AT - Program Director - CDL

Ancora Education•Middletown, NY

12d•$60,000 - $65,000

About The Position

The CDL Program Director provides leadership for the CDL program and reports to the Area Manager/Regional Program Director. The position serves as a subject matter expert, participates in curriculum development and implementation, and provides program knowledge training to Account Management and Career Services staff. The director may engage with prospective students, participates in new student orientation, and oversees recruitment, assignment, orientation, development, evaluation, and recognition of Driver Trainers. The role supports students through academic advising, retention initiatives, tutoring referrals, monitoring attendance and progress, identifying barriers to success, and connecting students with appropriate support services. The director also oversees curriculum, instructional materials, equipment, facilities, faculty performance and development, program compliance, and continuous improvement. Responsibilities include analyzing student and program data, contributing to campus effectiveness planning, maintaining required records and reports, and coordinating with other departments and the Area Manager/Regional Program Director. The position requires a high school diploma or GED, an applicable industry certification or equivalent demonstrated knowledge, a Class A CDL with at least three years of driving experience, five years of industry experience in the field of instruction, and two years of management or supervisory experience. The role includes physical demonstrations and training activities involving commercial vehicles, equipment, and outdoor conditions. The employee must maintain a valid DOT Medical Examiner’s Certificate and meet DOT physical qualifications for holding a CDL, with or without reasonable accommodations.

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.
Class A CDL with at least 3 years of driving experience.
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.
Knowledge of, and ability to facilitate learning on, course content within 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.
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.
Motivation, dedication, professionalism, integrity, and enthusiasm for teaching.
Ability to frequently climb in and out of a truck cab, bend, squat, kneel, twist, and reach for inspections and navigating tight spaces.
Ability to crank trailer landing gear, handle training and safety equipment, and potentially assist with loading or unloading, if applicable.
Ability to sustain physical activity and alertness during extended driving and instructional periods, including exposure to varying weather conditions.
Must 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.
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 and student support, including referrals to outside resources and arranging tutoring when needed.
Lead student retention initiatives and maintain regular, timely contact with students in the program.
Contact students concerning absences and follow up with students who are unreachable, do not return as promised, or lack a specific return plan.
Maintain records of student interactions and correspondence; monitor Driver Trainer contacts with students.
Identify students who may need tutoring or other support and provide appropriate academic advice.
Serve as a subject matter expert for the program’s academic 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.
Assist with faculty recruitment, interviewing, and hiring; orient, monitor, supervise, mentor, and support Driver Trainers.
Ensure Driver Trainers meet administrative, classroom-delivery, and program requirements.
Maintain faculty files and documentation, including transcripts, professional development, observations, and performance reviews.
Observe classes, coach Driver Trainers, conduct performance appraisals, and recommend improvements and development activities.
Hold and document regular weekly day and evening faculty meetings; maintain regular office hours.
Provide program product-knowledge training to Account Management and Career Services personnel and share relevant specialty-area trends and changes with departments.
Assist Account Management with student recruitment when requested.
Promote and support faculty participation in professional development and maintain records of those activities.
Participate in at least one professional organization within the community; attend faculty meetings and in-service programs.
Maintain knowledge of relevant federal and state regulations and accreditation standards; participate in preparing accurate, timely government and accreditation reports.
Assist the Area Manager/Regional Program Director in evaluating student questionnaire data, conducting faculty conferences as needed, and recommending improvements.
Collaborate across departments and resolve personnel issues among program-area Driver Trainers.
Assist with program budget planning when applicable and perform all duties of a full-time Driver Trainer.
Set clear roles and objectives for Driver Trainers, monitor performance, provide feedback, and meet regularly to discuss priorities.
Address individual and group performance issues promptly and identify challenging assignments that develop employees’ skills and capabilities.
Physically demonstrate vehicle-related skills such as coupling and uncoupling trailers, inspections, and vehicle maneuvering.
Collect and analyze program performance data and contribute to the campus effectiveness plan.