Ceramic Art Instructor

Jewish Community Center Of Denver; Denver (CO); On-site; USD 28,000 - 33,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Complementary JCC membership for part‑

Staff discounts on programs

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Staenberg-Loup Jewish Community Center in Denver, CO is seeking a Ceramics Instructor to lead year-round classes and private events. This part-time role requires expertise in hand-building and wheel-throwing, with the ability to design engaging lessons for adults.

You will work under the Fine Arts Program Manager to create structured yet creative learning experiences, ensure safety and cleanliness, and coordinate with staff for schedule and program improvements.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years of experience in a ceramic studio environment with knowledge of greenware to glaze ware lifecycle.
• Experience working with adults in an educational or studio arts setting for at least 2 years.

Responsibilities

• Teach engaging ceramics classes for adults focused on skill-building, creativity, and self-expression.
• Lead private and semi-private ceramic lessons and adult classes.
• Create a welcoming learning environment, encouraging artistic exploration and student success.
• Develop and implement lesson plans with varying skill levels balancing instruction and creativity.
• Ensure safety protocols and maintain a clean, organized studio space.
• Provide hands-on instruction and individualized support for pottery techniques.
• Manage studio materials, glaze preparation, and kiln operations.
• Coordinate with the Fine Arts Program Manager to stay on schedule and communicate with patrons.

Skills

Ceramics

Hand-building

Wheel throwing

Glazing techniques

Classroom management

Education

2 years ceramics studio experience

2+ years teaching adults

Job description

Job Details

Job Location: Staenberg-Loup Jewish Community Center - Denver, CO 80246

Position Type: Part Time

Salary Range: $20.00 - $24.00 Hourly

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 Responsibilities

• Teach 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.

Other Duties/Responsibilities Required

• Adheres 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 Qualifications and Education Requirements

Basic Qualifications

• Minimum 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 environment
• Minimum 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 Certification
• Prior 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 environment
• In 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 floor
• Occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds

Benefits Overview

• This 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 Notes

This 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