AT - Program Director - CDL

Ancora Education•Arlington, TX

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 product-knowledge training to Account Management and Career Services personnel. The role also supports student engagement and recruitment, including participating in new-student orientation and responding to requests to meet prospective students. The director hires, assigns, orients, develops, supervises, evaluates, and recognizes Driver Trainers; convenes regular faculty meetings; and oversees instructional quality and program needs. The position monitors and supports students through advising, referrals, tutoring arrangements, retention initiatives, outreach, and follow-up. It also analyzes student and program data, contributes to the campus effectiveness plan, and works continuously to improve program performance. The role includes performing all duties of a full-time Driver Trainer. The employee must be able to meet the physical and medical qualifications required to hold a CDL, including maintaining a valid DOT Medical Examiner’s Certificate, with or without reasonable accommodations. The work environment is usually not exposed to weather conditions, and the noise level is usually moderate; training duties may also involve outdoor exposure to varying weather conditions.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Industry certification in the field of instruction if required by the industry, or demonstrated equivalent knowledge.
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, 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 develop collaborative relationships and work toward shared 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.
Management skills in planning, organizing, controlling, and evaluating programs and policies in a changing environment.
Ability to meet CDL-related DOT physical qualifications, with or without reasonable accommodations, and maintain a valid DOT Medical Examiner’s Certificate.
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 field of instruction, or equivalent work experience in the 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, referrals, tutoring arrangements, and retention support to students in the program.
Maintain regular contact with students, respond to questions and concerns, follow up on absences and missed contact, and document interactions.
Monitor student progress and Driver Trainer contact with students; identify students at risk or needing tutoring and help address barriers to success.
Serve as a subject matter expert for the program curriculum 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.
Recruit, interview, hire, orient, supervise, mentor, develop, evaluate, and recognize Driver Trainers, in coordination with the Area Manager/Regional Program Director as applicable.
Ensure Driver Trainers meet administrative and classroom delivery requirements, and maintain complete faculty files and performance documentation.
Observe classes, coach instructors, conduct performance appraisals, and support professional development.
Conduct regular weekly day and evening faculty meetings, document meetings, and address instructional and program improvement topics.
Provide product-knowledge training and program information to Account Management and Career Services personnel, and assist with student recruitment as requested.
Maintain knowledge of relevant federal and state regulations, accreditation standards, and industry requirements; participate in government and accreditation reporting.
Analyze student and program data, contribute to the campus effectiveness plan, and support continuous program improvement.
Collaborate with other departments, resolve personnel issues among program-area Driver Trainers, and assist with program budget planning when applicable.
Perform all duties of a full-time Driver Trainer, including physically demonstrating CDL skills and vehicle inspections to students.
Maintain a valid DOT Medical Examiner’s Certificate and meet DOT physical qualifications required to hold a CDL.