AT - CDL Lead Driver Trainer

Ancora Education•Middletown, NY

About The Position

The CDL Program Director/Lead Driver Trainer reports to the Area Manager/Regional Program Director and provides leadership for the CDL Program. The role serves as a subject matter expert and contributes to curriculum development, revision, and implementation. It provides face-to-face product knowledge training to the Account Management group, engages with prospective students when requested, and participates in new student orientation. The position hires, assigns, orients, develops, evaluates, and recognizes Driver Trainers; convenes regular faculty meetings; and supports and monitors students in the program. Student support includes advising, addressing complaints and career questions, assessing engagement and academic progress, identifying students at risk, and connecting students with appropriate support and services. The role also contributes to continuous program improvement by maintaining the campus effectiveness plan and collecting and analyzing program-performance data. The Lead Driver Trainer oversees curriculum, instructional materials, equipment, facilities, and faculty performance and development. The position maintains knowledge of applicable regulations and accreditation standards, assists with government and agency reporting, and performs all duties of a full-time Driver Trainer.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
CDL Class A license and at least 3 years of driving experience.
At least 2 years of experience in a management or supervisory role.
Knowledge of faculty development, including requirements, delivery methods, and reporting.
Motivation, dedication, professionalism, integrity, and enthusiasm for teaching.
Ability to show sensitivity to the needs and requirements of adult learners and embrace the mission.
Ability to inspire students to achieve at a high level in preparation for employer expectations.
Knowledge of industry standards and requirements in the field of instruction.
Knowledge of course content and ability to facilitate learning in the field of instruction.
Ability to develop and use collaborative relationships, including listening, sharing ideas, and appreciating others' efforts.
Interpersonal skills for positive interactions with students, alumni, faculty, and employers.
Creative and problem-solving skills in working with students, alumni, employers, faculty, and staff.
Presentation skills and ability to present ideas effectively to individuals or groups in formal settings.
Management skills in planning, organizing, controlling, and evaluating programs and policies in a dynamic environment.
Knowledge of federal FMCSA and state Department of Motor Vehicle Agency requirements.
Ability to meet the physical demands of the role, including climbing in and out of a cab; bending, squatting, kneeling, twisting, and reaching; handling training and safety equipment; and sustaining activity and alertness during extended driving and instructional periods.
Possess and maintain a valid DOT Medical Examiner’s Certificate and meet DOT physical qualifications required to hold a CDL, with or without reasonable accommodations.
Ability to demonstrate vehicle inspections, trailer coupling and uncoupling, and vehicle maneuvering, including working outdoors in varying weather conditions.

Nice To Haves

Associate’s degree or higher, documented specialized competency within the field of instruction, or equivalent work experience in the field of instruction.
10 years of experience in the field of instruction.
Working knowledge of federal and state government education regulations.
3 years of experience in a management or supervisory role.
Previous experience as an academic program director.
Experience in student guidance or a related field.

Responsibilities

Provide academic advising and supplement Driver Trainer advising for students receiving failing assessments.
Refer students to outside resources when counseling needs exceed the school's scope, and refer non-academic concerns to appropriate staff.
Provide or arrange tutoring and lead retention initiatives for students encountering barriers to success.
Maintain regular contact with students, respond to questions and concerns promptly, post office hours, and keep records of student interactions and correspondence.
Contact students who miss class or have more than four absences during the course; make weekly follow-up calls to students who were not reached, did not return as promised, or have not specified a return date.
Monitor Driver Trainers' student contact and follow-up results, identify students needing tutoring, and provide appropriate academic advice and support.
Serve as a subject matter expert for the program's curriculum and provide feedback on curriculum development and revision led by the Home Office Executive team.
Implement new and revised curriculum and provide input on course sequencing, offerings, room assignments, and Driver Trainer assignments for the master schedule.
Orient, monitor, supervise, mentor, and assist new Driver Trainers; lead and support staff and oversee their instructional and program needs.
Attend weekly day and evening faculty meetings, faculty meetings, and in-service programs; support improvements to courses, instructional methods, and text selection.
Share information with departments about trends and changes in program specialty areas and maintain records of professional development activities.
Maintain current knowledge of federal and state institutional regulations and accreditation standards related to the program.
Participate in preparation of government and agency reports and ensure their timely and accurate submission.
Assist the Director of Quality Assurance/Regional Program Director in evaluating student questionnaire data, hold faculty conferences when needed, and recommend improvements.
Collaborate with peers and associates to coordinate interdepartmental activities.
Perform all duties of a full-time Driver Trainer.
Participate in new student orientation and provide face-to-face product knowledge training to the Account Management group.
Support continuous program improvement by maintaining the campus effectiveness plan and collecting and analyzing program performance data.
Demonstrate vehicle and safety skills to students, including coupling and uncoupling trailers, conducting inspections, and maneuvering large vehicles.