AT - Program Director - CDL

Ancora Education•Mount Pleasant, TX

20d•$60,000 - $65,000

About The Position

The CDL Program Director reports to the Area Manager/Regional Program Director and provides leadership and subject matter expertise for the CDL program. The director participates in curriculum development, revision, and implementation; trains Account Management staff on program offerings; supports student recruitment and orientation; and hires, assigns, orients, develops, evaluates, and recognizes Driver Trainers. The director convenes faculty meetings and oversees the student population, including advising, retention support, referrals, and outreach to students who may be at risk. The role also supports continuous program improvement by contributing to the campus effectiveness plan and collecting and analyzing program-performance data. The director oversees curriculum, instructional materials, equipment, facilities, and faculty performance and development. Responsibilities include supporting Driver Trainers, observing and coaching instruction, maintaining faculty documentation, coordinating professional development, and ensuring compliance with relevant institutional, accreditation, and government requirements. The role also collaborates across departments, assists with program planning and budget needs when applicable, and performs the duties of a full-time Driver Trainer. The position requires a high school diploma or GED, a CDL Class A license with at least three years of driving experience, five years of industry experience in the instructional field, and two years in a management or supervisory role. The job includes physical demonstrations of CDL skills and may involve outdoor training and exposure to varied weather conditions. The employee must maintain a valid DOT Medical Examiner’s Certificate and meet DOT physical qualifications, with or without reasonable accommodations.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
CDL Class A license with at least 3 years of driving experience.
Industry certification in the instructional field if required by the industry, or demonstrated knowledge equivalent to the certification.
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.
Motivation, dedication, professionalism, integrity, and enthusiasm for teaching.
Sensitivity to the needs and requirements of adult learners and ability to embrace the school’s mission.
Ability to inspire students to achieve at a high level in preparation for employer expectations.
Knowledge of industry standards and requirements in the instructional field and ability to facilitate learning in its course content.
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 a formal setting.
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 standards.
Ability to meet the physical demands of the role, including climbing in and out of a cab, bending, squatting, kneeling, twisting, reaching, handling equipment, and sustaining activity during extended driving and instructional periods.
Must 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.

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 experience in academic instruction 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 arrangements, referrals, and retention support to students in the program.
Maintain regular contact with students, respond to questions and concerns, post office hours, and document student interactions and correspondence.
Contact students who miss class or are not successfully reached or returned to training, and monitor Driver Trainer outreach to students.
Identify students who may be at risk, assess barriers to success, and connect them with support and student services.
Serve as a subject matter expert for the CDL curriculum and participate in curriculum development, revision, and implementation.
Provide input into master scheduling, including course sequencing, offerings, room assignments, and Driver Trainer assignments.
Assist with recruiting, interviewing, and hiring faculty; orient, monitor, supervise, mentor, and support Driver Trainers.
Ensure Driver Trainers meet administrative and instructional requirements and maintain complete faculty files and documentation.
Observe classes, coach instructors, conduct performance appraisals, provide feedback, and recommend development opportunities.
Conduct and document regular weekly day and evening faculty meetings.
Provide program product-knowledge training to Account Management and Career Services personnel and support student recruitment as requested.
Promote and document faculty professional development; participate in a community professional organization and attend faculty meetings and in-service programs.
Maintain knowledge of applicable federal and state regulations and accreditation standards; participate in preparing accurate, timely government and accreditation reports.
Evaluate student questionnaire data with the Area Manager/Regional Program Director and hold faculty conferences or recommend improvements as needed.
Maintain regular office hours and collaborate with other departments to coordinate activities.
Intervene in and work to resolve personnel issues among Driver Trainers.
Assist with planning program budgetary needs when applicable.
Perform all duties of a full-time Driver Trainer, including demonstrating CDL skills to students.
Define Driver Trainer roles and objectives, monitor performance, provide feedback, and address performance issues to encourage teamwork and development.