Director, Jewelry and Design Programs

Job Summary

The Director of Jewelry and Design Programs is a visionary leader charged with stewarding and advancing 92NY’s acclaimed jewelry program, the nation’s largest and most esteemed of its kind, serving over 400 students annually across all ages and skill levels. With four fully equipped studios dedicated to enameling, goldsmithing, silversmithing, stone setting, wax carving, and more, the program offers a comprehensive and inclusive spectrum of jewelry education.

In addition to leading the jewelry program, the Director assumes oversight of the Art Center’s craft and design initiatives—including textiles, shoemaking, and wearable arts—further expanding their reach and impact. This position balances innovation and tradition, curating in-person and online classes, weekend workshops, artist residencies, and public programs featuring leading makers and industry voices. By combining operational skills, strategic vision, and creative leadership, the Director ensures the Jewelry and Design Programs carry forward their legacy of excellence while embracing growth, interdisciplinary collaboration, and youth engagement.

Job Responsibilities Include

Strategic Leadership and Program Development:

• Provide strategic direction for the jewelry program and related craft programs, curating semesterly in-person and online classes, workshops, visiting artist programs, residencies, and public talks with leading artists and professionals.
• Oversee and expand existing design and craft programs—including textiles, shoemaking, and wearable arts—ensuring they thrive and integrate meaningfully within the Art Center.
• Enhance visibility and engagement through student and faculty exhibitions, special events with visiting artists and industry leaders, and promotional platforms that highlight the programs’ prestige and educational impact.
• Develop and lead travel experiences that connect students to global craft and design traditions, fostering cultural exchange and broadening the reach of the programs.
• Collaborate with the Director of Education and Youth Programs to design and deliver youth initiatives across the Art Center, ensuring jewelry and craft programs play an active role in interdisciplinary learning and jointly leading the Teen Gems initiative, which provides jewelry education, mentorship, and internships to NYC high school students while ensuring excellence and equitable access.

Faculty and Student Experience:

• Recruit, mentor, and evaluate a high-caliber faculty, engaging teaching artists skilled across both traditional and emerging practices.
• Ensure inclusive, supportive, and high-quality educational experiences for students across all formats, guiding them from foundational study to advanced independent work.
• Establish and maintain safety standards, developing training for students and faculty on studio and equipment use.

Operational and Financial Management:

• Oversee financial planning for Jewelry and Design Programs, ensuring budgets support sustainable growth and innovation.
• Manage all aspects of studio operations—including procurement, maintenance, and equipment repair—to maintain safe and efficient learning environments.
• Supervise the Jewelry Studio Technician and align operational systems with program goals set by Executive Director.

Marketing, Development and Community Relations:

• Collaborate with Marketing and Web teams to promote all program formats, both in person and online, through digital and print campaigns.
• Cultivate relationships with donors, sponsors, and community stakeholders to support residencies, youth initiatives, and program expansion.
• Position the Jewelry and Design Programs as cultural and educational beacons through community outreach and public engagement.

Experience, Education, & Skills Desired

Master’s degree in studio art, jewelry design, arts administration, or a related field—or equivalent professional experience.

Experience, Skills and Qualifications

• 8+ years in arts program leadership or education, with a strong foundation in jewelry or craft.
• Experience overseeing and scaling in-person and online educational programs.
• Knowledge of and ability to maintain specialized studio equipment and tools for jewelry and craft programs, ensuring safe and efficient operations.
• Demonstrated ability to lead youth and scholarship programs in collaboration with other departments.
• Proven track record of supervising faculty, students, and staff effectively.
• Strong organizational and financial budgeting expertise.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills; proficiency in Microsoft Office and familiarity with digital content creation.
• Active, meaningful connections within the jewelry, craft, and design communities.
• Flexibility to work evenings and weekends as programming requires.

Work Environment & Requirements

40 hours per week; onsite a minimum of 5 days.

Compensation Range

$90,000 – $100,000

The actual compensation offered will be based on a number of factors including, but not limited to the qualifications of the applicant, years of relevant experience, level of education attained, certifications or other professional licenses held, and if applicable, the location in which the applicant lives and/or from which they will be performing the job.