AT - Program Director - CDL

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 and participating in curriculum development, revision, and implementation. The role includes product knowledge training for the Account management group, engaging with potential students, and leading new student orientation. Responsibilities span hiring, assigning, orienting, developing, evaluating, and recognizing Driver Trainers; convening regular faculty meetings; monitoring and supporting the student population; and advising students during the provisional period, addressing complaints, career questions, and academic progress concerns. The CDL Program Director analyzes student data to identify at-risk students, removes barriers to success, and drives continuous program improvement by collecting and analyzing performance data for the campus effectiveness plan.

Responsibilities

Provides Services to Students

• Supplements Driver Trainer advising for students receiving failing assessments and provides academic advising as needed.
• Provides or arranges for student tutoring when needed and leads student retention initiatives for students experiencing barriers to success.
• Maintains regular contact with all students in the program, responds to questions and concerns in a timely manner, posts office hours, and refers students to appropriate staff for non-academic problem resolution.
• Contacts students who miss days or accumulate more than four absences in a week; maintains records of interactions and correspondence.
• Monitors Driver Trainer contact with students, makes weekly calls to students who were not reached or did not return as promised, and offers academic advice while demonstrating genuine interest in students.

Oversees Status of Quality of Curriculum, Instructional Materials, Equipment, and Facilities

• Serves as the subject matter expert for the academic curriculum in the program area.
• Actively participates in curriculum development and revision led by the Home Office Executive team and provides leadership in implementing new and revised curriculum.
• Provides input into the master schedule regarding course sequencing, offerings, room assignments, and Driver Trainer teaching assignments.

Oversees Faculty Performance and Development

• Assists the Area Manager/Regional Program Director in recruiting, interviewing, and hiring faculty for the program of study.
• Orients, monitors, supervises, mentors, and assists new Driver Trainers; ensures adherence to administrative and classroom delivery duties and requirements.
• Ensures completeness of faculty files and documentation of official transcripts, professional development, observations, and performance reviews.
• Provides leadership and support to Driver Trainers, supervises instructional and program needs, observes classes, and coaches Driver Trainers to improve instructional presentation and classroom management.
• Conducts performance appraisals, including strengths and recommendations for improvement; conducts regular weekly day and evening faculty meetings and documents all meetings.
• Provides departmental product knowledge training to Account management and Career Services personnel as requested and shares information on trends and changes in program specialty areas.
• Assists with student recruitment as requested, promotes faculty participation in professional development activities, and maintains records of professional development activities.
• Maintains current knowledge of federal and state institutional regulations and accreditation standards; participates in preparation of government and accreditation reports and ensures timely submission and accuracy.
• Evaluates data from student questionnaires and conducts faculty conferences to discuss results and provide recommendations for improvement.
• Maintains regular office hours each week to ensure consistency between day and evening policies, procedures, and instruction; collaborates with peers to coordinate interdepartmental activities.
• Intervenes in and works to resolve personnel issues among Driver Trainers; assists the Area Manager/Regional Program Director in planning program budgetary needs when applicable.
• Performs all duties of a full-time Driver Trainer.

Leads and Develops Others

• Provides clearly defined roles and objectives for Driver Trainers, monitors performance, provides feedback, and meets regularly to discuss priorities.
• Resolves individual and group performance issues in a timely manner to motivate and foster teamwork; identifies opportunities to involve others in new and challenging assignments.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• Industry certification in the field of instruction if required by industry, or demonstrated knowledge equivalent to the certification.
• 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 requirements, delivery methods, and reporting.
• Motivation, dedication, professionalism, integrity, and enthusiasm for teaching.
• Sensitivity to the needs and requirements of adult learners and ability to embrace the school’s mission.
• Ability to inspire students to the highest level of achievement in preparation for meeting employer expectations.
• Knowledge of industry standards and requirements within the field of instruction and ability to facilitate learning on course content.
• Excellent organizational skills; knowledge of Microsoft Office programs and database programs (CampusVue preferred).
• Ability to develop and use collaborative relationships to accomplish work objectives; superior verbal and written communication skills.
• Interpersonal relationship skills necessary for positive interactions with students, alumni, faculty, and employers.
• Excellent creative and problem-solving skills; ability to meet and/or exceed defined goals.
• Excellent presentation skills and ability to present ideas effectively to individuals or groups in a formal setting.
• Management skills in planning, organizing, controlling, and evaluating programs and policies in a dynamic and changing environment.
• Knowledge of the federal FMCSA and state Department of Motor Vehicle standards.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate’s Degree or higher, documented specialized competency within the field of instruction, 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 such as 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 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 during training.

Work Environment

The employee is usually not exposed to weather conditions, and the noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.