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, 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 is responsible for hiring, developing, and evaluating Driver Trainers, convening faculty meetings, and supporting student advising and retention initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Services to Students
  • Supplements Driver Trainer advising for students receiving failing assessments.
  • Provides academic advising and 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 and refers students to appropriate staff for non-academic issues.
  • 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.
• Curriculum and Instructional Quality
  • Serves as a subject matter expert for academic curriculum.
  • Actively participates in curriculum development and revision led by the Home Office Executive team.
  • Provides leadership in implementing new and revised curriculum.
  • Contributes to creating the master schedule, including course sequencing, room assignments, and Driver Trainer teaching assignments.
• Faculty Performance and Development
  • Assists in recruiting, interviewing, and hiring faculty for the program.
  • Orients, monitors, supervises, mentors, and assists new Driver Trainers.
  • Ensures Driver Trainers adhere to administrative and classroom delivery requirements.
  • Maintains faculty files, including transcripts, professional development, observations, and performance reviews.
  • Observes classes and coaches Driver Trainers to improve instructional and classroom management skills.
  • Conducts performance appraisals, identifying strengths and areas for improvement.
  • Leads regular weekly faculty meetings, documenting discussions on course improvements, instructional methods, and text selection.
  • Provides product knowledge training to Account management and Career Services personnel.
  • Promotes faculty participation in professional development activities and maintains records of these activities.
  • Stays current with federal and state regulations and accreditation standards related to the program.
  • Assists in preparing government and accreditation reports, ensuring timely submission and accuracy.
  • Evaluates student questionnaire data and conducts faculty conferences to discuss results and improvements.
  • Maintains regular office hours to ensure consistency between day and evening policies and instruction.
  • Collaborates with peers to coordinate interdepartmental activities and resolve personnel issues among Driver Trainers.
  • Performs all duties of a full-time Driver Trainer.
• Leadership and Development
  • Defines roles and objectives for Driver Trainers, monitors performance, and provides feedback.
  • Resolves performance issues to motivate and foster teamwork.
  • Identifies opportunities for professional growth and assigns challenging work to advance skills.

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 on course content.
• Excellent organizational, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and database programs (CampusVue preferred).
• Strong interpersonal and 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 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 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 conditions, including extreme heat, cold, rain, or snow while training.

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.