The Staenberg-Loup Jewish Community Center (JCC) is seeking a passionate and skilled Art Instructor to facilitate watercolor classes for adults.

Position Overview:

Under the direction of the Fine Arts Program Manager, the Art Instructor is responsible for teaching engaging, skill-based classes that support students in developing technical proficiency, artistic confidence, and personal creative expression. This instructor will design and deliver multi-week courses and/or workshops for adult learners of varying experience levels.

The ideal candidate is an experienced artist and educator who can foster a welcoming and inclusive studio environment. They will balance strong foundational instruction with encouragement for experimentation and individual style.

Role and Responsibilities

• Develop and teach engaging courses and watercolor workshops tailored to a range of skill levels.
• Prepare curriculum, materials, and demonstrations aligned with program goals and studio standards, developing the curriculum in collaboration with the Fine Arts Education Program Manager.
• Provide individualized feedback and guidance to students to support their artistic development.
• Maintain a safe, organized, and welcoming classroom or studio environment.
• Collaborate with the Fine Arts Education Program Manager to plan student showcases, and/or community art events.
• Manage attendance, supply usage, and other administrative duties as required.
• Uphold JCC Denver’s mission and values.

Position Details:

• On-call position (up to 25 hours per week); not eligible for benefits.
• Work schedule may be variable or routine, with less hours in the summer.
• From September – May, hours will be morning, afternoon, evening and/or weekends. 
• Must be available to work evenings and weekends as needed.
• Instructors receive additional paid time for planning, set-up, and breakdown.

If you have a passion for art education and enjoy working with students of varying skill levels in a creative and community-driven environment, we encourage you to apply!

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 and Education Requirements

Basic Qualifications:

• Education & Experience: Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts, Art Education, or a related field. Minimum 2 years of teaching experience in watercolor. Active artistic practice of at least 5 years.
• Technical Expertise: Watercolor: Wet-on-wet and wet-on-dry techniques, washes, glazing, layering, edges control, and pigment handling.
• Color Theory & Design: Understanding of color mixing, value, temperature, complementary/analogous schemes, and composition principles across all mediums. Ability to guide students in creating balanced, visually engaging work.
• Observation & Visual Translation: Ability to teach students to translate 3D subjects into 2D compositions, capture gesture and movement, and simplify complex forms while maintaining realism.
• Problem-Solving & Troubleshooting: Skill in correcting mistakes, managing medium-specific challenges (e.g., lifting watercolor), and maintaining materials and tools properly.
• Artistic Expression & Teaching: Encourages experimentation, personal style, and creative risk-taking while providing structured instruction. Able to foster a supportive, inclusive, and engaging classroom environment for students of varying skill levels.
• Classroom Skills: Strong communication and interpersonal skills, experience giving clear demonstrations, providing constructive feedback, and adapting lessons to meet the needs of diverse learners.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Fine Arts or equivalent in related work experience in art education setting or studio practice.
• 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 20+ 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.

The Jewish Community Center values diversity and inclusiveness and is an equal opportunity employer.