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About the Role

The CDL Program Director reports to the Director of Quality Assurance/Regional Program Director and is responsible for providing leadership for the CDL Program. This role serves as a subject matter expert, actively participating in curriculum development, revision, and implementation. The position provides product knowledge training to the Account management group and engages with potential students as needed, including participation in new student orientation.

Responsibilities

• Provide services to students including supplementing Driver Trainer advising for students receiving failing assessments, providing academic advising/counseling, and making referrals to outside resources when counseling needs go beyond the school's scope
• Provide or arrange student tutoring when needed and lead student retention initiatives for students experiencing barriers to success
• Maintain regular contact with all students within the program area and respond to questions/concerns in a timely manner; post office hours for students
• Contact students who miss days from class or whose absence during the week results in more than four absences during the course
• Maintain records of interactions and correspondence with students (phone calls, emails, mail)
• Monitor contact and results of contact from Driver Trainers to students in assigned program area(s)
• Make weekly calls to students who were not called or could not be reached, did not return as promised, or did not offer plans to return by a specific date
• Identify students needing tutoring and offer appropriate academic advice
• Serve as subject matter expert regarding academic curriculum for program area, actively providing feedback in the curriculum development/revision process led by the Home Office Executive team
• Implement new and revised curriculum and provide weekly recaps of cohort performance
• Orient, monitor, supervise, mentor, and assist new Driver Trainers when assigned
• Provide leadership and support to all staff, supervising their instructional and program needs
• Attend weekly day and evening faculty meetings covering improvement of course offerings, instructional delivery methods, text selection, and other purposes serving to improve instructional program quality
• Provide information to all departments regarding trends and changes in program specialty areas
• Attend faculty meetings and in-service programs; maintain a record of professional development activities
• Maintain current personal knowledge of federal and state institutional regulations and accreditation standards related to program area
• Participate in preparation of government and accreditation reports and ensure their timely submission and accuracy
• Assist the Director of Quality Assurance/Regional Program Director in evaluating data from student questionnaires, conduct faculty conferences to discuss results, and provide recommendations for improvement
• Collaborate with peers and associates to ensure coordination of interdepartmental activities
• Perform all duties of a full-time Driver Trainer
• Analyze student population data, working with faculty and staff to identify at-risk students, and contact students to identify barriers to success and provide support and information concerning student services
• Lead continuous improvement of the program through active engagement in the development and maintenance of the campus effectiveness plan, collecting data for program performance analysis

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED
• CDL License
• 2 years driving experience with CDL
• 5 years of industry experience in the field of instruction
• 2 years of experience in a management or supervisory role
• Knowledge regarding faculty development, including requirements, delivery methods, and reporting
• Ability to show sensitivity to the needs and requirements of adult learners
• 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
• Interpersonal relationship skills necessary for positive interactions with students, alumni, faculty, and employers
• Excellent creative and problem-solving skills in dealing with students, alumni, employers, faculty, and staff
• Excellent 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 and changing environment
• Knowledge of federal FMCSA and state Department of Motor Vehicle standards

Preferred Qualifications

• 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
• 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/state government regulations

Physical Demands

• Mobility & Balance: Ability to frequently climb in/out of the cab, bend, squat, kneel, twist, and reach to perform pre/post-trip inspections and navigate tight spaces
• Strength: Ability to crank trailer landing gear (often 100+ lbs), handle training and safety equipment, and potentially assist with loading/unloading if applicable
• Endurance: Ability to sustain physical activity and be alert during extended driving and instructional periods, including exposure to varying weather conditions such as heat, cold, wind, rain, ice, or snow
• Sensory Acuity and Overall Health: Must possess and maintain a valid DOT Medical Examiner's Certificate and meet DOT physical qualifications required to hold a CDL, with or without reasonable accommodations, as required by Federal regulations
• Demonstrating Skills: Physically showing students how to couple/uncouple trailers, perform inspections, and maneuver large vehicles
• Environmental Exposure: Working outdoors in various conditions including extreme heat, cold, rain, or snow while training

Work Environment

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is usually not exposed to weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.