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About the Role

The CDL Program Director provides leadership for the CDL Program, serving as the subject matter expert in curriculum development, revision, and implementation. This role involves training the Account management group, engaging with potential students, participating in new student orientation, and overseeing Driver Trainers. The Director is responsible for hiring, developing, evaluating, and recognizing faculty while monitoring and supporting student success. Additionally, the role includes advising students, analyzing student data to identify at-risk individuals, and driving continuous program improvement through data collection and performance analysis.

Responsibilities

• Services to Students
  • Supplement Driver Trainer advising for students receiving failing assessments.
  • Provide academic advising and counseling as needed, including referrals to outside resources for non-academic issues.
  • Arrange for student tutoring and lead retention initiatives for students facing barriers to success.
  • Maintain regular contact with students, respond to questions/concerns, and post office hours.
  • Refer students to appropriate staff for non-academic problem resolution.
  • Contact students who miss class or accumulate more than four absences during the course.
  • Maintain records of interactions and correspondence with students (e.g., phone calls, emails).
  • Monitor Driver Trainer contact with students and follow up with students who were unreachable or did not return as promised.
  • Offer academic advice and demonstrate genuine interest in student success.
  • Identify students needing tutoring.
• Quality of Curriculum, Instructional Materials, Equipment, and Facilities
  • Serve as a subject matter expert for academic curriculum in the program area.
  • Provide 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.
• Faculty Performance and Development
  • Orient, monitor, supervise, mentor, and assist new Driver Trainers.
  • Provide leadership and support for all staff, addressing instructional and program needs.
  • Attend weekly faculty meetings (day and evening) to discuss course improvements, instructional methods, and text selection.
  • Share information on trends and changes in the program specialty area with all departments.
  • Attend faculty meetings and in-service programs, maintaining records of professional development activities.
  • Maintain current knowledge of federal and state institutional regulations and accreditation standards related to the program area.
  • Participate in preparing government and accreditation reports, ensuring timely submission and accuracy.
  • Assist the Director of Quality Assurance/Regional Program Director in evaluating student questionnaire data and conduct faculty conferences to discuss results and recommendations.
  • Collaborate with peers to coordinate interdepartmental activities.
  • Perform all duties of a full-time Driver Trainer.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• Valid CDL License.
• 2 years of on-the-road driving experience with a CDL.
• 5 years of industry experience in instruction.
• 2 years of experience in a management or supervisory role.
• Knowledge of faculty development, including requirements, delivery methods, and reporting.
• Sensitivity to the needs of adult learners.
• Knowledge of industry standards and requirements within the field of instruction.
• Ability to facilitate learning on course content within the field of instruction.
• Superior verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal relationship skills for positive interactions with students, alumni, faculty, and employers.
• Excellent creative and problem-solving skills.
• Strong presentation skills for formal settings.
• Management skills in planning, organizing, controlling, and evaluating programs in a dynamic environment.
• Knowledge of federal FMCSA and state Department of Motor Vehicle standards.

Qualifications (Preferred)

• Associate’s Degree or higher, documented specialized competency within the field of instruction, or equivalent work experience.
• 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 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.
• Endurance: Ability to sustain physical activity and remain alert during extended driving and instructional periods, including exposure to varying weather conditions (e.g., 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.
• Specific Tasks & Considerations:
  • Demonstrate skills such as coupling/uncoupling trailers, performing inspections, and maneuvering large vehicles.
  • Work outdoors in various environmental 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 typically moderate. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this role.