AT - Program Director - CDL - 100% Traveling

About the Role

Reporting to the Director of Quality Assurance/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 the Account management group, engaging with potential students, participating in new student orientation, and overseeing Driver Trainers. The CDL Program Director is responsible for hiring, developing, evaluating, and recognizing Driver Trainers, as well as monitoring and supporting the student population through advising, retention initiatives, and data analysis for continuous program improvement.

Responsibilities

• Services to Students
  • Supplement Driver Trainer advising for students receiving failing assessments.
  • Provide academic advising/counseling and referrals to outside resources when needed.
  • Arrange for student tutoring and lead retention initiatives for students facing barriers to success.
  • Maintain regular contact with all 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 exceed 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.
  • Provide weekly recaps of cohort performance.
• Faculty Performance and Development
  • Orient, monitor, supervise, mentor, and assist new Driver Trainers.
  • Provide leadership and support for instructional and program needs of all staff.
  • Attend weekly day and evening faculty meetings to discuss improvements in course offerings, 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, and maintain records of professional development activities.
  • Maintain current knowledge of federal and state institutional regulations and accreditation standards.
  • Participate in the preparation of 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 as needed.
  • Collaborate with peers to coordinate interdepartmental activities.
  • Perform all duties of a full-time Driver Trainer.
• Continuous Program Improvement
  • Actively engage in the development and maintenance of the campus effectiveness plan.
  • Collect and analyze data to assess program performance.
  • Work with faculty and staff to identify at-risk students and provide support to address barriers to success.

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.
• Ability to demonstrate 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.
• Excellent 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:
  • Physically demonstrate skills such as coupling/uncoupling trailers, performing inspections, and maneuvering large vehicles.
  • Work 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 typically moderate. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this role.