Ceramic Art Instructor

Staenberg-Loup Jewish Community Center; Denver (CO); On-site; USD 28,000 - 41,000; Part time

Job summary

The Staenberg-Loup Jewish Community Center is seeking a passionate Ceramics Instructor to lead year-round ceramics classes for adults and manage private events. You will design lessons, guide hand-building and wheel-throwing, and maintain a safe, organized studio.

Part-time position up to 25 hours weekly, evenings/weekends may be required, with paid planning time and studio maintenance duties. The role emphasizes creativity, community, and hands-on mentorship.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years of ceramic studio experience and ability to teach adults.
• Knowledge of greenware to glaze ware lifecycle and glaze techniques.
• Experience leading hands-on pottery, including hand-building and wheel throwing.
• Ability to guide students with varied skill levels in a fast-paced setting.
• Strong verbal and written communication, organizational skills.

Responsibilities

• Teach engaging ceramics classes for adults focused on skill-building and self-expression.
• Lead private and semi-private ceramic lessons and supervise studio time.
• Create an inclusive, welcoming learning environment and provide feedback.
• Develop lesson plans with varying skill levels and maintain safety protocols.
• Prepare clay, glazes, tools, and manage kiln firings and studio upkeep.
• Coordinate with the Fine Arts Program Manager to keep classes on schedule.

Skills

Ceramic studio experience

Greenware to glaze cycle

Hand-building techniques

Wheel throwing

Adult education experience

Group instruction

Cone 5 glazing

Safety and studio maintenance

Education

Studio arts background

Job description

The Staenberg-Loup Jewish Community Center (JCC) is seeking a passionate and skilled Ceramics Instructor to lead year-round ceramics classes and ceramics private events. This position offers a dynamic opportunity to inspire artists, fostering creativity and skill-building in a fun and engaging environment.Position Overview:Under the direction of the Fine Arts Program Manager, the Ceramics Instructor will design and implement ceramics lessons for adults. The instructor must be proficient in hand-building and wheel-throwing techniques and capable of managing a structured, yet approachable, learning atmosphere.Role and ResponsibilitiesTeach engaging ceramics classes for ages adults with a focus on skill-building, creativity, and self-expression.Lead Private and Semi-Private Ceramic lessons, and adult ceramic classes.Create a welcoming and inclusive learning environment, encouraging artistic exploration while ensuring all students feel successful and supported.Develop and implement lesson plans with varying skill levels while balancing structured instruction with creative freedom.Ensure safety protocols are followed, including proper use of tools and materials, while maintaining a clean and organized studio space.Provide hands-on instruction and individualized support, helping students learn and refine pottery techniques and problem-solve during the creative process.Manage class materials and studio upkeep, including preparing clay, glazes, and tools, as well as cleaning and organizing the workspace.Coordinate with Fine Arts Program Manager, and program staff to ensure ceramics classes and studio time stay on schedule and communicate with patrons as needed.Encourage teamwork and collaboration, fostering a positive, community-driven atmosphere in the classroom.Monitor student progress and provide constructive feedback, celebrating artistic growth and achievements.Instructors receive additional paid time for planning, set-up, and breakdown.Collect and report feedback to the Fine Arts Program Manager and the Director of Engagement & Jewish Learning for future programming improvement.Support daily ceramics studio operations and maintenance.Mix glazes, recycle clay, and maintains studio materials such as engobes, slips, and washes.Load, unload, and monitor kiln firings.Maintain studio equipment, tools, and workspaces.Follow and uphold studio safety procedures and operational standards.Other duties as assigned, including but not limited to teaching art classes through various mediums.Position Details:Part-time position (up to 25 hours per week); not eligible for benefits.Work schedule may be variable or routine, with increased summer hours.Must be available to work evenings and weekends as needed.If you have a passion for ceramics and enjoy working with people in a creative and community-driven environment, we encourage you to apply!Other Duties/Responsibilities RequiredAdheres to JCC Policy and Procedures.Acts as a brand ambassador within and outside the JCC.Performs duties as workload necessitates.Uses internal platforms and systems required to execute job duties. Including taking daily attendance.Maintains a positive and respectful attitude.Demonstrates flexible and efficient time management and the ability to prioritize workload.Qualifications and Education RequirementsBasic QualificationsMinimum 2 years of experience in a ceramic studio environment. Includes knowledge of greenware to glaze ware lifecycle, working with clay in a group setting, experience demonstrating and leading hands-on pottery techniques including hand-building techniques (coiling, slab work, and pinch pots) as well as wheel proficiency including centering, hand placement, and trimming, knowledge of commercial cone 5 glazing techniques, strong ability to provide verbal and hands-on guidance to students of varying skill levels, ability to move efficiently between students and provide individualized instruction in a fast-paced environmentMinimum 2 years of experience working with adults in an educational or studio arts setting.Preferred Qualifications:Background in Studio Arts as an advanced hobbyist or professional studio potter.Superior oral and written communication skills.Excellent organizational skills with the ability to handle multiple tasks and projects with ease, while striving for accuracy and excellence in all areas.Ability to track, analyze, and adjust programs as necessary.Current CPR/First Aid CertificationPrior experience planning or coordinating art programs.Physical/Mental Requirements (ADA Compliance)Mental requirements include, but are not limited to, the ability to concentrate, take initiative, cope with stress, adapt to and stay alert in a business environmentIn order to perform the essential duties of the job, the employee must be able to speak, hear, see and walk more than 2 miles each day.Standing and sitting on the floorOccasionally lift and/or move up to 25 poundsBenefits OverviewThis part-time position is not benefits-eligible.Paid Time Off is a day-one benefit, accrued based on years of service and hours worked, in compliance with the Colorado Health Families & Workplaces Act.Part-Time employees of the JCC who regularly work 5+ hours per week receive a complementary individual membership to the JCC’s Fitness and Aquatics Center, as well as a range of staff discounts on which includes year-round access to the JCC’s fitness center and heated pool.Part-Time employees of the JCC who regularly work 20+ hours per week are also eligible for a wide range of discounts, including up to 20% off for the JCC’s Preschool and Summer Camp childcare programs, discounted tickets to Mizel Arts and Culture events, discounted program and class costs, and more!All employees of the JCC are eligible to join the “JCCs of North America” (JCCA) community, which includes access to the JCCA’s resource center, ongoing professional development and networking opportunities, as well as educational stipends for qualifying employees.Additional NotesThis job description is not intended to be all-inclusive, and the incumbent will also perform other reasonably related business duties as assigned by the supervisor or other management as required. The JCC reserves the right to revise or change job duties as the needs arise. This job description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment. All paperwork including background checks, etc. MUST be filled out prior to your start date.The Jewish Community Center values diversity and inclusiveness and is an equal opportunity employer