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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, and participating in new student orientation. The CDL Program Director oversees Driver Trainers, monitors student progress, and plays an active role in student advising and retention initiatives.

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, responds to questions, and posts office hours.
  • Refers students to appropriate staff for non-academic problem resolution.
  • Contacts students who miss classes or exceed four absences during the course.
  • Maintains records of interactions and correspondence with students.
  • Monitors Driver Trainer contact with students and follows up with students who were unreachable or did not return as promised.
• Curriculum and Instructional Quality
  • Serves as a subject matter expert for academic curriculum.
  • Actively participates in curriculum development/revision led by the Home Office Executive team.
  • Leads implementation of new and revised curriculum.
  • Provides input for master schedule creation, including course sequencing, room assignments, and Driver Trainer teaching assignments.
• Faculty Performance and Development
  • Assists in recruitment, interviewing, and hiring of faculty.
  • Orients, monitors, supervises, mentors, and assists new Driver Trainers.
  • Ensures adherence to administrative and classroom delivery duties.
  • Maintains faculty files, including transcripts, professional development, observations, and performance reviews.
  • Observes classes and coaches Driver Trainers to improve instructional and classroom management skills.
  • Conducts performance appraisals and regular faculty meetings.
  • 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 conducts faculty conferences for improvement.
  • Collaborates with peers to coordinate interdepartmental activities and resolve personnel issues.
  • Assists in planning program budgetary needs when applicable.
  • Performs all duties of a full-time Driver Trainer.
• Leadership and Development
  • Provides clearly defined roles and objectives for Driver Trainers, monitors performance, and offers 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 demonstrated equivalent 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 on course content.
• Excellent organizational, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal, creative problem-solving, and presentation skills.
• Management skills in planning, organizing, and evaluating programs in a dynamic environment.
• Knowledge of federal FMCSA and state Department of Motor Vehicle standards.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and database programs (CampusVue preferred).

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate’s Degree or higher, or documented specialized competency 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/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 pre/post-trip inspections and navigating tight spaces.
• Strength: Ability to crank trailer landing gear (often 100+ lbs), handle training and safety equipment, and potentially assist with loading/unloading.
• 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 required for a CDL.
• Specific Tasks: Demonstrating skills such as coupling/uncoupling trailers, performing inspections, and maneuvering large vehicles.
• Environmental Exposure: Working outdoors in conditions including extreme heat, cold, rain, or snow while training.

Work Environment

The work environment is typically indoors with moderate noise levels. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.