AT - Program Director - CDL

Ancora Education•ACT - Virginia Highland CC Abingdon VA, Abingdon, VA, US, VA

2d•$60,000 - $65,000

About The Position

The CDL Program Director reports to the Area Manager/Regional Program Director and provides leadership for the CDL program. The director serves as a subject matter expert, participates in curriculum development, revision, and implementation, and provides program-specific product knowledge training to Account Management and Career Services personnel. The role supports student recruitment and orientation and is responsible for hiring, assigning, orienting, developing, evaluating, and recognizing Driver Trainers. The director convenes regular faculty meetings and supports the student population through advising, retention initiatives, monitoring student progress, identifying barriers to success, and connecting students with tutoring or other appropriate resources. The director oversees curriculum, instructional materials, equipment, facilities, and faculty performance and development. Responsibilities include supporting curriculum implementation, contributing to master scheduling, supervising and coaching Driver Trainers, maintaining faculty documentation, observing classes, conducting performance appraisals, and supporting professional development. The position also helps maintain compliance with applicable regulations and accreditation standards, contributes to reports and campus effectiveness planning, analyzes program performance data, and supports program budget planning when applicable. The director performs all duties of a full-time Driver Trainer. The role requires a high school diploma or GED, a CDL Class A license with at least three years of driving experience within the last 10 years, five years of industry experience in the field of instruction, and two years in a management or supervisory role. A valid DOT Medical Examiner’s Certificate and the physical qualifications required to hold a CDL are also required. Physical duties include climbing in and out of a truck cab, demonstrating vehicle and trailer procedures, handling equipment, and working outdoors in varying weather during training. The usual work environment is described as having moderate noise and generally no exposure to weather conditions; reasonable accommodations may be made.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Industry certification in the field of instruction if required by the industry, or demonstrated knowledge equivalent to the certification.
CDL Class A license and 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.
Ability to facilitate learning on course content in the field of instruction.
Ability to develop collaborative working relationships and accomplish work objectives with others.
Superior 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 in formal settings.
Management skills in planning, organizing, controlling, and evaluating programs and policies in a changing environment.
Knowledge of federal FMCSA and state Department of Motor Vehicle standards.
Motivation, dedication, professionalism, integrity, and enthusiasm for teaching.
Valid DOT Medical Examiner’s Certificate and ability to meet DOT physical qualifications required to hold a CDL, with or without reasonable accommodations.
Ability to perform physical tasks including climbing in and out of a cab, bending, squatting, kneeling, twisting, reaching, handling training and safety equipment, and sustaining activity during extended driving and instructional periods.

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.
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 leadership for the CDL program and serve as a subject matter expert on its curriculum and industry requirements.
Participate in curriculum development and revision and lead implementation of new or revised curriculum.
Provide program product knowledge training to Account Management and Career Services personnel and assist with student recruitment and orientation as requested.
Hire, assign, orient, develop, evaluate, recognize, mentor, and supervise Driver Trainers.
Provide academic advising and retention support; identify students at risk, contact students about absences or barriers to success, arrange tutoring or referrals, and maintain records of student interactions.
Monitor Driver Trainer contact with students and follow up with students who were not reached, did not return as promised, or lack a specific return plan.
Contribute to the master schedule, including course sequencing, offerings, room assignments, and Driver Trainer assignments.
Ensure Driver Trainers meet administrative and classroom delivery requirements and maintain complete faculty files and documentation.
Observe classes, coach instructors, conduct performance appraisals, provide feedback, and support faculty professional development.
Conduct regular weekly day and evening faculty meetings and document meeting outcomes.
Maintain regular office hours and coordinate interdepartmental activities and consistent policies and instruction.
Maintain current knowledge of federal and state regulations and accreditation standards; participate in government and accreditation reports and ensure timely, accurate submissions.
Analyze student and program data, contribute to the campus effectiveness plan, and recommend program improvements.
Assist the Area Manager/Regional Program Director with faculty recruitment, student questionnaire analysis, program budget planning, and personnel issue resolution.
Participate in at least one professional organization, attend faculty meetings and in-service programs, and maintain professional development records.
Perform all duties of a full-time Driver Trainer.
Set clear roles and objectives for Driver Trainers, monitor performance, address performance concerns, and identify developmental assignments.