation, controls, industrial, facilities, infrastructure, or related operational environments.
• Experience working in hands-on, lab-based, equipment-intensive learning or operational environments.
• Demonstrated success improving technical performance, instructional effectiveness, workforce readiness, or learner outcomes.

IT & Critical Infrastructure Expertise

• Strong understanding of IT and Critical Infrastructure environments, including data center operations, server/network infrastructure, low voltage / structured cabling and fiber optics, critical facilities operations, power and cooling, building systems, and related infrastructure technologies.
• Ability to assess and validate technical competency, instructional readiness, and hands-on proficiency.
• Experience supporting or training individuals in diagnosing system failures, interpreting technical documentation, and applying structured troubleshooting methodologies.
• Ability to translate complex technical concepts into effective learning experiences for adult learners.

Preferred Qualifications

• Industry-recognized certifications such as SACA, CMRT, NIMS, OSHA 10/30, NFPA 70E, FANUC, Siemens, Rockwell Automation, or equivalent manufacturing, maintenance, automation, or safety credentials.
• Experience supporting instructor development, Train-the-Trainer programs, apprenticeship programs, or workforce development initiatives.
• Familiarity with emerging technologies and AI tools that enhance instructional effectiveness, operational efficiency, and workforce training.
• Demonstrated proficiency utilizing AI tools and large language models (e.g., Gemini, ChatGPT) for research, analysis, content development, workflow optimization, and operational efficiency.

Skills

• Exceptional leadership, coaching, communication, and mentoring skills.
• Strong facilitation and adult-learning expertise.
• Ability to balance strategic planning with operational execution.
• Strong organizational and project management skills.
• Ability to influence stakeholders across multiple departments and levels of the organization.
• Excellent problem-solving and decision-making capabilities.

PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

• Execution-oriented and comfortable operating in ambiguity during periods of growth and change.
• Brings a calm, confident coaching presence in high-stakes instructional and operational environments.
• Detail-oriented with a proactive approach to identifying and mitigating instructional risk.
• Passionate about developing instructors, building scalable systems, and improving learner outcomes.
• Demonstrates strong business judgment, adaptability, and a continuous improvement mindset.