CDL Program Director

About the Role

Reporting to the Director of Education, 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 campus leadership and the Admissions team, engaging with potential students, and participating in new student orientation. The CDL Program Director oversees Driver Trainers, monitors student progress, and plays an active role in student advising and retention initiatives. Additionally, this position is responsible for continuous program improvement, data analysis, and maintaining compliance with federal, state, and accreditation standards.

Responsibilities

• Services to Students
  • Supplements Driver Trainer advising for students receiving failing assessments.
  • Provides academic advising and counseling, including referrals to outside resources when necessary.
  • Arranges for student tutoring as needed.
  • Leads student retention initiatives for those facing barriers to success.
  • Maintains regular contact with students and responds to their questions or concerns in a timely manner.
  • Posts office hours for students and refers them 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 Oversight
  • Serves as a subject matter expert for academic curriculum in the program area.
  • 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 the recruitment, interviewing, and hiring of faculty for the program.
  • Orients, monitors, supervises, mentors, and assists new Driver Trainers.
  • Ensures Driver Trainers adhere to administrative and classroom delivery requirements.
  • Maintains completeness of 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, covering topics such as course improvement and instructional methods.
  • Provides departmental 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 area.
  • Assists in preparing government and accreditation reports, ensuring timely submission and accuracy.
  • Evaluates data from student questionnaires and conducts faculty conferences to discuss results and recommendations.
  • Maintains regular office hours to ensure consistency between day and evening policies and procedures.
  • Collaborates with peers to coordinate interdepartmental activities.
  • Resolves personnel issues among program area Driver Trainers.
  • Assists in planning program budgetary needs when applicable.
  • Performs all duties of a full-time Driver Trainer as needed.
• Leadership and Development
  • Provides clearly defined roles and objectives for Driver Trainers, monitors performance, and offers feedback.
  • Resolves performance issues in a timely manner to motivate and foster teamwork.
  • Identifies opportunities to involve others in challenging work assignments that advance skills and organizational capabilities.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• Valid CDL License.
• 3 years of experience in academic instruction in a post-secondary environment.
• 5 years of industry experience in CDL driving.
• 1 year of experience in a management or supervisory role.
• Knowledge of faculty development, including requirements, delivery methods, and reporting.
• Proficiency in Google Suite and database programs (CampusNexus preferred).
• Management skills in planning, organizing, controlling, and evaluating programs in a dynamic environment.
• Knowledge of federal Department of Education, state, local, and accreditation standards.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate’s Degree or higher, or documented specialized competency 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 and 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:
  • Demonstrating skills such as coupling/uncoupling trailers, performing inspections, and maneuvering large vehicles.
  • Working outdoors in various environmental conditions, including extreme heat, cold, rain, or snow.

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.