Costume Designer

University of North Dakota; Grand Forks (ND); On-site; USD 31,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of North Dakota in Grand Forks invites applications for a Costume Designer in the Theatre Arts department. The role designs six productions this year, develops costume concepts, coordinates with directors, and oversees builds from research through final construction.

The designer will supervise students in practicum and work-study, manage the Costume Shop budget, purchase fabrics and supplies, and ensure safety and professional standards across productions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent professional experience.
• Experience working in a costume shop.
• Experience designing for theatrical productions, especially musicians.
• Experience working with students.
• Successful completion of a Criminal History Background Check.

Responsibilities

• Designs six productions per season.
• Develops costume concepts, conducts research, and creates renderings in coordination with directors and the production team.
• Attends production meetings and fittings.
• Coordinates costume needs with the production calendar to align fittings, builds, and deliveries with rehearsal and performance schedules.

Skills

Costume construction

Costume design

Computers

Organizational skills

Interpersonal communication

Education

Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent professional experience

Job description

Costume Designer

• 499012
• Grand Forks, North Dakota, United States
• Theatre Arts
• Other
• Full-time Staff
• Closing on: Sep 24 2026

Salary/Position Classification

• $34,500+ commensurate with experience, based on a 9-month contract (August 16–May 15). Salary for the initial contract will be prorated based on the start date.
• 40 hours per week
• This position will work onsite the Grand Forks, ND campus.

Purpose of Position

The Costume Designer is an integral part of the Dept. of Theatre Arts and the production program. The Costume Designer is responsible for the design and construction of all costumes for department productions in accordance with professional standards for theatre and the accrediting agency, NAST. The Costume Designer designs six productions this year, developing costume concepts in coordination with directors and the production team, and oversees all costume builds from research and rendering through fittings and final construction. Students assist in the construction of costumes through practicum and work study. The Costume Designer supervises students in THEA 201 & 481 practicum courses, student lab hours, and work study students. The supervision includes managing student hours and instructing students in the use of all costume shop equipment, tools, and best practices in stitching, construction, and garment care. The Costume Designer manages the Costume Shop budget and handles all purchasing of fabrics, materials, and supplies needed to meet the needs of each production. The Costume Designer oversees the physical condition and organization of the costume shop and costume storage areas, including maintenance of the costume stock, and works with Facilities as needed to maintain the shop and support areas. The Costume Designer coordinates costume needs with the production calendar to ensure fittings, builds, and deliveries align with the rehearsal and performance schedule.

Duties & Responsibilities

Costume Design

• Designs six productions per season
• Develops costume concepts, conducts research, and creates renderings in coordination with directors and the production team
• Attends production meetings and fittings
• Coordinates costume needs with the production calendar to align fittings, builds, and deliveries with rehearsal and performance schedules.

Costume Construction and Shop Supervision

• Oversee and execute all costume builds for department productions, from patterning and construction through fittings and final delivery
• Maintain the physical condition and organization of the costume shop and storage areas, including upkeep of costume stock
• Promotes preventive maintenance to maintain costume shop tools and machinery by performing and/or directing others to perform the routine maintenance and cleaning of all tools and equipment in the costume shop
• Coordinate with Facilities on repairs and issues in the Costume Shop, as needed

Student Supervision and Instruction

• Supervise and evaluate students in costume construction and correcting deficiencies for THEA 201 and THEA 481; provide student assessments to faculty. This position supports students' applied learning by facilitating meaningful experiential opportunities and ensuring adherence to professional standards and safety protocols. The position does not include responsibility for classroom instruction, curriculum development, grading of academic coursework, or serving as the instructor of record.
• Schedule and manage students' costume shop practicum, lab, and work study hours.
• Train students in costume shop equipment, construction techniques, best practices, and the proper and safe use of associated machinery.

Budget Management and Purchasing

• Manage the Costume Shop budget in consultation with the department chair
• Inventory and maintain a sufficient supply of materials in Costume Shop to meet production needs
• Order all fabrics, materials, and supplies, as needed, to meet production needs in accordance with approved university purchasing policies

Required Competencies

• Expertise in costume construction
• Expertise in costume design
• Expertise in computers
• Expertise in organization and interpersonal communication

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent professional experience
• Experience working in a costume shop
• Experience designing for theatrical productions especially musicians
• Experience working with students
• Successful completion of a Criminal History Background Check

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the US and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. This position does not support visa sponsorship for continued employment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience designing plays and musical
• Experience with theatrical costume “tricks”
• Sewing experience on Jukie sewing machines