AT - Program Director - CDL

Ancora Education•Charlottesville, VA

19d

About The Position

The CDL Program Director reports to the Area Manager/Regional Program Director and provides leadership for the CDL program. The role serves as a subject matter expert and participates in curriculum development, revision, and implementation. The director provides product 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 director also convenes regular faculty meetings and monitors and supports students in the program. The director participates in student advising, including support during provisional periods, responding to complaints and career questions, and addressing concerns about student engagement or academic progress. The role analyzes student data to identify students who may be at risk, contacts students to understand barriers and connect them with support, and leads retention efforts. The director contributes to continuous program improvement by collecting and analyzing performance data and participating in development and maintenance of the campus effectiveness plan. The position oversees curriculum and instructional materials, supports faculty performance and development, maintains program documentation and compliance, and collaborates with other departments. It also includes performing all duties of a full-time Driver Trainer. Physical requirements include demonstrating vehicle and trailer procedures and climbing in and out of a cab, with the ability to meet CDL-related DOT physical qualifications. The stated work environment is usually indoors, with moderate noise; training duties may 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 knowledge equivalent to the certification.
At least 5 years of industry experience in the field of instruction.
At least 2 years of experience in a management or supervisory role.
Knowledge of faculty development, including requirements, delivery methods, and reporting.
Motivation, dedication, professionalism, integrity, and enthusiasm for teaching.
Knowledge of industry standards and requirements in the field of instruction.
Knowledge of course content and ability to facilitate learning 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.
Ability to meet and/or exceed defined goals.
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 changing environment.
Knowledge of federal FMCSA and state Department of Motor Vehicle standards.
Ability to meet CDL-related DOT physical qualifications and maintain a valid DOT Medical Examiner’s Certificate, with or without reasonable accommodations, as required by federal regulations.
Ability to climb in and out of a cab, bend, squat, kneel, twist, and reach; crank trailer landing gear, handle training and safety equipment, and potentially assist with loading and unloading.
Ability to sustain physical activity and remain alert during extended driving and instructional periods, including outdoor training in varying weather conditions.

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.
At least 5 years of academic instruction experience in a post-secondary environment.
At least 10 years of experience in the field of instruction.
Working knowledge of federal and state government education regulations.
At least 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

Supplement Driver Trainer advising for students receiving failing assessments and provide academic advising as needed.
Refer students to outside resources when counseling needs exceed the school's scope, arrange tutoring, and lead retention initiatives.
Maintain regular contact with students, respond to questions and concerns promptly, post office hours, and keep records of student interactions and correspondence.
Contact students with attendance concerns, including students who miss class days or accumulate more than four absences during a course; follow up weekly with specified students who were not reached or have not returned as planned.
Monitor Driver Trainer contact with students and identify students who need tutoring or other support.
Serve as the academic curriculum subject matter expert and participate in curriculum development and revision led by the Home Office Executive team.
Lead implementation of new and revised curriculum and provide input on course sequencing, offerings, room assignments, and Driver Trainer assignments for the master schedule.
Assist the Area Manager/Regional Program Director with faculty recruitment, interviews, hiring, and program budget planning when applicable.
Orient, monitor, supervise, mentor, and assist new Driver Trainers; ensure trainers meet administrative and instructional requirements.
Maintain complete faculty files and documentation of transcripts, professional development, observations, and performance reviews.
Support Driver Trainers and oversee their instructional and program needs; observe classes and coach trainers on presentation and classroom management.
Conduct faculty performance appraisals and provide recommendations for improvement and skill development.
Conduct regular weekly day and evening faculty meetings, document meetings, and address instructional and program improvement topics.
Provide product knowledge training to Account Management and Career Services personnel as requested, share program trends and changes with departments, and assist with student recruitment as requested.
Promote and lead faculty professional development, document activities, attend faculty meetings and in-service programs, maintain a personal professional development record, and participate in at least one community professional organization.
Maintain current knowledge of federal and state institutional regulations and accreditation standards; participate in government and accreditation reports and ensure timely and accurate submission.
Evaluate student questionnaire data with the Area Manager/Regional Program Director, hold faculty conferences when needed, and recommend improvements.
Maintain regular weekly office hours and collaborate across departments to coordinate activities.
Intervene in and work to resolve personnel issues among program area Driver Trainers.
Perform all duties of a full-time Driver Trainer, including demonstrating coupling and uncoupling trailers, inspections, and vehicle maneuvering.
Define roles and objectives for Driver Trainers, monitor performance, provide feedback, discuss priorities regularly, address performance concerns, and identify challenging assignments that develop staff capabilities.
Collect and analyze program performance data and contribute to development and maintenance of the campus effectiveness plan.