Costume Shop Manager and Designer (9-month position) - Dean College

The Costume Shop Manager is responsible for the construction and maintenance of costumes, supply management, and the oversight of the costume shop staff (including staff and students) during the regular academic year. This individual will also take part in the pre-production planning process as it pertains to costumes, which includes meetings, rehearsals, and fittings. The Costumer Shop Manager will also oversee backstage wardrobe during productions. The Costume Shop Manager and Designer is responsible for designing at least two show per semester (dance and/or theatre projects) at the discretion of the School Deans. This position reports to the School Deans of both the Joan Phelps Palladino School of Dance and School of the Arts.

Job Duties

• Work with the costume designers and respective production teams on scheduling and oversight of costume construction, alterations, cleaning, and repairs for all theatre and dance productions.
• Organize the costume shop, supplies, and all inventory.
• Manage shop equipment, including repairs, maintenance, and replacement.
• Schedule backstage costume support during performances/run of show.
• Attend fittings as necessary for troubleshooting and production continuity.
• Participate in production meetings and work with Stage Management for fittings and production notes.
• Oversee the completion of both made-to-order and pulled costumes for the stage for dance and theatre productions.
• Prioritize work processes and expedite productions within scheduled deadlines.
• Take part in the production process and facilitate a smooth transition of the costumes from shop to dress rehearsal.
• Foster a culture of safety and ensure a that safe work environment and safe practices are observed.
• Supervise and manage costume shop staff and students (interns, work study, etc.)
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Preparation, Training and Experience

• Experience in theatrical cutting, stitching, and crafts for theatre and dance, required.
• Experience in costume design required.
• Experience in management preferred.
• Knowledge of costume history required.
• Working knowledge of costume materials (e.g., fabrics, notions, craft supplies, etc.), required.
• Experience using machinery in the costume industry (e.g., industrial and domestic single and multi-needle sequin machines, steam irons, cutting tools), required.
• Working knowledge of safety standards and standards implementation, required.
• Experience working with a diverse collegiate population required.
• Experience organizing and maintaining the organization of a shop environment preferred.
• Ability to foster an innovative, collaborative, inclusive, and productive environment, required.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills required.

Managerial and Supervisory Responsibilities

• Supervisor of student employees and interns (hiring, scheduling, timekeeping, etc.).
• Supervisor for costume shop staff (hiring, scheduling, timekeeping, etc.).

Physical Requirements

• While performing the duties of this position, the employee will be regularly required to sit; talk or hear, in person and by telephone; use hands repetitively to finger, handle, feel or operate sewing machines, industrial irons and standard office equipment; and reach with hands and arms. Employee is frequently required to walk, stand, stoop, kneel, bend and crouch; must frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, depth perception, the ability to distinguish basic colors and shades and the ability to adjust focus.
• The employee will be moving costumes, wardrobe boxes, and other materials to and from storage or around the building. Constant movement and use of limbs; this position requires good manual dexterity, coordination, and stamina.

Hours

• This is a 9-month position, expected to work from August 15 to May 15 each year.
• In addition to working during the day, this position requires night and weekend work, particularly during rehearsals and performances.

Dean College is an equal-opportunity, Title IX institution and pledges to recruit, select and promote diversity by providing equality of opportunity in higher education for all persons, including faculty and staff with respect to hiring, continuation, promotion, and applicants for admission, enrolled students and graduates without discrimination or segregation.

The College is interested in candidates who have the communication skills and cross-cultural abilities to maximize their effectiveness with diverse groups of colleagues, students, faculty, and community members. All employment decisions are made on a non-discriminatory basis.

Dean College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law.

This nondiscrimination policy covers admissions, employment, and access to and treatment in College programs, services, and activities. A pre-employment background screen is required for all employees.