Fashion Training Institute Lead & Instructor

Custom Collaborative; New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 72,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Transportation benefits

Wellness & professional development

Job summary

Custom Collaborative in New York City’s Garment District seeks a Training Institute Manager to lead the Training Institute, teach sewing and design alongside adjunct instructors, and oversee program data and partnerships.

Reporting to the Director of Programs, you will manage recruitment, admissions, day-to-day operations, and mentor students throughout the program, collaborating with staff, volunteers, and external partners.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of professional experience in garment construction, pattern making, sewing, and fitting.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience teaching, training, or facilitating for adult learners.
• Strong presentation and facilitation skills.
• Strong interpersonal and cultural competency skills. Experience working with immigrant, low income and other vulnerable communities.
• Proficiency with basic computer and office software and project management tools such as Google Workspace, Canva, Monday etc..
• Bachelor’s Degree in Fashion Design, Fashion Merchandising, Textile Studies or related field

Responsibilities

• Teach core design, pattern drafting, sewing, and basic professional development to participants, alongside adjunct instructors.
• Develop and enhance curricula to meet evolving industry needs.
• Recommend and vet adjunct instructors and facilitators for specialized modules.
• Manage 1-2 direct reports (Teaching Assistant) each program cycle.
• Facilitate Pre-Training Institute week and student onboarding.
• Coordinate day-to-day administration including maintenance of program and participant reports, managing communications, track program outcomes, and assist with participant mentorship and tracking structures.
• Manage participant assessments, including sewing machine audits and skills evaluations.
• Lead and execute recruitment strategy, including outreach and open houses and participation in recruitment events.
• Lead the entire admissions and screening process including application review, conducting candidate assessments with colleagues, interviews.
• Serve as a central recruitment partner for the organization.
• Coordinate with and organize volunteers, mentors, and guest speakers.
• Build and maintain relationships with external partners, including brands, cultural institutions, and community organizations.
• Collaborate with the Success Manager, Director of Programs, and other colleagues on cross-program initiatives.
• Support participant readiness for graduation including business plan development and final look preparation.

Skills

Garment construction

Pattern making

Sewing

Presentation skills

Facilitation

Interpersonal skills

Cultural competency

Project management

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Fashion Design / Merchandising / Textile Studies or related field

Tools

Google Workspace

Canva

Monday.com

Job description

Custom Collaborative in New York City’s Garment District seeks a Training Institute Manager to lead the Training Institute, teach sewing and design alongside adjunct instructors, and oversee program data and partnerships.

Reporting to the Director of Programs, you will manage recruitment, admissions, day-to-day operations, and mentor students throughout the program, collaborating with staff, volunteers, and external partners.