CDL Program Director

LCC Luna Community College; United States; On-site; USD 51,000 - 69,000; Full time

Job summary

Luna Community College seeks a CDL Program Director to provide leadership, regulatory compliance, and strategic direction for CDL and Heavy Equipment training within Workforce Development. The role oversees curriculum, testing operations, and partnerships with state agencies and industry sponsors.

Responsibilities include program oversight across multiple sites, supervision of instructors and examiners, grant pursuit, and data reporting, with a focus on safety and statewide collaboration.

Qualifications

• Valid NM Class A CDL with clean driving record.
• Must possess or be eligible to obtain NM DMV CDL Examiner Certification.
• Minimum of five years combined experience in CDL/heavy equipment training and instruction.
• Minimum of two years supervisory/administrative management experience in CDL/fleet/technical education.
• Valid NM driver's license and ability to travel as required.
• Ten years of experience in CDL/heavy equipment instruction (preferred).
• Experience managing workforce programs with Modern Campus or similar (preferred).
• Grant writing and state/federal regulatory reporting experience (preferred).

Responsibilities

• Provide administrative and operational oversight for CDL and related workforce development programs across main, satellite, and mobile training locations.
• Directly supervise CDL Instructors, Examiners, and the CDL Program Manager; lead recruitment and performance reviews.
• Ensure DOT, FMCSA ELDT, and NM DMV compliance; compile and submit required reports.
• Lead curriculum development, simulator integration, and field training standards with assessments.
• Obtain and maintain NM DMV CDL Examiner certification; oversee testing operations.
• Deliver classroom theory, lab simulations, and behind-the-wheel instruction as needed.
• Market programs to regional employers and partners; establish workforce partnerships.
• Pursue grants and manage external funding opportunities.
• Manage data reporting and record-keeping via Modern Campus system.
• Represent LCC at statewide workforce events and industry meetings.
• Oversee safety, fleet and equipment maintenance and compliance.

Skills

DOT regulations & ELDT rules

CDL & heavy equipment operations

Leadership & supervision

Grant writing & budgeting

Curriculum design & assessment

Modern Campus administration

Education

New Mexico Class A CDL license

New Mexico DMV CDL Examiner Certification

Tools

Modern Campus LMS

Job description

Compensation & Employment Information

• 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.
• Preferred: Prior experience managing workforce programs within Modern Campus or similar higher education student management software.
• Preferred: 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.

EEO Statement

LCC is an equal opportunity employer.

Luna Community College (LCC) is the only community college in northeastern New Mexico. LCC is dedicated to providing accessible, innovative, and integrated learning experiences that prepare students to compete at the forefront of their chosen fields and to lead in their communities. The Collaborative for Higher Education Shared Services (CHESS) supports independently governed member colleges by sharing tools, talent, and best practices so that we are laser focused on providing a world‑class student experience leading to success for all students.