AT - Program Director - CDL

Ancora Education•Charlottesville, VA

20d•$70,000 - $75,000

About The Position

The CDL Program Director provides leadership and subject matter expertise for the CDL program and reports to the Area Manager/Regional Program Director. 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 role convenes regular faculty meetings and supports student advising, retention, and progress, including identifying students at risk and helping address barriers to success. The Director also contributes to continuous program improvement by participating in the campus effectiveness plan and collecting and analyzing program performance data. The position oversees student services, curriculum quality, instructional materials, faculty performance and development, and program coordination. It supports compliance with relevant federal and state regulations and accreditation standards, and assists with government and accreditation reporting. The Director also performs all duties of a full-time Driver Trainer. The role includes physical demonstration of CDL training activities, such as coupling and uncoupling trailers, inspections, and vehicle maneuvering. Physical demands include frequently climbing in and out of a cab, bending, squatting, kneeling, twisting, reaching, cranking trailer landing gear, handling training and safety equipment, and sustaining activity and alertness during extended driving and instructional periods. Training may involve outdoor exposure to varying weather. The work environment is usually not exposed to weather, and noise is usually moderate. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform essential functions.

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.
Five years of industry experience in the field of instruction.
Two years of experience in a management or supervisory role.
Knowledge of faculty development, including requirements, delivery methods, and reporting.
Motivation, dedication, professionalism, integrity, and enthusiasm for teaching.
Knowledge of industry standards and requirements within the field of instruction.
Knowledge of course content and ability to facilitate learning in the field of instruction.
Ability to develop and use collaborative relationships to accomplish work objectives.
Superior verbal and written communication skills.
Interpersonal skills for positive interactions with students, alumni, faculty, and employers.
Creative and problem-solving skills when working with students, alumni, employers, faculty, and staff.
Ability to meet and/or exceed defined goals.
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.
Valid DOT Medical Examiner’s Certificate and ability to meet DOT physical qualifications required to hold a CDL, with or without reasonable accommodations, as required by federal regulations.
Ability to meet the stated physical demands, including climbing, bending, squatting, kneeling, twisting, reaching, handling 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.
Five years of academic instruction experience in a post-secondary environment.
Ten years of experience in the field of instruction.
Working knowledge of federal and state government education regulations.
Three 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 and student support, including referrals, tutoring arrangements, retention initiatives, and timely responses to student questions and concerns.
Maintain regular contact with students, post office hours, document interactions, and follow up with students who miss class or are not reached by Driver Trainers.
Monitor Driver Trainer contact with students and identify students who may need tutoring or additional academic support.
Serve as the subject matter expert for the CDL curriculum and participate in curriculum development, revision, and implementation.
Provide input on the master schedule, including course sequencing, offerings, room assignments, and Driver Trainer assignments.
Assist with recruiting, interviewing, and hiring faculty; orient, supervise, mentor, and support Driver Trainers.
Ensure Driver Trainers meet administrative and classroom delivery requirements and maintain complete faculty files and documentation.
Observe classes, coach instructors, conduct faculty performance appraisals, and support professional development.
Conduct and document regular weekly day and evening faculty meetings.
Provide product knowledge training and program information to Account Management, Career Services, and other departments; assist with student recruitment as requested.
Maintain knowledge of relevant federal and state regulations and accreditation standards, and assist with the preparation and submission of required reports.
Evaluate student questionnaire data with the Area Manager/Regional Program Director, hold faculty conferences as needed, and recommend improvements.
Maintain regular office hours and collaborate across departments to coordinate activities.
Intervene in and work to resolve personnel issues among Driver Trainers.
Assist with planning program budget needs when applicable.
Provide Driver Trainers with clear roles and objectives, monitor performance, give feedback, and address performance issues to foster teamwork and development.
Participate in the campus effectiveness plan, collect and analyze program performance data, and lead continuous improvement efforts.
Perform all duties of a full-time Driver Trainer, including demonstrating CDL skills and activities to students.