CDL Program Director

CHESS

6d•$60,000 - $60,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The CDL Program Director provides comprehensive leadership, administrative oversight, and strategic direction for the Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) and Heavy Equipment training programs within the Workforce Development. This role combines high-level departmental management, supervisory authority, regulatory compliance, curriculum innovation, and active instructional/examination duties. The Director oversees all daily operations, manages program curriculum, supervises CDL Instructors, Examiners, and the Program Manager, and serves as the primary liaison to state/federal regulatory agencies, industry employers, and community partners. Additionally, the Director obtains and maintains New Mexico DMV CDL Examiner certification, provides direct classroom and behind-the-wheel instruction, oversees state testing operations, and collaborates closely with the CTE/Workforce Development Director on grant opportunities, strategic partnerships, and statewide workforce initiatives.

Requirements

Valid New Mexico Class A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with clean driving record.
Must possess or be eligible to immediately obtain and maintain New Mexico DMV CDL Examiner Certification.
Minimum of five (5) years of combined professional experience in commercial driving/heavy equipment operation and instructional delivery in CDL or heavy equipment training programs.
Minimum of two (2) years of supervisory, lead, or administrative management experience overseeing personnel, program operations, or safety compliance within a CDL, fleet, or technical education environment.
Valid NM driver's license and ability to travel as required by the institution.
Comprehensive knowledge of DOT regulations, FMCSA ELDT rules, and New Mexico DMV CDL testing standards.
Advanced knowledge of adult learning theories, curriculum design, classroom instruction, simulator training, and field evaluation methods.
Demonstrated leadership, supervisory, coaching, and conflict-resolution skills.
Proficiency in operating Class A commercial vehicles and various types of heavy equipment.
Strong organizational, administrative, and project management skills with systems like Modern Campus.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills for presenting to state agencies, industry partners, and executive leadership.
Ability to analyze workforce data, write grant proposals, and manage program budgets effectively.
Ability to work effectively with diverse student, employee, and community populations.
Must be able to pass and maintain a DOT physical and DOT drug screening as mandated by federal regulations.

Nice To Haves

Ten years of combined professional experience in commercial driving/heavy equipment operation in instructional delivery in CDL or heavy equipment training programs.
Prior experience managing workforce programs within Modern Campus or similar higher education student management software.
Demonstrated history of successful grant writing and state/federal regulatory reporting.

Responsibilities

Provides administrative and operational oversight for all CDL, Heavy Equipment, and related workforce development programs.
Ensures smooth program execution across main, satellite, and mobile training locations.
Manages program courses, schedules, and administrative workflows within the Modern Campus management system.
Directly supervises, schedules, evaluates, and supports CDL Instructors, certified CDL Examiners, and the CDL Program Manager.
Leads recruitment, hiring, onboarding, professional development, and performance reviews for departmental staff.
Ensures total compliance with Department of Transportation (DOT), Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) standards, and New Mexico Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) guidelines.
Compiles, verifies, and submits required compliance and performance reports to state and federal agencies.
Leads the continuous development, evaluation, and modernization of CDL and Heavy Equipment curricula, incorporating state-of-the-art simulator technologies and hands-on fieldwork standards.
Oversees student learning outcome assessments to ensure workforce readiness.
Obtains and maintains certification through the New Mexico DMV as an official CDL Examiner.
Provides guidance, quality control, and direct oversight of all institutional CDL skills testing operations, ensuring LCC’s status as a compliant stationary and mobile testing facility.
Prepares and delivers classroom theory, lab simulations, and behind-the-wheel instructional sessions as needed.
Models instructional excellence and safe vehicle operation for instructional staff.
Actively markets CDL and workforce programs to prospective students, regional businesses, and community organizations.
Establishes and maintains collaborative partnerships with industry employers, government agencies, and workforce boards to facilitate job placements, apprenticeships, and customized contract training.
Collaborates with the CTE/Workforce Development Director to identify, pursue, and manage grant opportunities, external funding sources, and workforce development partnerships.
Collects, analyzes, and provides all necessary program, enrollment, and completion data to the Workforce Administrator for Modern Campus to maintain accurate record-keeping and data reporting.
Represents Luna Community College by attending relevant statewide workforce events, transportation conferences, state agency meetings, and industry task forces.
Oversees safety protocols, pre-trip/post-trip inspection routines, and routine/corrective maintenance for all fleet vehicles, heavy equipment, and simulators. Ensures strict adherence to safety mandates across all training sites.
Perform other duties as assigned.