AT - Program Director - CDL

Ancora Education•Norfolk, VA

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 product knowledge training to Account Management and Career Services personnel. The role supports student recruitment and orientation, oversees and develops Driver Trainers, convenes faculty meetings, and monitors and advises students. The director also analyzes student data, identifies students at risk, provides support and referrals, and contributes to continuous program improvement and campus effectiveness planning. The position oversees curriculum, instructional materials, equipment, facilities, and faculty performance and development. It includes student advising and retention work, faculty recruitment and supervision, classroom observation and coaching, performance appraisals, regulatory and accreditation reporting, and coordination with other departments. The director also 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 ten years, five years of industry experience in the field of instruction, and two years of management or supervisory experience. A valid DOT Medical Examiner’s Certificate and the ability to meet DOT physical qualifications required to hold a CDL are also required, with or without reasonable accommodations.

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 with 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 within the field of instruction.
Knowledge of and ability to facilitate learning on course content within the field of instruction.
Ability to develop collaborative 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 the 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.
Valid DOT Medical Examiner’s Certificate and ability to meet DOT physical qualifications required to hold a CDL, with or without reasonable accommodations.
Physical ability to climb in and out of a cab; bend, squat, kneel, twist, and reach; crank trailer landing gear; handle training and safety equipment; and sustain activity and alertness 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 academic instruction experience 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, track interactions, follow up on absences, and monitor Driver Trainer contact with students.
Identify students at risk or in need of tutoring, determine barriers to success, and provide information about student services.
Serve as a subject matter expert for the program 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, orient, supervise, mentor, and develop Driver Trainers; ensure they meet administrative and instructional requirements.
Maintain faculty files and documentation, observe classes, coach instructors, and conduct faculty performance appraisals.
Conduct regular weekly day and evening faculty meetings, document meetings, and support faculty professional development.
Provide product knowledge training and program information to Account Management and Career Services personnel; assist with recruitment as requested.
Maintain current knowledge of federal and state regulations and accreditation standards, and participate in preparing accurate, timely government and accreditation reports.
Evaluate student questionnaire data with the Area Manager/Regional Program Director and make recommendations for improvement.
Maintain regular office hours, collaborate across departments, and address personnel issues among program area Driver Trainers.
Assist with program budget planning when applicable and participate in at least one community professional organization.
Lead and develop Driver Trainers by setting objectives, monitoring performance, providing feedback, resolving performance issues, and identifying challenging work assignments.
Collect and analyze program performance data and contribute to continuous improvement and the campus effectiveness plan.
Perform all duties of a full-time Driver Trainer, including physically demonstrating CDL skills and training activities.