AT

About the Role

Reporting to the Area Manager/Regional Program Director, 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 Account management staff, engaging with potential students, and participating in new student orientation. The CDL Program Director is responsible for hiring, developing, evaluating, and recognizing Driver Trainers, convening faculty meetings, and supporting student success through advising and retention initiatives.

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, 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 excessive absences.
  • Maintain records of interactions and correspondence with students.
  • Monitor Driver Trainer contact with students 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 Quality
  • Serve as a subject-matter expert for academic curriculum.
  • Participate in curriculum development/revision led by the Home Office Executive team.
  • Lead implementation of new and revised curriculum.
  • Provide input for master schedule creation, including course sequencing, room assignments, and Driver Trainer teaching assignments.
• Faculty Performance and Development
  • Assist in recruitment, interviewing, and hiring of faculty.
  • Orient, monitor, supervise, mentor, and assist new Driver Trainers.
  • Ensure adherence to administrative and classroom delivery duties.
  • Maintain faculty files, including 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 (day and evening) on topics such as course improvement, instructional methods, and text selection.
  • Document all meetings and provide departmental product knowledge training to Account management and Career Services.
  • Promote faculty participation in professional development and maintain records of activities.
  • Maintain knowledge of federal/state regulations and accreditation standards.
  • Assist in preparing government and accreditation reports.
  • Evaluate student questionnaire data and conduct faculty conferences to discuss results and improvements.
  • Collaborate with peers to coordinate interdepartmental activities and resolve personnel issues.
  • Assist in planning program budgetary needs when applicable.
  • 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 others 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 collaborative relationship skills.
• Creative problem-solving skills for interactions with students, alumni, faculty, and employers.
• Ability to meet or exceed defined goals.
• Excellent presentation skills for formal settings.
• Management skills in 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.
• 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/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 (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 for holding a CDL, with or without reasonable accommodations.
• Specific Tasks: Physically demonstrate skills such as coupling/uncoupling trailers, performing inspections, and maneuvering large vehicles.
• Environmental Exposure: Work outdoors in various 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 for individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.