AT - Program Director - CDL

Ancora Education•Middletown, NY

12d

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, revision, and implementation, and provides program knowledge training to Account Management and Career Services staff. The role also supports student recruitment and orientation, advises and monitors students, and leads efforts to identify and address barriers to student success. The director recruits, hires, orients, supervises, develops, evaluates, and recognizes Driver Trainers; oversees instructional quality and program operations; convenes regular faculty meetings; and maintains faculty records and professional development documentation. The director also contributes to scheduling, budgeting when applicable, regulatory and accreditation reporting, and the campus effectiveness plan, using data to evaluate program performance and drive continuous improvement. The role performs all duties of a full-time Driver Trainer and includes physically demonstrating CDL skills and working outdoors during training when required.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Industry certification in the field of instruction if required by the industry, or demonstrated equivalent knowledge.
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 management or supervisory experience.
Knowledge of faculty development requirements, delivery methods, and reporting.
Knowledge of industry standards and requirements in the instructional field 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 build 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 a formal setting.
Management skills in planning, organizing, controlling, and evaluating programs and policies in a dynamic environment.
Ability to meet DOT physical qualifications required to hold a CDL and maintain a valid DOT Medical Examiner’s Certificate, with or without reasonable accommodations, as required by federal regulations.
Ability to frequently climb in and out of a cab, bend, squat, kneel, twist, and reach; crank trailer landing gear; handle training and safety equipment; and sustain physical activity and alertness during extended driving and instructional periods.

Nice To Haves

Associate’s degree or higher, documented specialized competency in the instructional field, or equivalent work experience in the field.
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 and other federal or state government regulations.
3 years of management or supervisory experience.
Previous experience as an academic program director.
Experience in student guidance or a related field.

Responsibilities

Provide academic advising and support to students, including students receiving failing assessments, students with complaints or career questions, and students whose engagement or progress is in question.
Refer students to outside resources or appropriate staff when needs are beyond the scope of the school or are non-academic.
Arrange tutoring and lead student retention initiatives for students experiencing barriers to success.
Maintain regular contact with students, respond to questions and concerns, post office hours, and contact students following absences or missed classes.
Maintain records of student interactions and correspondence, and monitor Driver Trainer outreach and its results.
Analyze student population data to identify students at risk, determine barriers to success, and provide information about student services.
Serve as the academic subject matter expert for the CDL program and participate in curriculum development, revision, and implementation.
Provide input on the master schedule, including course sequencing, offerings, room assignments, and Driver Trainer assignments.
Assist with faculty recruitment, interviewing, and hiring; orient, monitor, supervise, mentor, and support Driver Trainers.
Ensure Driver Trainers meet administrative and instructional requirements and that faculty files and documentation are complete.
Observe classes, coach Driver Trainers, conduct performance appraisals, and recommend improvements and development opportunities.
Conduct and document regular weekly day and evening faculty meetings; attend faculty meetings and in-service programs.
Provide program knowledge training and information to Account Management and Career Services personnel, and assist with student recruitment as requested.
Promote and document faculty professional development and participate in at least one professional organization within the community.
Maintain current knowledge of applicable federal and state regulations and accreditation standards; assist with government and accreditation reports and ensure timely, accurate submission.
Evaluate student questionnaire data with the Area Manager/Regional Program Director, hold faculty conferences as needed, and recommend improvements.
Maintain regular office hours and collaborate with peers and associates to coordinate interdepartmental activities.
Address personnel issues among program Driver Trainers and assist with program budget planning when applicable.
Lead and develop Driver Trainers by setting roles and objectives, monitoring performance, providing feedback, resolving performance issues, and identifying challenging development opportunities.
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 vehicle inspections, trailer coupling and uncoupling, and maneuvering skills.