AT - Program Director - CDL

Ancora Education•Centreville, MI

20d•$60,000 - $65,000

About The Position

Reporting to the Area Manager/Regional Program Director, the CDL Program Director leads the CDL program and serves as its subject matter expert. The role participates in curriculum development, revision, and implementation; provides program knowledge training to account management and Career Services personnel; supports student recruitment and orientation; and hires, orients, develops, evaluates, and recognizes Driver Trainers. The Program Director monitors and supports students through advising, retention initiatives, tutoring referrals, follow-up on absences, and coordination with appropriate student services. The role analyzes student and program data to identify barriers and risks, supports continuous improvement, and contributes to campus effectiveness planning. It also oversees curriculum and instructional quality, faculty performance and development, program documentation, regulatory and accreditation reporting, and coordination with other departments. The position performs all duties of a full-time Driver Trainer. The work may involve demonstrating CDL skills to students and completing physical tasks associated with inspections and vehicle training. The employee must maintain a valid DOT Medical Examiner’s Certificate and meet DOT physical qualifications required to hold a CDL, with or without reasonable accommodations. The described work environment is usually not exposed to weather conditions and has a usually moderate noise level; outdoor training may involve varying weather conditions.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
CDL Class A license and at least 3 years of driving experience.
Industry certification in the field of instruction 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 management or supervisory experience.
Knowledge of faculty development requirements, delivery methods, and reporting.
Knowledge of industry standards and requirements in the field of instruction.
Knowledge of and ability to facilitate learning on course content in the field of instruction.
Knowledge of federal FMCSA and state Department of Motor Vehicle standards.
Excellent organizational, creative, problem-solving, interpersonal, and presentation skills.
Ability to develop collaborative relationships and accomplish work objectives with others.
Management skills in planning, organizing, controlling, and evaluating programs and policies in a dynamic environment.
Motivation, dedication, professionalism, integrity, and enthusiasm for teaching.
Ability to meet CDL-related DOT physical qualifications and maintain a valid DOT Medical Examiner’s Certificate, with or without reasonable accommodations.
Ability to perform physical tasks including climbing in and out of a cab, bending, squatting, kneeling, twisting, reaching, cranking trailer landing gear, handling training and safety equipment, and sustaining activity during extended driving or 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 academic instruction experience in a post-secondary environment.
10 years of experience in the field of instruction.
Working knowledge of federal/state government education regulations.
3 years of management or supervisory experience.
Previous experience as an academic program director.
Experience in student guidance or related fields.
Working knowledge of federal/state government regulations.

Responsibilities

Provide academic advising and support to students, including referrals, tutoring arrangements, retention initiatives, and timely responses to questions and concerns.
Maintain student contact and records; follow up on absences and monitor Driver Trainer contact with students.
Identify students at risk or in need of tutoring, contact them to understand barriers, and connect them with support and services.
Serve as the subject matter expert for the CDL curriculum 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.
Recruit, interview, hire, orient, supervise, mentor, develop, evaluate, and recognize Driver Trainers, in coordination with the Area Manager/Regional Program Director as appropriate.
Ensure Driver Trainers meet administrative and instructional requirements; maintain complete faculty files and documentation.
Observe classes, coach instructors, conduct performance appraisals, and recommend improvement and professional development.
Hold and document regular weekly day and evening faculty meetings; attend faculty meetings and in-service programs.
Provide program knowledge training and information to account management and Career Services personnel, and assist with student recruitment as requested.
Maintain knowledge of applicable regulations and accreditation standards; participate in government and accreditation reports and ensure timely, accurate submissions.
Analyze student questionnaires and program data, support program evaluation, and recommend improvements.
Maintain regular office hours and collaborate across departments to coordinate activities and resolve personnel issues among Driver Trainers.
Assist with program budget planning when applicable and participate in at least one professional organization within the community.
Lead and develop Driver Trainers by setting objectives, monitoring performance, providing feedback, resolving performance issues, and assigning developmental work.
Perform all duties of a full-time Driver Trainer, including physically demonstrating CDL skills and vehicle procedures to students.