AT - Program Director - CDL

Ancora Education•Richmond, VA

12d•$60,000 - $65,000

About The Position

Reporting to the Area Manager/Regional Program Director, the CDL Program Director leads the CDL program and serves as its subject matter expert. The director participates in curriculum development, revision, and implementation; provides program knowledge training to Account Management and Career Services personnel; supports student recruitment and orientation; and hires, assigns, orients, develops, evaluates, and recognizes Driver Trainers. The role convenes regular faculty meetings and oversees student support, advising, retention, and program improvement. It analyzes student and program data, identifies students at risk, helps address barriers to success, and contributes to the campus effectiveness plan by collecting and analyzing program-performance data. The director oversees curriculum, instructional materials, equipment, facilities, and faculty performance and development. Responsibilities include supporting faculty recruitment and hiring, supervising and mentoring Driver Trainers, observing and coaching instruction, conducting performance appraisals, maintaining faculty records, supporting professional development, and ensuring compliance with applicable institutional regulations and accreditation standards. The director also contributes to scheduling, reporting, budget planning, interdepartmental coordination, and resolution of personnel issues, and performs all duties of a full-time Driver Trainer. The position requires physical demonstration of CDL skills, including coupling and uncoupling trailers, inspections, and vehicle maneuvering. Physical demands include climbing in and out of a cab, bending, squatting, kneeling, twisting, reaching, cranking trailer landing gear, handling training and safety equipment, and sustaining alertness during extended driving and instructional periods. Training may involve outdoor exposure to heat, cold, rain, or snow. 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. The usual work environment has moderate noise and generally no weather exposure; reasonable accommodations may be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform essential functions. Employment is at will, and the listed duties are not exhaustive.

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.
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.
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 meet the physical demands of the role, including vehicle access, physical demonstrations, and outdoor training conditions.
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.

Nice To Haves

Associate’s degree or higher, documented specialized competency in the field of instruction, or equivalent work experience in that field.
5 years of experience in academic instruction 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 and support to students, including referrals, tutoring arrangements, retention initiatives, and timely responses to questions and concerns.
Maintain regular student contact, post office hours, document interactions, monitor Driver Trainer contacts, and follow up with students who miss class or are difficult to reach.
Identify students who may be at risk or need tutoring, assess barriers to success, and provide appropriate academic advice and information about student services.
Serve as the curriculum subject matter expert 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.
Assist with recruiting and hiring faculty; orient, supervise, mentor, monitor, and support Driver Trainers.
Ensure Driver Trainers meet administrative, classroom delivery, and program requirements; maintain complete faculty files and documentation.
Observe classes, coach instructors, conduct performance appraisals, provide feedback, and support faculty professional development.
Conduct and document regular weekly day and evening faculty meetings; attend faculty meetings and in-service programs and maintain professional development records.
Provide program knowledge training and information to Account Management and Career Services personnel; assist with student recruitment as requested.
Maintain knowledge of relevant federal and state regulations and accreditation standards, and participate in preparing accurate, timely government and accreditation reports.
Assist the Area Manager/Regional Program Director in evaluating student questionnaire data, conducting faculty conferences, and recommending improvements.
Maintain regular office hours and collaborate with other departments to coordinate activities and resolve personnel issues among Driver Trainers.
Assist with planning program budgetary needs when applicable.
Lead and develop Driver Trainers by defining roles and objectives, monitoring performance, providing feedback, addressing performance concerns, and identifying developmental assignments.
Contribute to continuous program improvement and the campus effectiveness plan by collecting and analyzing program-performance data.
Perform all duties of a full-time Driver Trainer, including physically demonstrating CDL skills to students.