Costume Shop Manager.
Position Details
Dartmouth College has a Tobacco-Free Policy. Smoking and the use of tobacco-based products (including smokeless tobacco) are prohibited in all facilities, grounds, vehicles or other areas owned, operated or occupied by Dartmouth College with no exceptions. For details, please see our policy. https://policies.dartmouth.edu/policy/tobacco-free-policy
Key Accountabilities
Costume Production & Operations
Oversees costume-related operations for departmental productions, including costume construction, rentals, fittings, wardrobe coordination, maintenance, and costume-related logistics for mainstage, approved student, and departmental thesis productions.
Reviews costume requirements for productions and develops operational plans to meet production needs in consultation with faculty and guest designers, and the Production Manager.
Oversees costume maintenance during rehearsals and performances to ensure costume quality, functionality, and continuity.
Coordinates costume and wig fittings for performers and facilitates costume loans and rentals.Costume Shop Management & Resource Stewardship
Manages daily Costume Shop operations, including workflow, scheduling, and supervision of costume shop staff, student employees, volunteers, and over-hire personnel engaged in costume construction and shop activities.
Oversees the Costume Shop budget, including production-related costume expenses and shop supply budgets, in partnership with the Production Manager.
Maintains costume stock, including the repair, storage, organization, and inventory of costumes, accessories, materials, equipment, and tools necessary for departmental operations.
Ensures safe and effective operation of costume shop facilities, equipment, and workspaces.Student Training, Supervision & Experiential Learning
Hires, trains, and supervises student costume shop employees, coordinating with departmental administration to monitor schedules, budgets, and student employment processes.
Provides technical guidance, coaching, and supervised experiential learning opportunities for students engaged in costume construction and production activities, including Theater Department students participating in production-based learning experiences.
Advises student costume designers on technical feasibility, construction methods, timelines, and production requirements in coordination with faculty artistic direction.
Supervises student costume and wardrobe crews during technical rehearsals and performances, ensuring adherence to production standards and safe practices.
Oversees student use of costume shop tools, materials, and spaces to promote safety and effective technical skill development.Departmental Collaboration & Engagement
Participates in department retreats, select departmental meetings, and collaborative planning activities in support of Theater Department operations and productions.
Qualifications
Education and Years of Experience
Bachelors plus 6 or more years' experience or combination of education and experience.Skills, Knowledge and Abilities
Education Bachelor or Bachelor of Fine Arts degree required.
Experience At least 6+ years of relevant professional experience, preferably in an academic theatrical costume shop; or the equivalent.
Skills & Knowledge Knowledge of management practices; basic bookkeeping, budget management, purchasing, scheduling, and inventory control.
Knowledge of costume machinery and equipment maintenance.
Proficiency in hands-on technical skill in costume construction, garment alteration and fabric modification.
Working knowledge of costume design and coordination.
Ability to plan and prioritize work.
Ability to supervise others.
Commitment to mentoring student designers and technicians.
Ability to interact and collaborate effectively with people of different age brackets, cultures, and socio-economic backgrounds.
Strong collaboration, written and verbal communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills,
Excellent managerial skills and leadership qualities.
Preferred Qualifications
Master of Fine Arts degree in Costume Design or Costume Technology preferred
Equal Opportunity Employer
Dartmouth College is an equal opportunity employer under federal law. We prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, veteran status, marital status, or any other legally protected status. Applications are welcome from all.
Background Check
Employment in this position is contingent upon consent to and successful completion of a pre-employment background check, which may include a criminal background check, reference checks, verification of work history, conduct review, and verification of any required academic credentials, licenses, and/or certifications, with results acceptable to Dartmouth College. A criminal conviction will not automatically disqualify an applicant from employment. Background check information will be used in a confidential, non-discriminatory manner consistent with state and federal law.
Additional Instructions
Perform other duties as assigned
Supplemental Questions
How many years of direct experience do you have in work closely aligned with the key accountabilities of this role? Please briefly describe your direct experience, including specific positions held and the number of years of direct experience acquired while in these roles.
How many years of indirect experience do you have in related or transferable work that supports this role? Please briefly describe this indirect experience, including specific positions held and the number of years of indirect experience acquired while in these roles.
How many years of formal supervisory experience do you have, including direct responsibility for staff (e.g., hiring, performance management, terminations)? Please briefly describe your people management experience, including the positions held, number of direct reports, and the number of years of people management experience acquired while in these roles.
How did you learn about this employment opportunity?