AT - Program Director - CDL

Ancora Education•Abingdon, VA

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 product knowledge training to Account Management and Career Services personnel. The role also supports student recruitment, participates in new student orientation, and oversees student advising, engagement, retention, and academic progress. The director hires, assigns, orients, develops, evaluates, and recognizes Driver Trainers; leads faculty meetings and supports instructional performance and professional development. The position monitors curriculum, instructional materials, equipment, facilities, program performance, and student outcomes, and contributes to campus effectiveness planning and continuous program improvement. The director also performs all duties of a full-time Driver Trainer.

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 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 within the field of instruction and ability to facilitate learning on course content.
Knowledge of federal FMCSA and state Department of Motor Vehicle standards.
Ability to develop collaborative 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 in 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.
Motivation, dedication, professionalism, integrity, and enthusiasm for teaching.
Ability to meet DOT physical qualifications and maintain a valid DOT Medical Examiner’s Certificate 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.
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, tutoring arrangements, referrals, and retention support to students in the program.
Maintain regular contact with students, respond to concerns, follow up on absences and missed classes, and document student interactions.
Monitor Driver Trainer contact with students and follow up with students who could not be reached, did not return as planned, or lack a return plan.
Identify students who may be at risk, determine barriers to success, and connect them with support and student services.
Serve as the subject matter expert for the program curriculum and participate in curriculum development and revision.
Lead implementation of new and revised curriculum and provide input on course sequencing, offerings, room assignments, and Driver Trainer assignments.
Recruit, interview, hire, orient, supervise, mentor, and evaluate Driver Trainers in coordination with the Area Manager/Regional Program Director.
Ensure Driver Trainers meet administrative and instructional requirements and maintain complete faculty files and documentation.
Observe classes, coach Driver Trainers, conduct performance appraisals, and support instructional improvement and professional development.
Conduct and document regular weekly day and evening faculty meetings.
Provide program product knowledge to Account Management and Career Services personnel and assist with student recruitment as requested.
Maintain knowledge of applicable federal and state regulations and accreditation standards; contribute to government and accreditation reports.
Analyze student and program data, including questionnaire results, and recommend program improvements.
Maintain regular office hours, collaborate across departments, address personnel issues among Driver Trainers, and assist with program budget planning when applicable.
Lead Driver Trainers by clarifying objectives, monitoring performance, providing feedback, resolving performance concerns, and supporting teamwork and skill development.
Participate in at least one professional organization in the community and maintain records of professional development.
Perform all duties of a full-time Driver Trainer.