Experienced Luthier Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The staff and faculty of Northampton Community College share a single goal: to help students transform their lives through education. It's a goal that reaps rewards thousands of times over the course of a career. Employees at Northampton receive competitive compensation and an array of benefits while working on campuses located in a region with a very high quality of life.

We invite you to consider applying for one of our currently available positions. For more information on the College, please visit www.northampton.edu. For more information on life in the Lehigh Valley, please visit https://www.northampton.edu/human-resources/life-in-the-area.htm.

NCC is strongly committed to increasing the diversity of the college community and the curriculum. Candidates who can contribute to that goal are encouraged to identify their strengths or experiences in this area.

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This posting will close on:

**No further applications will be accepted on or after this date**

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Assistant Program Manager - Luthier Program

Position Type: Full-Time

Reports To: Executive Director, Innovation & Entrepreneurship

Position Summary

The Assistant Program Manager for the Luthier Program supports the daily operations, instructional delivery, and student experience of the community college's stringed instrument-building program. This role works closely with the Program Manager, faculty, and instructors to ensure the luthier workshop operates safely, efficiently, and in alignment with educational and industry standards. The Assistant Program Manager is a hands-on role that combines shop supervision, student support, material preparation, and instructional assistance, serving as a consistent on-site presence during classes, open shop hours, and special programming.

Key Responsibilities

Program & Operational Support

Assist the Program Manager with scheduling, coordination, and execution of luthier courses, workshops, and intensive programs.

Support program logistics including room setup, tool readiness, material distribution, and cleanup.

Maintain program records such as attendance, shop access logs, and material usage tracking.

Assist with purchasing requests, receiving, and inventory of tonewoods, hardware, consumables, and shop supplies.

Shop Supervision & Safety

Provide day-to-day supervision of the luthier workshop during classes, open lab hours, and independent student work time.

Enforce shop safety rules, proper tool usage, and cleanliness standards.

Assist with safety orientations and basic tool training for new students.

Identify equipment issues and coordinate repairs or maintenance with the Program Manager.

Instructional & Technical Support

Support instructors during classes by preparing demonstrations, assisting students with techniques, and reinforcing best practices.

Provide one-on-one or small-group technical guidance under lead instructor direction.

Assist with jigs, molds, fixtures, and templates used in instrument construction.

Help troubleshoot common build issues related to woodworking, assembly, setup, and finishing.

Student Support & Engagement

Serve as a primary point of contact for students during shop hours.

Support students with questions related to tools, materials, workflow, and shop procedures.

Help foster a collaborative, respectful, and professional shop culture.

Assist with student showcases, field trips, end-of-program presentations, and public-facing events.

Equipment, Materials & Facilities

Prepare and stage materials for student builds, including rough milling, labeling, and material preparation as needed.

Maintain cleanliness and organization of workstations, storage areas, and shared equipment.

Assist with maintaining accurate inventories of tools, fixtures, and consumables.

Support preventative maintenance routines and end-of-semester shop shutdown/startup processes.

Outreach & Special Programming

Assist with guest workshops, visiting luthiers, demonstrations, and community education events.

Support outreach activities such as open houses, recruitment events, and tours of the luthier shop.

Represent the program professionally when interacting with students, visitors, and partners.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience in lutherie, fine woodworking, instrument repair, or a related field.

Hands-on experience using woodworking tools and shop equipment.

Knowledge of basic shop safety practices and procedures.

Strong interpersonal and communication skills.

Ability to work effectively with students of varying skill levels.

Preferred Qualifications

Certificate or advanced training in lutherie or instrument repair.

Experience supporting instruction, tutoring, or shop supervision in an educational setting.

Familiarity with acoustic or electric stringed instrument construction and setup.

Experience working in a community college, makerspace, or workforce training environment.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

Regular work in a workshop environment with exposure to woodworking tools, machinery, dust, noise, and finishes.

Ability to lift materials and equipment (up to 50 lbs), stand for extended periods, and demonstrate tool usage.

Occasional evening or weekend hours to support classes, workshops, or events.