AT - Program Director - CDL

Ancora Education•Mount Pleasant, TX

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, participates in curriculum development, revision, and implementation, and provides program knowledge training to Account Management and Career Services personnel. The director supports prospective and current students, participates in new student orientation, and oversees the recruitment, development, evaluation, and supervision of Driver Trainers. The position also monitors student progress, provides advising and referrals, supports retention, and leads ongoing program improvement through data analysis and participation in the campus effectiveness plan. The director oversees curriculum, instructional materials, equipment, facilities, faculty performance, and professional development. Responsibilities include coordinating course schedules and faculty assignments, observing and coaching instructors, conducting performance reviews and regular faculty meetings, maintaining faculty records, supporting compliance and accreditation reporting, and collaborating with other departments. The director also performs all duties of a full-time Driver Trainer. The role requires a high school diploma or GED, a CDL Class A license 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 position has physical demands associated with demonstrating commercial vehicle inspections and maneuvers, climbing in and out of a cab, handling equipment, and working outdoors in varied weather. A valid DOT Medical Examiner’s Certificate and the physical qualifications required to hold a CDL must be maintained, with or without reasonable accommodations.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
CDL Class A license 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.
Industry certification in the field of instruction if required by the industry, or demonstrated knowledge equivalent to the certification.
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.
Knowledge of federal FMCSA and state Department of Motor Vehicle standards.
Motivation, dedication, professionalism, integrity, and enthusiasm for teaching.
Ability to show sensitivity to the needs and requirements of adult learners and embrace the school’s mission.
Ability to inspire students to achieve at a high level in preparation for employer expectations.
Interpersonal skills for positive interactions with students, alumni, faculty, and employers.
Creative and problem-solving skills when dealing 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.
Ability to maintain a valid DOT Medical Examiner’s Certificate and meet DOT physical qualifications required to hold a CDL, with or without reasonable accommodations.
Ability to meet the position’s physical demands, including climbing in and out of a cab, bending, squatting, kneeling, twisting, reaching, handling training and safety equipment, and demonstrating vehicle procedures.

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, tutoring, referrals, and retention support to students in the program.
Maintain regular contact with students, respond to concerns, follow up on absences, and document student interactions and correspondence.
Monitor student progress and identify students who may be at risk; contact them to identify barriers and provide support or information about student services.
Serve as the subject matter expert for the program’s 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.
Assist with recruitment, interviewing, and hiring of faculty and Driver Trainers.
Orient, monitor, supervise, mentor, and support Driver Trainers; ensure they meet administrative and instructional requirements.
Maintain faculty files and documentation, including transcripts, professional development, observations, and performance reviews.
Observe classes, coach instructors, conduct faculty performance appraisals, and recommend areas for improvement and development.
Conduct and document regular weekly day and evening faculty meetings.
Provide program knowledge training to Account Management and Career Services personnel and assist with student recruitment as requested.
Promote and document faculty professional development; attend faculty meetings and in-service programs and maintain a record of personal professional development.
Maintain knowledge of relevant federal and state regulations and accreditation standards; participate in preparing government and accreditation reports and ensure timely submission and accuracy.
Evaluate student questionnaire data with the Area Manager/Regional Program Director, confer with faculty as needed, and recommend improvements.
Maintain regular office hours and collaborate with peers and associates to coordinate interdepartmental activities.
Intervene in and work to resolve personnel issues among program-area Driver Trainers.
Assist with planning program budgetary needs when applicable.
Provide Driver Trainers with clear roles and objectives, monitor performance, provide feedback, resolve performance issues, and identify challenging development opportunities.
Participate in at least one professional organization within the community.
Perform all duties of a full-time Driver Trainer.
Demonstrate commercial vehicle skills to students, including coupling and uncoupling trailers, inspections, and vehicle maneuvering.