Opportunities

Description

JOB OVERVIEW:

As a leader in the Opera Production department and under the supervision of the Opera Director of Production, the Costume Director provides strategic oversight and personnel leadership for the active and highly-reputed USUO Costumes Department. We are seeking a leader who strategically collaborates with the Opera Artist Director to implement the overarching artistic vision for all USUO opera productions. The Costume Director will be a detail-oriented individual with strong organizational and interpersonal skills to manage the Costume Department and oversee all related aspects of costuming and wig & makeup for all opera productions. Supervisory duties primarily include direction and engagement of a full-time staff and part-time over-hires, working with guest designers, contracted builds, and directing a robust rentals department. This individual should be self-motivated and willing to look for ways to improve and create a team environment. Strong organizational and project management skills are required for budgeting and long-term planning. This job requires excellent leadership qualities, the ability to work under pressure, a positive and dedicated problem-solving attitude, and flexibility to new situations and changing priorities.
ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:

Work with Director of Production, Artistic Team, and Guest Designers to ensure execution of all costume-related needs for all opera productions.
Strategically plan and create project workflow and timelines for all department needs.
Direct day to day operations of shop, including but not limited to hiring, scheduling, timesheet approving, and supervising staff for costume shop, rental department and wig & makeup designers.
Assign regularly shifting workloads for all costume staff including master tailor, first hand, shop foreman, stitchers, and Costume Rentals Manager.
Supervision of all costume construction, patterning, and costume/accessories maintenance for all opera production.
Manage, oversee, and order necessary supplies for all costume department operations.
Schedule and oversee costume fittings with an eye toward discretion, privacy, and tactful sensitivity.
Planning and maintaining budgets in collaboration with Director of Production and Finance Department.
Direct and work with Costume Rentals Manager to promote, manage, and execute rentals contracts.
With Costume Rentals Manager, build long-term strategy for maintaining and developing an increasingly robust rentals program.
Coordinate with Costume Rentals Manager to perform alterations as needed on rental packages.
Support Education Department for costume needs.
Assume additional responsibilities and perform special projects as needed or directed.

Requirements
REQUIRED EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE/SKILLS:

BA (MFA preferred) in Theatre Arts or equivalent professional experience in a theatrical environment.
Successful experience managing personnel.
Experience in pattern drafting, costume builds, costume crafts, clothing construction, and both and machine sewing.
Experience in overseeing costume fittings.
Ability to creatively direct a team and skillfully achieve work.
Ability to prioritize among multiple projects and meet deadlines.
Advanced hand and machine stitching skills with the ability to oversee and coach staff.
Excellent organizational skills with attention to detail.
Professional work ethic and the ability to collaborate effectively with staff colleagues and outside/partner organizations.
Appropriate computer literacy with competence in Microsoft Office.
Thorough knowledge of various costume construction methods.
Ability to operate all costume workroom equipment.
Occasional nights and weekends required.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Ability to remain stationary for long periods of time.
Ability to work on a computer for long periods of time.
Ability to manually work safely with shop equipment.
Ability to climb ladders to reach items.
Ability to move rolling clothing racks weighing up to 200 pounds.
Ability to twist, bend, reach, and lift up to 50 pounds.