Costume Shop Lead

Position Summary

In keeping with the objectives of Old Salem Museums and Gardens’ Learning in Place initiative, the Costume Shop Lead is an integral member of the LIP department, charged with moving OSMG forward as a place of continued discovery, learning, and sharing. As a collaborative member of LIP team, the Costume Shop Lead participates in developing and maintaining historically appropriate period attire for the Education Team. The Costume Shop Lead is a significant contributor to the development of the department, aiding in creating a professional culture that emphasizes quality, continuous improvement and high performance.

The position is a non-exempt part-time position responsible for developing and implementing costuming standards that utilize the 18th—and 19th-century Moravian resources to best portray the historical culture. The Costume Shop Lead is responsible for creating a positive environment and providing exceptional team service while overseeing the inventory and operations of the costume shop.

WHAT YOU'LL DO:

Education:

• Develop and maintain costuming standards for the historic district.
• Lead the construction of new costume garments and maintain quality control, while maximizing use of the budget.
• Prioritize all work, new construction, alterations, and mending tasks
• Schedule volunteer work hours, ensuring the manager is present when volunteers are working
• Train and oversee volunteers and staff assigned to costume shop work in:
  • Historically appropriate mending, alterations and construction methods
  • Making and sewing on covered buttons and thread buttons
  • Types of stitches used
  • Handsewn buttonholes
• Prepare alterations as needed, for completion by volunteers and staff in the shop (i.e. mark sleeve or hem lengths, button positions)
• Fit staff with costumes, monitor staff appearance in costume to comply with costume standards
• Consider new costume requests based on need and appropriateness, prioritize and construct new costume pieces
• Purchase fabrics and supplies, maintain budget, complete monthly credit card report
• Wash new fabric for future use using a washer and dryer in visitor’s center
• Train staff in costume care
• Maintain inventory and plan new construction ahead of future needs
• Maintain and clean costume shop
• When requested, train staff in basic sewing, historic sewing methods and related topics
• Assist as requested in Old Salem textile projects or plans
• Maintain proper use and storage of materials, tools, and equipment to ensure good housekeeping.
• Maintain the historical accuracy of the site.
• Maintain cleanliness and preservation of the assigned historic location.

Safety & Security:

• Responsible for building opening and closing/shutdown; may include key duties such as unlocking and locking the building and securing the alarm.
• Monitor volunteers' activities to ensure compliance with regulations and safety practices.
• Provide security for the site, buildings, and exhibits.
• Provide security support, including fire prevention, for historic district as assigned.
• Enforce agency safety policies and procedures.

Staffing:

• Collaborate in the professional development of new Educators and volunteers throughout the department.
• Participate in the interview and selection process of new staff.
• Develop and implement site-specific training for assigned staff
• Oversee schedules, lunch breaks, and duties for assigned staff
• Willing to engage in organizational innovation and policy-making through staff committee assignments.

Customer Service & Engagement:

• Engage with volunteers and staff in a warm and enthusiastic demeanor.
• Respond to questions and provide pertinent information to volunteers and staff.
• Help solve staff costuming concerns.
• Responsible for maintaining a professional and positive demeanor with volunteers, Educators, and other members of staff.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Adhere to all OSMG Policies and Procedures.
• Participate in required OSMG training and continuing education programs & readings.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

WHAT YOU NEED:

• Ability to manage others with integrity and lead by example
• Experience in educational, museum, heritage site, theater, or customer service positions.
• A love for history and knowledge of best practice techniques for historical research
• Self-motivated with strong communication skills, both oral and written.
• Excellent customer service skills
• Strong organizational and analytical skills.
• Ability to research, plan, organize, and implement projects.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and in teams
• Demonstrated ability to handle multiple projects and complete them on time
• High School diploma/GED required; College degree preferred.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Ability to lift and carry up to 25 lbs.
• Ability to bend, stoop, squat, kneel, push, pull, crawl, and sit on low chairs.
• The work is conducted year-round in all weather conditions.
• May require working near a fire.
• Must be able to climb stairs.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
• Ability to sit or stand for long periods of time.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate but can occasionally be loud..

Reporting to this Position:

Part-time assigned costumers and costuming volunteers

Total Rewards:

• Employee Assistant Program offering confidential support and resources
• 403(b) Retirement Plan with a 6% matching after 6 months
• PTO - Restrictions Apply
• Discounted Items at Retail Spaces and comp Old Salem tickets

Old Salem, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity/ Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Only applicants requiring reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact us directly via email at hr@oldsalem.org.