AT - Program Director - CDL

Ancora Education•Newark, OH

17h

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 and implementation, provides program knowledge training to Account Management and Career Services personnel, supports student recruitment and orientation, and oversees the program’s Driver Trainers. The role includes hiring and developing faculty, monitoring student progress and supporting retention, and advising students on academic, career, and other program-related concerns. The director also analyzes student and program data and contributes to continuous improvement and campus effectiveness planning. The director oversees curriculum, instructional materials, equipment, facilities, faculty performance, and professional development. They coordinate faculty meetings, observe and coach instructors, maintain faculty documentation, support compliance and accreditation reporting, and collaborate with other departments. The position also performs all duties of a full-time Driver Trainer. The role involves physical demonstration of CDL skills, including climbing in and out of a vehicle cab, conducting inspections, coupling and uncoupling trailers, and maneuvering large vehicles. Training may take place outdoors in varying 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. The usual work environment has moderate noise and generally does not expose the employee to weather conditions.

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 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.
Knowledge of faculty development requirements, delivery methods, and reporting.
Knowledge of industry standards and requirements within the field of instruction and ability to facilitate learning on course content.
Ability to develop collaborative working 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 when working with students, alumni, employers, faculty, and staff.
Presentation skills and ability to present ideas effectively to individuals or groups in a formal setting.
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.
Ability to meet CDL-related physical demands, including climbing, bending, squatting, kneeling, twisting, reaching, handling training and safety equipment, and demonstrating vehicle skills.
Ability to sustain physical activity and alertness during extended driving and instructional periods, including outdoor work in varying weather 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 within the field of instruction, or equivalent work experience in the field of instruction.
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 academic advising, tutoring arrangements, referrals, and retention support to students in the program.
Maintain regular contact with students, respond to questions and concerns, document interactions, monitor Driver Trainer student contacts, and follow up with students who miss class or are at risk of not returning.
Identify students who may be at risk, determine barriers to success, and connect them with appropriate support and student services.
Serve as the program’s subject matter expert and participate in curriculum development, revision, implementation, and continuous improvement.
Provide input on course sequencing, offerings, room assignments, and Driver Trainer teaching assignments for the master schedule.
Recruit, interview, hire, orient, supervise, mentor, evaluate, and develop program faculty and Driver Trainers.
Ensure Driver Trainers meet administrative and classroom delivery requirements and that faculty files and performance documentation are complete.
Observe classes, coach instructors, conduct performance appraisals, and recommend improvements and professional development.
Conduct and document regular weekly day and evening faculty meetings and maintain regular office hours.
Provide program knowledge training and information to Account Management and Career Services personnel, and assist with student recruitment as requested.
Participate in professional organizations, faculty meetings, in-service programs, and faculty professional development activities; maintain records of professional development.
Maintain current knowledge of applicable federal and state regulations and accreditation standards; participate in government and accreditation reporting and ensure timely, accurate submissions.
Evaluate student questionnaire data with the Area Manager/Regional Program Director and hold faculty conferences when needed to discuss results and recommendations.
Collaborate across departments, resolve personnel issues among program Driver Trainers, and assist with program budget planning when applicable.
Perform all duties of a full-time Driver Trainer.
Physically demonstrate CDL skills, including vehicle inspections, coupling and uncoupling trailers, and vehicle maneuvering.