Nine-month Comprehensive Lead Instructor

The Nine-month Comprehensive is tailored towards aspiring professional furniture makers and dedicated amateurs who seek in-depth training at the highest standard of excellence. The hands-on, project-oriented program provides students with comprehensive training and mentorship to develop their skills and pursue careers in woodworking and furniture making.

The Lead Instructor serves as teacher, mentor, and guide throughout the course and is assisted by co-instructors with subject-matter expertise in the various segments, such as casework construction, curvature (steam bending, laminate bending, coopering), machine skills, hand tool skills, CNC & CAD, chair making, and more. The Lead Instructor is expected to have competency in all of these areas with a recognition that there may be limited experience in one or two. The proficiencies required are expansive and we encourage anyone holding the majority of skills listed to apply.

 

Responsibilities:

1. Instruction and Demonstration: Along with co-instructors, lead hands-on lessons and demonstrations to guide students through various aspects of furniture making, including design conceptualization, drafting, material selection, tool usage, joinery techniques, and finishing processes. Additionally, the Lead Instructor will encourage experimentation and iteration as students learn to problem solve their designs and builds.
2. Leadership and Mentorship: Provide personalized mentorship and guidance to students, offering constructive feedback, encouragement, and support to help them develop their individual styles and achieve their artistic and professional goals. It is vital that the Lead Instructor recognize that they are not only a teacher but also the leader of the program who sets the tone and provides necessary motivation for the students.
3. Project Oversight: Supervise and evaluate student projects throughout the program, ensuring that they meet high standards of craftsmanship, creativity, and technical proficiency while falling within the parameters of what can be completed in the time allotted.
4. Curriculum Development: Work with the Program Manager and Executive Director to continually refine the curriculum for the Nine-month Comprehensive, ensuring that it covers a wide range of essential skills and techniques in furniture making, from traditional joinery to digital fabrication. Develop and foster an understanding of design principles in contemporary furniture and explore new ideas for wood based domestic product designs.
5. Collaboration: Work closely with fellow instructors, guest artists, and staff members to foster a collaborative and supportive learning environment, where students can exchange ideas, learn from each other, and benefit from diverse perspectives.
6. Community Engagement: Engage with the broader woodworking and furniture making community through exhibitions, conferences, and outreach initiatives, representing the Center for Furniture Craftsmanship and promoting the Nine-month Comprehensive.

 

Skills and Qualifications:

• Extensive experience in furniture making, with a deep understanding of contemporary woodworking techniques and design principles, and the major periods and styles of furniture making.
• Proven teaching ability with experience instructing students of varying skill levels in a classroom or workshop setting.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to inspire and motivate students and colleagues.
• Excellent organizational and leadership abilities with the capacity to effectively manage a comprehensive educational program.
• A passion for craftsmanship and design and a commitment to fostering creativity, craftsmanship, and excellence in the next generation of furniture makers.

 

Education:

Formal education is not required for this position. Applicants may have a combination of apprenticeships, job training, informal or formal education, or substantial experience and expertise in furniture making.

 

Schedule:

This course runs September through May with students and instructors receiving a week off in late December and a week off for spring break. Instruction hours are Monday-Friday, 9am – 4:30pm with an hour break for lunch. The ideal candidate will also want to make use of their provided workbench to build their own work in off hours.

 

Compensation and Benefits:

• Salary of $85,000+, commensurate with experience, for employment September through May.
  • The Lead Instructor has no teaching or other obligations June-August.
• Benefits including health insurance, 401k match, paid leave, and relocation or travel assistance.
• Full use of the shop with designated workbench and access to onsite lumber room.

 

How to Apply:

Applicants are encouraged to apply as long as this posting is up. Applications are reviewed as they are received. Interested candidates should submit their application materials via the link below. Materials requested include cover letter, resume, portfolio of work, and contact information for three professional references. Additional information on what to include and the appropriate format can be found at the link.