AT - Program Director - CDL

Ancora Education•Arlington, TX

2d•$60,000 - $70,000

About The Position

The CDL Program Director reports to the Area Manager/Regional Program Director and leads the CDL program. The position serves as the program’s subject matter expert, participates in curriculum development, revision, and implementation, and provides product knowledge training to account management staff. The director supports student recruitment and orientation and is responsible for hiring, assigning, orienting, developing, evaluating, and recognizing Driver Trainers. The director convenes regular faculty meetings and oversees student support and advising, including support for students with academic, career, complaint, or engagement concerns. The role also analyzes student data to identify students at risk, determine barriers to success, and connect students with appropriate support and services. The director contributes to the campus effectiveness plan, collects and analyzes program performance data, and leads continuous improvement efforts. The position oversees curriculum quality, instructional materials, equipment, facilities, and faculty performance and development. It requires regular collaboration with students, faculty, staff, account management, Career Services, employers, and other departments, as well as participation in professional development, accreditation, and government reporting activities. The director also performs all duties of a full-time Driver Trainer. The role involves demonstrating CDL skills to students and may require climbing in and out of truck cabs, performing inspections, handling training equipment, and working outdoors in varying weather during training. The stated work environment is usually not exposed to weather conditions and has a usually moderate noise level. 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, as required by federal regulations.

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 in the field of instruction.
Knowledge of and ability to facilitate learning on course content 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.
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.
Motivation, dedication, professionalism, integrity, and enthusiasm for teaching.
Ability to perform the physical demands of the role, including frequent climbing in and out of a cab, bending, squatting, kneeling, twisting, reaching, handling training and safety equipment, and sustaining activity 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, as required by federal regulations.

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 for the CDL program and serve as its academic subject matter expert.
Participate in curriculum development and revision, and lead implementation of new or revised curriculum.
Provide product knowledge training to account management and Career Services personnel as requested, and support student recruitment when requested.
Participate in new student orientation and engage with prospective students as requested.
Hire, assign, orient, develop, evaluate, recognize, mentor, and supervise Driver Trainers.
Monitor and support students through advising, referrals, tutoring arrangements, retention initiatives, and timely responses to concerns.
Maintain regular student contact, post office hours, monitor Driver Trainer student contacts, follow up with students who are absent or disengaged, and document student interactions.
Analyze student population data, identify students at risk, contact them to identify barriers, and provide information about student services.
Oversee curriculum, instructional materials, equipment, facilities, course scheduling input, and instructional quality.
Maintain faculty files and documentation, observe classes, coach Driver Trainers, conduct performance appraisals, and support professional development.
Conduct and document regular weekly day and evening faculty meetings, and maintain regular office hours each week.
Maintain knowledge of applicable 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, conduct faculty conferences when needed, and recommend improvements.
Collaborate across departments, resolve personnel issues among program Driver Trainers, and assist with program budget planning when applicable.
Develop clear objectives for Driver Trainers, monitor performance, provide feedback, discuss priorities, and address performance opportunities to support teamwork and development.
Participate in at least one professional organization within the community and maintain records of professional development.
Perform all duties of a full-time Driver Trainer, including demonstrating CDL skills to students.