CDL Program Director

Compensation

$60,000 / annually

Compensation Type:

Exempt

Employment Type:

Regular

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

40

Grade:

E12

Department:

Program Administration

Position Summary

POSITION OVERVIEW

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.

Duties & Responsibilities

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

          

Departmental Operations & Strategic Leadership:

• 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.

Supervision & Personnel Management:

• 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.

Regulatory Compliance & Agency Reporting:

• 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.

Curriculum & Assessment Development:

• 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.

Testing Guidance & Examiner Certification:

• 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.

Instructional Delivery:

• 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.

Partner Relations, Outreach & Marketing:

• 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.

Grant Development & Strategic Partnerships:

• Collaborates with the CTE/Workforce Development Director to identify, pursue, and manage grant opportunities, external funding sources, and workforce development partnerships.

Workforce Data Management & Modern Campus Administration:

• 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.

Statewide Engagement & Professional Representation:

• Represents Luna Community College by attending relevant statewide workforce events, transportation conferences, state agency meetings, and industry task forces.

Safety & Equipment Stewardship:

• 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.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• 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.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND LICENSES

Required:

• License: Valid New Mexico Class A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with clean driving record.
• Examiner Status: Must possess or be eligible to immediately obtain and maintain New Mexico DMV CDL Examiner Certification.
• Field & Teaching Experience: 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.
• Supervisory Experience: 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.
• Mobility: Valid NM driver's license and ability to travel as required by the institution.

Preferred:

• 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.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this position. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive list of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications. Luna Community College management reserves the right to amend and change responsibilities to meet business and organizational needs as necessary.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL FACTORS

Physical Effort:

• Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently to move objects.
• Position requires standing, walking, climbing, and sitting for extended periods (at least 70% of the time).

Travel Requirements:

• Frequent travel to satellite campuses, off-site testing/training facilities, and statewide meetings or events. Overnight stays may be required.

Visual Acuity:

• Requires close visual acuity to analyze data, prepare reports, inspect heavy machinery, and monitor driving maneuvers.

Environmental Exposure:

• Frequent exposure to outdoor weather conditions, noise, fumes, and machinery hazards at outdoor ranges and training sites.

Testing Requirements:

• Must be able to pass and maintain a DOT physical and DOT drug screening as mandated by federal regulations.

As a part of your application, upload letter of interest, current resume, and official documentation confirming education.

EEO STATEMENT: LCC is an equal opportunity employer.