Guitar Technician Program Manager

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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Job Title: Program Manager - Guitar Technician Program

Reports To: Executive Director, Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship

Position Summary: The Program Manager for the Guitar Technician Program leads the development and delivery of a hands-on training program focused on guitar setup, maintenance, and foundational repair skills. This role combines instruction, program management, and industry engagement to prepare students for entry-level roles in guitar repair, retail service, and independent luthiery support work. The Program Manager ensures students gain practical, real-world skills while maintaining a high-quality, safety-focused learning environment.

Key Responsibilities

Program Development & Management

• Oversee the day-to-day operations of the Guitar Technician Program

• Develop and refine curriculum focused on:

  o Guitar setup and adjustment (acoustic and electric)

  o Restringing, intonation, and action optimization

  o Fretboard care, re-frets, and neck adjustments/resets

  o Basic repairs (hardware replacement, electronics troubleshooting, soldering for pickups and controls)

• Align program outcomes with current industry practices and employer needs
• Manage program scheduling, materials, and instructional resources

Instruction & Student Experience

* Lead hands-on instruction and demonstrations in guitar setup and maintenance techniques

* Guide students through real-world service workflows and customer-based scenarios

* Provide individualized feedback, mentorship, and skill assessment

* Foster a professional, organized, and safety-conscious lab environment

Lab & Equipment Oversight

* Maintain benches, tools, and equipment used for guitar service and repair

* Manage inventory of parts and consumables (strings, hardware, electronics components, cleaning supplies)

* Ensure proper tool usage, workspace organization, and safety standards

Industry & Community Engagement

* Build relationships with local music stores, repair shops, and independent technicians

* Identify opportunities for student internships, job placement, and live service projects

* Coordinate guest speakers, workshops, and community-based repair events

Program Growth & Evaluation

* Track student progress, completion rates, and job placement outcomes

* Gather feedback to continuously improve curriculum and student experience

* Support marketing and recruitment efforts in collaboration with the CIE team

Additional Responsibilities

* Perform additional duties as assigned by the supervisor

* Support other Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship (CIE) initiatives, programs, and events as needed

Qualifications

Required:

* Bachelor's Degree or minimum 5-year experience in industry

* Hands-on experience with guitar setup, maintenance, and basic repair (acoustic and electric)

* Proficiency in tasks such as truss rod adjustment, intonation, action setup, and pickup/electronics work

* Experience teaching, training, or mentoring in a hands-on environment

* Strong organizational and communication skills

Preferred:

* Experience working in a guitar repair shop, music retail service department, or guitar manufacturer

* Familiarity with a wide range of guitar brands and hardware systems

* Basic woodworking or fretwork experience

* Prior experience developing curriculum or training programs

Work Environment

* Hands-on lab and classroom setting with individual workbenches

* Active, project-based learning environment

* Full-time (typically Monday-Friday, daytime hours)