AT - Program Director - CDL

Ancora Education•Norfolk, VA

2d•$60,000 - $65,000

About The Position

The CDL Program Director provides leadership for the CDL program and reports to the Area Manager/Regional Program Director. The role serves as a subject matter expert, participating in curriculum development, revision, and implementation, and providing program knowledge training to Account Management and Career Services personnel. The director also supports student recruitment and orientation as requested. The director hires, orients, develops, supervises, evaluates, and recognizes Driver Trainers; convenes regular faculty meetings; and supports instructional quality and faculty development. The position monitors student engagement and academic progress, advises students, coordinates tutoring and referrals, and leads retention efforts. The director analyzes student and program data, contributes to the campus effectiveness plan, and supports continuous improvement, regulatory compliance, and accreditation reporting. The position also performs all duties of a full-time Driver Trainer. The role includes physically demonstrating CDL skills, such as coupling and uncoupling trailers, conducting inspections, and maneuvering large vehicles. It requires the ability to meet DOT physical qualifications and maintain a valid DOT Medical Examiner’s Certificate, with or without reasonable accommodations. Although the work environment is usually not exposed to weather and has moderate noise, training tasks may involve outdoor work in varying weather conditions.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Industry certification in the field of instruction if required by the industry, or demonstrated equivalent knowledge.
CDL Class A license with at least 3 years of driving experience within the last 10 years.
5 years of industry experience in the field of instruction.
2 years of experience in a management or supervisory role.
Knowledge of faculty development requirements, delivery methods, and reporting.
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.
Knowledge of federal FMCSA and state Department of Motor Vehicle standards.
Ability to build collaborative working relationships and accomplish objectives with others.
Strong verbal and written communication skills.
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.
Management skills in planning, organizing, controlling, and evaluating programs and policies in a changing environment.
Ability to frequently climb in and out of a cab, bend, squat, kneel, twist, and reach.
Ability to crank trailer landing gear, handle training and safety equipment, and potentially assist with loading or unloading.
Ability to sustain physical activity and alertness during extended driving and instructional periods.
Ability to meet DOT physical qualifications and maintain a valid DOT Medical Examiner’s Certificate, with or without reasonable accommodations.
Ability to demonstrate physical CDL skills and train 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.
5 years of academic instruction experience in a post-secondary environment.
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 related fields.
Working knowledge of federal and state government regulations.

Responsibilities

Provide academic advising, tutoring, referrals, and timely support to students in the program.
Lead student retention efforts and maintain regular contact with students, including following up on absences and barriers to success.
Maintain records of student interactions and monitor Driver Trainer outreach to students.
Serve as the program’s curriculum subject matter expert and participate in curriculum development, revision, and implementation.
Provide input on course sequencing, offerings, room assignments, and Driver Trainer teaching assignments for the master schedule.
Assist with faculty recruitment, interviewing, and hiring.
Orient, supervise, mentor, develop, and evaluate Driver Trainers; ensure they meet administrative and instructional requirements.
Maintain faculty files and records of transcripts, professional development, observations, and performance reviews.
Observe classes and coach Driver Trainers to improve instructional presentation and classroom management.
Conduct regular weekly day and evening faculty meetings and document them.
Provide program knowledge training to Account Management and Career Services personnel and share relevant program trends and changes with departments.
Support student recruitment, faculty professional development, and participation in a community professional organization.
Maintain knowledge of regulations and accreditation standards; contribute to government and accreditation reports and ensure timely, accurate submission.
Evaluate student questionnaire data with the Area Manager/Regional Program Director and conduct faculty conferences when appropriate.
Maintain regular office hours and collaborate across departments to coordinate activities.
Address personnel issues among program Driver Trainers and assist with program budget planning when applicable.
Provide Driver Trainers with clear objectives, performance feedback, and opportunities for development; address performance concerns promptly.
Perform all duties of a full-time Driver Trainer.
Physically demonstrate CDL skills, including coupling and uncoupling trailers, inspections, and vehicle maneuvering.