Supervisor, Costume Shop

Emerson College; Massachusetts; On-site; USD 59,000 - 72,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health plans

Dental plans

403(b)/retirement plan

Job summary

Emerson College's Supervisor, Costume Shop, will lead, coordinate, and plan day-to-day operations of the Costume Shop, training and supervising student designers, and providing specialized knowledge to support Emerson Stage and the Department of Performing Arts.

The role requires accuracy and attention to detail, with responsibilities including budgeting, scheduling, ordering supplies, teaching college classes as needed, and collaborating with stage management to realize the designer's vision.

Qualifications

• Required: High School Diploma or equivalent; Bachelor's preferred.
• Training in Textiles, Sewing, or Tailoring required.
• 3-5 years of costume construction, dyeing, and craftwork experience.
• Strong accuracy and attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Lead and plan day-to-day Costume Shop operations.
• Train and manage shop staff in stitching, crafting, and dyeing.
• Execute designer's vision for Emerson Stage productions.
• Provide technical expertise and skilled labor as needed.
• Assist budgeting and scheduling; oversee execution.
• Order clothing and supplies; provide admin support.
• Collaborate with stage management and other departments.
• Teach college classes as required.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Costume construction

Staff training

Budgeting

Project management

Attention to detail

Communication

Teaching students

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Costume Design or related

Training in Textiles/Sewing

High School Diploma

Tools

MS Office

G Suite

Job description

Join our community and experience Emerson College!

The Supervisor, Costume Shop reports to the Production Manager. This position will lead, coordinate, and plan all day-to-day operations of the Costume Shop, with an emphasis on its safe and effective operation. In addition, this position will support all aspects of costume creation for all Emerson Stage productions, including training and supervising student designers, and will provide specialized knowledge and skilled labor as necessary to support the artistic and technical needs of Emerson Stage and the Department of Performing Arts. This role requires accuracy, attention to detail, and a passion for theatrical costume production.

Essential Job Duties

• Lead, coordinate, and plan the day-to-day operations. Stock the machines of the Costume Shop, ensuring their safe and effective operation.
• Train and manage all Costume Shop staff, including providing training in specialist stitching, crafting, and dyeing techniques.
• Manage the successful execution and fulfillment of the designer’s vision for Emerson Stage productions.
• Provide general technical expertise, specialized knowledge, and skilled labor as necessary.
• Recognize, prevent, and suggest solutions for problems for production.
• Assist the Production Manager to create budgets and schedules and overseeing their execution.
• Order clothing and supplies.
• Provide general administrative support to the costume production process.
• Communicate and collaborate as necessary with stage management and other personnel and departments.
• Teach formal college classes as required.
• Perform other miscellaneous duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS –

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• Bachelor’s Degree in Costume Design, Technical Theater, or a related field preferred
• Training in Textiles, Sewing, or Tailoring required
• 3-5 years of previous experience in costume construction, dyeing, and craftwork required
• Exceptional accuracy and attention to detail required

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES –

• Strong knowledge of varied costume production techniques. The ability to advise draping staff and designers on specific construction methods and their impacts on time and cost
• Proficiency in using MS Office and G Suite and the ability to learn new software easily
• Knowledge of basic accounting and budgeting practices and procedures
• Knowledge of specialty laundry and cleaning techniques and processes
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate with large groups of people at varying skill levels
• Must be highly organized, with the ability to track numerous projects, people, and expenditures
• Good collaborative skills, and the ability to work well with others
• Ability to train and teach students
• Good listening, comprehension, and deductive reasoning skills
• Self-starter with excellent problem-solving skills

PHYSICAL ABILITIES

Activities commonly associated with the performance of the functions of this job. The physical demands described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

• This position is generally sedentary, movement throughout the area is required from time to time.
• The ability to have continuous oral and written communication with students, co-workers and supervisors is essential.
• Repetitive movements, occasional lifting of up to 75 pounds, reaching, lifting, and stooping. The ability to read a computer screen, detect color-coding and read fine print will be expected.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• General office, costume shop, and theatre conditions. Exposed to moderate noise levels
• Occasional exposure to dust, oils, chemicals, bodily fluids, vibration, and moving mechanical parts

Disclaimer: This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Employees may be required to follow other job-related instructions and to perform other job-related duties as requested, subject to all applicable state and federal laws. Certain job duties described herein may be subject to possible modification in accordance with applicable state and federal laws.

EMPLOYEE TYPE

This is a time-limited position, not to exceed 36 months from the date of hire.

Compensation

Compensation for this position will be between $58,850 and $72,150 annually, commensurate with experience

Grade of Position: 23-07E

Employment Category: Casual (Fixed Term)

Scheduled Weekly Hours: 36.25

In addition to a competitive salary, Emerson College is committed to the health and well-being of our employees and family members. We offer a generous benefits package to regular staff scheduled to work 20+ hours per week.

Emerson Employment Categories influence work schedules, benefits eligibility, and time off policies. Benefits include outstanding health plans with limited out-of-pocket expenses, dental plans, generous time-off programs, and a 403(b) retirement benefit with a 9% employer contribution once eligible. Additional benefits, such as life and disability coverage as well as commuter offerings, are available.

Please refer to our benefits website for a full list of benefits and eligibility requirements.