AT - Program Director - CDL

Ancora Education•Sumter, SC

20h

About The Position

The CDL Program Director provides leadership and subject matter expertise for the CDL program. Reporting to the Area Manager/Regional Program Director, the role supports curriculum development, revision, and implementation; trains Account Management personnel on program content; engages with prospective students and participates in student orientation; and hires, assigns, develops, evaluates, and recognizes Driver Trainers. The Director convenes faculty meetings, monitors and supports students, contributes to advising and retention efforts, and helps students address academic, career, and engagement concerns. The role also analyzes student and program data and contributes to continuous improvement and the campus effectiveness plan. The position oversees curriculum and instructional materials, faculty performance and development, and program delivery. Responsibilities include faculty recruitment and supervision, classroom observations and coaching, performance appraisals, documentation, professional development, regulatory and accreditation support, and coordination with other departments. The Director also performs all duties of a full-time Driver Trainer. The position requires a high school diploma or GED, a CDL Class A license with at least two years of driving experience, five years of industry experience in the field of instruction, and two years in a management or supervisory role. The job involves physical demonstrations and outdoor training in varying weather conditions, although the general work-environment description says employees are usually not exposed to weather. A valid DOT Medical Examiner’s Certificate and DOT physical qualifications are required, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
CDL Class A license with at least two years of driving experience.
Five years of industry experience in the field of instruction.
Two years of experience in a management or supervisory role.
Industry certification in the field of instruction if required by the industry, or demonstrated knowledge equivalent to the certification.
Knowledge of faculty development requirements, delivery methods, and reporting.
Motivation, dedication, professionalism, integrity, and enthusiasm for teaching.
Ability to understand and respond sensitively to the needs of adult learners.
Ability and desire to embrace the school’s mission and inspire students to meet employer expectations.
Knowledge of industry standards and requirements in the field of instruction, and ability to facilitate learning on course content.
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.
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.
Ability to frequently climb in and out of a cab, bend, squat, kneel, twist, and reach.
Ability to crank trailer landing gear, handle training and safety equipment, and potentially assist with loading and unloading when applicable.
Ability to sustain physical activity and alertness during extended driving and instructional periods and to demonstrate vehicle and trailer operations to students.

Nice To Haves

Associate degree or higher, documented specialized competency in the field of instruction, or equivalent work experience in the field.
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 leadership and subject matter expertise for the CDL program, including participation in curriculum development, revision, and implementation.
Provide product knowledge training to Account Management and Career Services personnel and assist with student recruitment as requested.
Engage with prospective students and participate in new student orientation.
Hire, assign, orient, develop, evaluate, recognize, supervise, and support Driver Trainers.
Convene and document regular faculty meetings, including weekly day and evening meetings.
Advise and support students, including students with failing assessments, academic needs, career questions, complaints, engagement concerns, or barriers to success.
Refer students to outside resources or appropriate school staff when needs extend beyond the Director’s scope or are non-academic.
Provide or arrange tutoring and lead retention initiatives for students facing barriers to success.
Maintain regular contact and office hours for students; respond to questions and concerns; contact students about absences and missed classes; and document interactions and correspondence.
Monitor and follow up on Driver Trainer contact with students in the assigned program areas.
Oversee curriculum, instructional materials, equipment, facilities, course sequencing, offerings, room assignments, and Driver Trainer teaching assignments.
Recruit, interview, orient, monitor, mentor, and develop Driver Trainers; ensure required administrative, classroom, and documentation duties are met.
Observe classes, coach instructors, conduct performance appraisals, and recommend improvements and skill development.
Promote and document faculty professional development; maintain records of personal professional development; and participate in at least one relevant professional organization.
Maintain current knowledge of federal and state institutional regulations, accreditation standards, industry requirements, FMCSA standards, and state motor vehicle standards related to the program.
Participate in government and accreditation report preparation and ensure timely, accurate submission.
Evaluate student questionnaire data with the Area Manager/Regional Program Director, confer with faculty as needed, and recommend improvements.
Collaborate across departments, resolve personnel issues among Driver Trainers, and assist with program budget planning when applicable.
Lead and develop Driver Trainers by setting clear roles and objectives, monitoring performance, providing feedback, resolving performance issues, and identifying developmental assignments.
Perform all duties of a full-time Driver Trainer, including physically demonstrating vehicle inspections, coupling and uncoupling trailers, and vehicle maneuvers.