Graduate Jeweler Associate Instructor

About the role

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

Responsibilities

• Instructs the assigned On-Campus Graduate Jeweler program curriculum, utilizing and demonstrating a variety of manufacturing and repair equipment including 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 programs and provides a comprehensive education to students seeking careers in the gem and jewelry industry.
• Manages class set-up and maintains cleanliness of workstation, student desks, and instruments (e.g., gathering of materials, managing equipment/materials appropriately).
• Ensures administrative class management responsibilities are completed in a timely manner (e.g., attendance, assessments, posting grades, documentation).
• Addresses student concerns promptly and effectively communicates them with the NY director or appropriate Education staff as needed for further action.
• Evaluates student work, grades assignments or projects, engages in discussions with students about their grades and academic progress, and coaches and supports their learning, engagement, and methods of improvement.
• Uses active listening with student questions and comments; responds to student questions and prepares for questions beyond the immediate scope of the lecture.
• Maintains and fosters sensitivity and respect for a culturally diverse classroom environment; projects enthusiasm while teaching and answering questions.
• Participates 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.).
• Meets annual professional development requirements as defined by management.

Requirements

• Comprehensive expertise in jewelry manufacturing processes, repair techniques, and 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, including setting and repair techniques, and the ability to fabricate jewelry in metal, with expertise in utilizing rolling mills, machine tools, and hand tools such as engravers.
• Proficient computer skills utilizing Microsoft Office tools (e.g., MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Ability to use the school’s AV equipment for presentations and Learning Management System.
• Ability 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.
• Ability to develop and modify communication strategies to deliver difficult messages to students.
• Ability to create positive interactions with students; actively communicates with co-workers, students, or management in a timely and professional manner.
• Continually improves performance, develops self-awareness, takes personal accountability for decisions, actions, and outcomes, and responds to feedback as a growth opportunity.
• Time management and organizational skills: manages time and priorities appropriately, approaches work in an organized and systematic manner, and monitors student progress (strengths/weaknesses) to effectively organize the classroom.
• Able to adapt to change, maintain attention to detail, and adapt learning styles to meet student needs.
• Able to settle differences in productive ways while minimizing disruptions.
• Ability to communicate and enforce policies in the classroom; willingness to confront issues and resolve them while maintaining a positive and effective learning environment.
• Teamwork: interfaces well with others (e.g., facilities, admissions, education technology), uses active listening, and knows who to go to and how to communicate issues/needs.
• Maintains and fosters sensitivity and respect for cultural diversity in and out of the classroom.
• Identifies potential problems, articulates/classifies issues, and determines next steps; analyzes data gathered and reaches a solution or provides a summary for management decisions when required.

Qualifications

• 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