Associate Instructor

Job Description

Do you have extensive retail or wholesale management experience in the jewelry industry? Are you a great communicator with strong computer abilities? How would you like to pool all your scientific knowledge, jewelry trade expertise and proven management skills into a unique career that will help motivate and launch the next generation of jewelers? GIA is seeking individuals who have a passion for mentoring, excellent customer service, problem solving, computer skills and a desire to work with diverse cultures to join our On-Campus Gemology team as an Instructor. As an On-Campus Gemology instructor, you will work with a closely-knit, collaborative team to teach gemology courses consistent with the standards of excellence and integrity that make GIA “The World’s Foremost Authority in Gemology™.  If you desire to work in a dynamic environment and constantly stretch and expand your own skills and learning while inspiring those who seek to learn from you, this may be the opportunity you’ve been seeking.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned:

• Instructs students in the On-Campus Gemology Program and the Lab classes utilizing gemological equipment including, but not limited to microscope, Diamond Dock, iD100, fluorescence equipment, spectroscope, refractometer, polariscope, dichroscope, audio-visual aids, and other materials to supplement presentations.
• Assists in curriculum development, creating educational delivery, and course materials for the On-Campus Gemology Program and the Lab classes.
• Imparts appropriate and relevant course material consistent with GIA’s reputation, standards, and integrity.
• Addresses student concerns, complaints, or issues promptly, and effectively interfaces with School Director, Manager, Supervisor, On-campus and Lab Gemology Instruction and/or other appropriate Education staff as needed for further action.
• Counsels students regarding academic performance and methods for improvement.
• Maintains and fosters sensitivity and respect for a culturally diverse classroom environment.
• Participates in Education meetings and training, as needed, concerning courses material instruction, student concerns, operational and administrative procedures, etc.
• Proctors tests; and receives, corrects, and processes student assignments either manually or electronically through Blackboard.
• Submits final accurate student grades/attendance records in Blackboard and to Student Services according to required schedule.
• Maintains a positive climate for learning through appropriate classroom management. 
• Keeps accurate records of work and travel time and enters same into Time & Labor in person, or submits by email or fax, if working from a remote location.
• May develop Instruction Guide and assemble educational trade material for student instruction.
• May assist with special projects, as needed.
• Observes and adheres to all GIA and New York campus policies and guidelines.
• Communicates respectfully, creates positive teamwork environment, gets along with coworkers and management, and interacts with colleagues/students effectively and professionally under pressure.

Technical Competencies (Knowledge, Skills & Abilities):

• Ability and willingness to meet all minimum requirements mandated by federal, state, local, accrediting, and other regulatory bodies to be a GIA Instructor. 
• In-depth knowledge of gemstones, diamonds, gem identification equipment, and understanding of the jewelry industry. 
• Ability to demonstrate a command of theory and contemporary knowledge, and continuing study in the field.
• Ability to effectively present course material and provide instructional feedback to students. 
• Ability to set up classrooms conducive to learning and meeting GIA standards.
• Ability to effectively communicate within time constraints of onsite meetings, with a diverse group of students at various levels of experience and/or knowledge. 
• Ability to relate with students and their ongoing issues. 
• Ability to multi-task on various administrative duties and adapt to a fast-paced office environment with multiple priorities. 
• Intermediate computer skills such as, but not limited to, experience with word-processing, spreadsheet, and database software applications.  PeopleSoft and Blackboard expertise strongly preferred. 
• Strong written and verbal communication skills. 
• Experience in understanding and pin-pointing student difficulties. 
• Willingness and ability to travel domestically and/or internationally, if needed. 

Education and Experience:

• Graduate Gemologist Diploma; and a minimum of 3 years related practical gem/jewelry industry experience required.
• In addition, Bachelor’s degree (B.A. or B.S.) from four-year college or university, and industry coursework; or equivalent combination of education and/or training preferred.

Pay: $82,500 Annually

An Equal Opportunity Employer
All employment decisions are made without regard to unlawful considerations of race, sex, religion, national origin, age, disability, or any other legally protected status. Reasonable accommodations are available upon request.

Disclaimer: This job description indicates in general terms, the type and level of work performed as well as the typical responsibilities of employees in this classification and it may be changed by management at any time. Other duties may also apply. Nothing in this job description changes the at-will employment relationship existing between the Company and its employees.