Associate Instructor, On-Campus Bench Jeweler

About the role

Provides in-person instruction for the Graduate Jeweler (GJ) program creating a positive, constructive, and productive learning environment in which to guide student outcomes and deliver this On-Campus GJ Program.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Instructs the assigned On-Campus Graduate Jeweler program curriculum, utilizing and demonstrating a variety of manufacturing and repair equipment including, but not limited to, torches, files, saws, polishing equipment, machine and hand tools, audio-visual aids and other materials to supplement presentations and delivery of content, ensuring academic delivery adheres to established guidelines.
• Consistently exercises discretion and independent judgment within the defined scope of responsibilities consistent with GIA’s reputation, standards, and integrity.
• Responsible for the instruction of accredited and state-licensed vocational and provide a comprehensive education to students seeking careers in the gem and jewelry industry.
• Manages class set-up and maintain cleanliness of workstation, student desks and instruments (e.g., gathering of materials, managing equipment / materials appropriately, etc.).
• Ensures administrative class management responsibilities are completed in a timely manner (e.g., attendance, assessments, posting grades, documentation, etc.).
• Addressees student concerns promptly and effectively communicate them with NY director or appropriate Education staff as needed for further action.
• Evaluate student work, grade assignments or projects, engage in discussions with students about their grades and academic progress, and coach and support their learning, engagement and methods of improvement.
• Use active listening with student questions and comments. Respond to student questions. Prepared for questions beyond the immediate scope of the lecture.
• Sincere and friendly; Projects enthusiasm while teaching and answering questions; Maintain and foster sensitivity and respect for a culturally diverse classroom environment.
• Will participate in student orientation and/or graduation activities, as needed.
• May support other functional areas, as needed, and travel occasionally for instructional/development purposes.
• Stays current with industry trends (follows industry publications, etc.).

Technical Competencies

• Comprehensive expertise in jewelry manufacturing processes, repair techniques, use of specialized equipment, with an understanding of the jewelry industry’s standards and best practices.
• Proficient with a variety of bench tools and skills; setting and repair techniques, and have the ability to fabricate jewelry in metal, with expertise in utilizing rolling mills and machine tools and hand tools, such as engravers.
• Proficient computer skills utilizing Microsoft Office tools such as, e.g., MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook.
• Be well-prepared to use the school’s AV equipment for presentations, Learning Management System.
• Able to demonstrate a command of theory and contemporary knowledge.
• Ability to communicate complex information in a simplified and clear manner; present course material and provide feedback to students; communicate effectively with students on achievement or lack of achievement of goals, able to develop and modify communication strategies to deliver difficult messages to students.
• Able to create positive interactions with students; actively communicates with co-workers, students or management in a timely & professional manner.
• Continually improves performance, develops self-awareness, takes personal accountability for decisions, actions & outcomes.
• Responds to feedback as a growth opportunity.
• Time management / organizational skills: Manages time and priorities appropriately - approaches work in an organized and systematic manner. Able to monitor student progress (strengths / weaknesses) in an effort to effectively organize classroom to meet student needs.
• Able to adapt to change; maintaining attention to detail. Able to adapt learning styles to meet student needs.
• Able to settle differences in productive ways while minimizing disruptions.
• Able to communicate and enforce policies in the classroom; willingness to confront issues and resolve them maintaining a positive and effective learning environment.
• Teamwork: Interface well with others (other departments like facilities, admissions, education technology, etc.), uses active listening, knows who to go to and how to communicate issues/needs.
• Maintains & fosters sensitivity and respect for cultural diversity in and out of the classroom.
• Identify potential problems, articulate / classify issues and determine next steps; analyze the data gathered and reach a solution or provide a summary for a management decision when required.

Education And Experience

• High school diploma or general education degree (GED)
• A minimum of 3 years of related practical jewelry industry experience is required.
• Bachelor's degree (B.F.A. preferred); Graduate Jeweler (GJ) or Graduate Jeweler Gemologist (GJG) diploma preferred.
• Experience in education and/or training preferred.

Physical Requirements / Work Environment

• Work is performed in a designated professional jewelry classroom environment.
• Extensive use of office equipment to include computer, calculator, copier, fax, and other business-related machines and software.

Pay

$82,500 Annually

An Equal Opportunity Employer