AT - Program Director - CDL

Ancora Education•Centreville, MI

19d

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 role participates in curriculum development, revision, and implementation; supports student recruitment and orientation; and delivers product knowledge training to account management staff. The director hires, assigns, orients, develops, evaluates, and recognizes Driver Trainers, convenes faculty meetings, and monitors and supports students in the program. The director provides academic advising, tutoring arrangements, referrals, and retention support; identifies students at risk and works with faculty and staff to address barriers to success. The role oversees curriculum, instructional materials, equipment, facilities, and faculty performance and development, while contributing to program scheduling, continuous improvement, effectiveness planning, data analysis, and accreditation and government reporting. The director also performs all duties of a full-time Driver Trainer. The role includes physical and instructional duties associated with CDL training, such as demonstrating vehicle inspections, coupling and uncoupling trailers, and vehicle maneuvering. The position may involve outdoor training in varying weather conditions. The stated general work environment is usually not exposed to weather, with a usually moderate noise level. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
CDL Class A license with 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 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 and ability to facilitate learning on course content in the field of instruction.
Excellent organizational skills.
Ability to develop and use collaborative relationships to accomplish work objectives.
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.
Excellent 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 standards.
Ability to meet the physical demands described, 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.
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.
Ability to work outdoors in varying conditions, including heat, cold, rain, or snow, while training.

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

Supplement Driver Trainer advising for students receiving failing assessments and provide academic advising as needed.
Refer students to outside resources when counseling needs exceed the scope of the school, and refer non-academic concerns to appropriate staff.
Provide or arrange tutoring, lead retention initiatives, and identify students who need tutoring or other support.
Maintain regular contact with program students, respond to questions and concerns, post office hours, and document student interactions and correspondence.
Contact students who miss class or have extended absences, monitor Driver Trainer student contact, and follow up weekly with students who were not reached, did not return as promised, or lack a return plan.
Serve as a subject matter expert for program curriculum and participate in curriculum development, revision, and implementation.
Provide input on course sequencing, offerings, room assignments, and Driver Trainer assignments for the master schedule.
Assist the Area Manager/Regional Program Director with recruiting, interviewing, and hiring faculty.
Orient, monitor, supervise, mentor, and support Driver Trainers; ensure they meet administrative and classroom delivery requirements.
Maintain complete faculty files, including transcripts, professional development, observations, and performance reviews.
Observe classes, coach Driver Trainers, conduct performance appraisals, and recommend improvements and skill development.
Conduct and document regular weekly day and evening faculty meetings.
Provide program product knowledge training to account management and Career Services personnel as requested, share information about program trends and changes, and assist with student recruitment as requested.
Promote faculty participation in professional development and maintain records of development activities.
Maintain current knowledge of relevant federal and state regulations and accreditation standards; participate in preparing government and accreditation reports and ensure timely, accurate submission.
Assist in evaluating student questionnaire data, hold faculty conferences when needed, and recommend improvements.
Maintain regular weekly office hours and collaborate with other departments to coordinate activities.
Intervene in and work to resolve personnel issues among program Driver Trainers.
Assist the Area Manager/Regional Program Director with planning program budget needs when applicable.
Define Driver Trainer roles and objectives, monitor performance, provide feedback, discuss priorities, and address performance issues promptly.
Identify challenging assignments that develop individuals’ and the organization’s capabilities and foster teamwork.
Participate actively in at least one community professional organization and attend faculty meetings and in-service programs.
Perform all duties of a full-time Driver Trainer.
Collect and analyze program performance data and contribute to development and maintenance of the campus effectiveness plan.
Physically demonstrate CDL skills, including trailer coupling and uncoupling, inspections, and large-vehicle maneuvering.