AT - Program Director - CDL

Ancora Education•Arlington, TX

About The Position

The CDL Program Director reports to the Area Manager/Regional Program Director and leads the CDL program. The role provides subject matter expertise and participates in curriculum development, revision, and implementation. The Program Director supports recruitment and orientation activities, provides program knowledge training to Account Management and Career Services staff, and hires, assigns, orients, develops, evaluates, and recognizes Driver Trainers. The role also convenes regular faculty meetings and monitors and supports students, including advising, referrals, tutoring arrangements, and retention initiatives. The Program Director analyzes student and program data to identify students at risk, determine barriers to success, and provide support or information about student services. The role contributes to the campus effectiveness plan and continuous program improvement by collecting and reviewing data on program performance. It also oversees curriculum and instructional materials, faculty performance and development, program quality, and compliance with applicable institutional and industry standards. The position performs all duties of a full-time Driver Trainer. The job involves physical demonstrations of CDL skills and may require climbing in and out of a truck cab, bending, squatting, kneeling, twisting, reaching, handling equipment, and working outdoors in varied weather. 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.

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, including requirements, delivery methods, and reporting.
Knowledge of industry standards and requirements in the field of instruction and ability to facilitate learning on course content.
Knowledge of federal FMCSA and state Department of Motor Vehicle standards.
Motivation, dedication, professionalism, integrity, and enthusiasm for teaching.
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.
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.
Valid DOT Medical Examiner’s Certificate and ability to meet DOT physical qualifications required to hold a CDL, with or without reasonable accommodations.

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 leadership and subject matter expertise for the CDL program, including participating in curriculum development, revision, and implementation.
Provide program product-knowledge training to Account Management and Career Services personnel as requested, and assist with student recruitment as requested.
Participate in new student orientation and engage with prospective students when requested.
Hire, assign, orient, develop, evaluate, recognize, mentor, and supervise Driver Trainers; support their instructional and program needs.
Convene regular faculty meetings, document meetings, and promote faculty professional development.
Advise and support students, including students receiving failing assessments, students with career questions, students with complaints, and students whose engagement or academic progress is in question.
Provide referrals to outside resources when student needs exceed the school’s counseling scope, arrange tutoring when needed, and refer students to appropriate staff for non-academic issues.
Lead student retention initiatives; maintain regular contact with students, respond to concerns, contact students with absences or attendance issues, and document student interactions and correspondence.
Monitor Driver Trainer contact with students and follow up weekly with students who were not reached, did not return as promised, or lack a specific return plan.
Identify students who may be at risk, analyze student population data, contact students to identify barriers, and provide information about support and student services.
Oversee curriculum, instructional materials, equipment, and facilities; provide subject matter input and lead implementation of new or revised curriculum.
Provide input into the master schedule, including course sequencing, offerings, room assignments, and Driver Trainer assignments.
Recruit, interview, and hire faculty in collaboration with the Area Manager/Regional Program Director; maintain complete faculty files and documentation.
Ensure Driver Trainers meet administrative and classroom delivery requirements; observe classes, coach instructors, conduct performance appraisals, and address performance opportunities and personnel issues.
Conduct regular weekly day and evening faculty meetings and maintain regular office hours to promote consistency between day and evening policies, procedures, and instruction.
Keep current on federal and state regulations and accreditation standards; participate in government and accreditation reports and ensure timely and accurate submission.
Review student questionnaire data with the Area Manager/Regional Program Director, confer with faculty when needed, and recommend improvements.
Collaborate across departments, participate in at least one community professional organization, attend faculty meetings and in-service programs, and maintain records of professional development.
Assist with program budget planning when applicable and perform all duties of a full-time Driver Trainer.
Demonstrate CDL skills to students, including trailer coupling and uncoupling, inspections, and vehicle maneuvering.