AT - Program Director - CDL - 100% Traveling

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, and evaluating faculty, as well as monitoring and supporting students to ensure their success. Additionally, the role focuses on continuous program improvement through data analysis and campus effectiveness planning.

Responsibilities

• Services to Students
  • Supplements Driver Trainer advising for students receiving failing assessments.
  • Provides academic advising and counseling, including referrals to outside resources when needed.
  • Arranges for student tutoring and leads retention initiatives for students facing barriers.
  • Maintains regular contact with students, responding to questions and concerns in a timely manner.
  • Posts office hours for student accessibility.
  • Refers students to appropriate staff for non-academic problem resolution.
  • Contacts students who miss classes or accumulate excessive absences.
  • Maintains records of interactions and correspondence with students.
  • Monitors and follows up with students who were unreachable or did not return as promised.
  • Identifies students needing tutoring and offers academic advice.
• Quality of Curriculum, Instructional Materials, Equipment, and Facilities
  • Serves as a subject matter expert for academic curriculum.
  • Provides feedback in the curriculum development and revision process.
  • Implements new and revised curriculum.
  • Provides weekly recaps of cohort performance.
• Faculty Performance and Development
  • Orients, monitors, supervises, mentors, and assists new Driver Trainers.
  • Provides leadership and supports instructional and program needs of staff.
  • Attends weekly faculty meetings (day and evening) to discuss course improvements, instructional methods, and other program enhancements.
  • Shares information on trends and changes in the program specialty area with all departments.
  • Attends faculty meetings and in-service programs, maintaining records of professional development activities.
  • Stays current with federal and state institutional regulations and accreditation standards.
  • Participates in the preparation and submission of government and accreditation reports.
  • Assists in evaluating data from student questionnaires and conducts faculty conferences to discuss results and recommendations.
  • Collaborates with peers to coordinate interdepartmental activities.
  • Performs all duties of a full-time Driver Trainer.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• CDL License.
• 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 requirements within the field of instruction.
• Excellent organizational, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs 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 defined goals and present ideas effectively in 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 (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.
• Specific Tasks & Considerations:
  • Physically demonstrating skills such as coupling/uncoupling trailers, performing inspections, and maneuvering large vehicles.
  • Working outdoors in various environmental conditions, including extreme temperatures and inclement weather.

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.