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About the Role

Reporting to the Area Manager/Regional Program Director, the CDL Program Director provides leadership for the CDL Program, offering subject matter expertise in curriculum development, revision, and implementation. This role involves training Account management staff, engaging with potential students, participating in new student orientation, and overseeing Driver Trainers. The CDL Program Director monitors student progress, advises students, and drives continuous program improvement through data analysis and performance monitoring.

Responsibilities

• Services to Students
  • Supplements Driver Trainer advising for students receiving failing assessments.
  • Provides academic advising and referrals to outside resources when needed.
  • Arranges for student tutoring and leads retention initiatives for students facing barriers.
  • Maintains regular contact with students, responding to questions and concerns promptly.
  • Posts office hours and refers students to appropriate staff for non-academic issues.
  • Contacts students with excessive absences and maintains records of interactions.
  • Monitors Driver Trainer contact with students and follows up with at-risk students weekly.
  • Identifies students needing tutoring and offers academic advice.
• Curriculum and Instructional Oversight
  • Serves as a subject matter expert for academic curriculum.
  • Actively participates in curriculum development and revision led by the Home Office Executive team.
  • Leads implementation of new and revised curriculum.
  • Provides input for master schedule creation, including course sequencing and room assignments.
• Faculty Performance and Development
  • Assists in recruiting, interviewing, and hiring faculty for the program.
  • Orients, monitors, supervises, mentors, and assists new Driver Trainers.
  • Ensures adherence to administrative and classroom delivery requirements.
  • Maintains faculty files, including transcripts, professional development, and performance reviews.
  • Observes classes and coaches Driver Trainers to improve instructional skills.
  • Conducts performance appraisals and provides feedback for improvement.
  • Leads regular weekly faculty meetings and documents discussions.
  • Provides product knowledge training to Account management and Career Services personnel.
  • Promotes faculty participation in professional development activities.
  • Maintains knowledge of federal/state regulations and accreditation standards.
  • Assists in evaluating student questionnaire data and recommends improvements.
  • Collaborates with peers to coordinate interdepartmental activities.
  • Resolves personnel issues among program Driver Trainers.
  • Performs all duties of a full-time Driver Trainer.
• Leadership and Development
  • Defines roles and objectives for Driver Trainers, monitors performance, and provides feedback.
  • Resolves performance issues to motivate and foster teamwork.
  • Identifies opportunities for professional growth and skill development.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• Industry certification in the field of instruction, if required, or equivalent demonstrated knowledge.
• 3 years of experience in academic instruction in a post-secondary environment.
• 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, including requirements, delivery methods, and reporting.
• Motivation, dedication, professionalism, integrity, and enthusiasm for teaching.
• Sensitivity to the needs of adult learners and alignment with the school’s mission.
• Ability to inspire students to meet employer expectations.
• Knowledge of industry standards and ability to facilitate learning in the field.
• Excellent organizational, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and database programs (CampusVue preferred).
• Strong interpersonal, creative problem-solving, and presentation skills.
• Management skills for planning, organizing, and evaluating programs in a dynamic environment.
• Knowledge of federal FMCSA and state Department of Motor Vehicle standards.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate’s Degree or higher, 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/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.

Physical Demands

• Mobility & Balance: Ability to frequently climb in/out of the cab, bend, squat, kneel, twist, and reach for inspections and tight spaces.
• Strength: Ability to crank trailer landing gear (often 100+ lbs), handle training equipment, and assist with loading/unloading if applicable.
• Endurance: Ability to sustain physical activity and alertness during extended driving and instructional periods, including exposure to varying weather conditions.
• Sensory Acuity and Overall Health: Must possess and maintain a valid DOT Medical Examiner’s Certificate and meet DOT physical qualifications for a CDL.
• Specific Tasks: Physically demonstrating skills such as coupling/uncoupling trailers, performing inspections, and maneuvering large vehicles.
• Environmental Exposure: Working outdoors in extreme heat, cold, rain, or snow during training.

Work Environment

The role typically does not involve exposure to weather conditions, and the noise level is usually moderate. Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.