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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. Additionally, this position is responsible for continuous program improvement, data analysis, and maintaining compliance with federal and state regulations.

Responsibilities

• Services to Students
  • Supplement Driver Trainer advising for students receiving failing assessments.
  • Provide academic advising and referrals to outside resources when needed.
  • Arrange for student tutoring and lead retention initiatives for students facing barriers.
  • Maintain regular contact with students and respond to questions or concerns promptly.
  • Post office hours and refer students to appropriate staff for non-academic issues.
  • Contact students who miss class or accumulate excessive absences.
  • Maintain records of interactions and correspondence with students.
  • Monitor and follow up with students who were unreachable or did not return as promised.
  • Identify students needing tutoring and offer academic advice.
• Curriculum and Instructional Oversight
  • Serve as a subject-matter expert for academic curriculum in the program area.
  • Actively participate in curriculum development and revision led by the Home Office Executive team.
  • Lead the implementation of new and revised curriculum.
  • Provide input for creating the master schedule, including course sequencing, room assignments, and Driver Trainer teaching assignments.
• Faculty Performance and Development
  • Assist in the recruitment, interviewing, and hiring of faculty for the program.
  • Orient, monitor, supervise, mentor, and assist new Driver Trainers.
  • Ensure Driver Trainers adhere to administrative and classroom delivery requirements.
  • Maintain faculty files, including documentation of transcripts, professional development, observations, and performance reviews.
  • Observe classes and coach Driver Trainers to improve instructional and classroom management skills.
  • Conduct performance appraisals, including identifying strengths and areas for improvement.
  • Conduct regular weekly faculty meetings to discuss course improvements, instructional methods, and other program enhancements.
  • Provide departmental product knowledge training to Account management and Career Services personnel.
  • Promote faculty participation in professional development activities and maintain records of these activities.
  • Maintain current knowledge of federal and state regulations and accreditation standards.
  • Assist in preparing government and accreditation reports, ensuring timely submission and accuracy.
  • Evaluate data from student questionnaires and conduct faculty conferences to discuss results and recommendations.
  • Collaborate with peers to coordinate interdepartmental activities and resolve personnel issues among Driver Trainers.
  • Perform all duties of a full-time Driver Trainer.
• Leadership and Development
  • Define roles and objectives for Driver Trainers, monitor performance, and provide feedback.
  • Resolve performance issues to motivate and foster teamwork.
  • Identify opportunities for professional growth and involve team members in challenging assignments.

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 in the field of instruction.
• Excellent organizational, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and database programs (CampusVue preferred).
• Strong interpersonal and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to develop collaborative relationships and meet defined goals.
• Excellent presentation skills for formal settings.
• 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, documented specialized competency, 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/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.
• 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.
• Specific Tasks & Considerations:
  • Demonstrating skills such as coupling/uncoupling trailers, performing inspections, and maneuvering large vehicles.
  • Working outdoors in various conditions, including extreme heat, cold, rain, or snow.

Work Environment

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