AT - Program Director - CDL

Ancora Education•Roanoke, VA

23h

About The Position

The CDL Program Director provides leadership for the CDL program and serves as a subject matter expert in its curriculum and instruction. Reporting to the Area Manager/Regional Program Director, the role participates in curriculum development, revision, and implementation; supports student recruitment and orientation; and provides program knowledge training to Account Management and Career Services personnel as requested. The Program Director hires, orients, develops, evaluates, and supports Driver Trainers, oversees instructional quality and program operations, convenes faculty meetings, and performs the duties of a full-time Driver Trainer. The role also advises and supports students, monitors their engagement and academic progress, coordinates tutoring and referrals, and leads retention efforts. The position contributes to continuous improvement by collecting and analyzing program data, supporting campus effectiveness planning, maintaining compliance with applicable regulations and accreditation standards, and participating in required reports. Physical duties may include demonstrating vehicle inspections and maneuvering, climbing in and out of a cab, and working outdoors in varying weather. The employee must maintain a valid DOT Medical Examiner’s Certificate and meet DOT physical qualifications required to hold 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.
CDL Class A license with at least 2 years of driving experience.
5 years of industry experience in the field of instruction.
2 years of experience in a management or supervisory role.
Ability to qualify as a CDL Driver/Driver Trainer.
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.
Ability to build collaborative working 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 effective problem-solving, presentation, and management skills, including planning, organizing, controlling, and evaluating programs and policies in a changing environment.
Motivation, dedication, professionalism, integrity, and enthusiasm for teaching.
Valid DOT Medical Examiner’s Certificate and ability to 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 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.
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 support to students, including students receiving failing assessments, students with career questions, and students whose engagement or progress is in question.
Refer students to outside resources or appropriate staff when needs extend beyond the school’s scope or are non-academic; arrange tutoring when needed.
Lead retention initiatives and maintain regular contact with students, including contacting students with absences or barriers to success and documenting interactions and correspondence.
Monitor Driver Trainer contact with students and follow up weekly with students who were not reached, did not return as promised, or have not identified a return plan.
Serve as the program’s curriculum subject matter expert and participate in curriculum development, revision, implementation, and continuous improvement.
Provide input on the master schedule, including course sequencing, course offerings, room assignments, and Driver Trainer assignments.
Assist with recruiting, interviewing, and hiring faculty; orient, monitor, supervise, mentor, and support Driver Trainers.
Ensure Driver Trainers meet administrative and classroom delivery requirements and maintain complete faculty files and documentation.
Observe classes, coach Driver Trainers, conduct performance appraisals, and support faculty professional development.
Conduct and document regular weekly day and evening faculty meetings, and maintain regular office hours.
Provide program product knowledge training and information to Account Management and Career Services personnel; assist with student recruitment as requested.
Maintain current knowledge of federal and state regulations and accreditation standards; participate in government and accreditation reports and ensure timely, accurate submission.
Analyze program and student data, including questionnaire results, and recommend improvements in coordination with faculty and the Area Manager/Regional Program Director.
Collaborate across departments, resolve personnel issues among Driver Trainers, and assist with program budget planning when applicable.
Participate in at least one professional organization in the community, attend faculty meetings and in-service programs, and maintain a record of professional development activities.
Perform all duties of a full-time Driver Trainer.
Demonstrate CDL skills to students, including coupling and uncoupling trailers, conducting inspections, and maneuvering large vehicles.