Costume Shop Manager | College of Arts & Letters

Costume Shop Manager | College of Arts & Letters

The University of Notre Dame is more than a workplace! We are a vibrant, mission-driven community where every employee is valued and supported. Rooted in a tradition of excellence and inspired by our Catholic character, Notre Dame is committed to fostering an environment of care that nurtures the whole person—mind, body, and spirit. Here, you will find a deep sense of belonging, a culture that prioritizes well-being, and the opportunity to grow your career while being a force for good in the world.

Whether contributing to world-class research, shaping the student experience, or supporting the University's mission in other ways, you will be part of a dedicated team working to make a meaningful impact on campus and beyond. At Notre Dame, your work matters, and so do you!

About Us:

Throughout its history, the University of Notre Dame has demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to the arts. From building art collections to constructing world-class performance venues, Notre Dame has continuously invested in purposeful engagement with the arts—on campus and within the broader community.

We are seeking an experienced Costume Shop Manager to join the College of Arts & Letters Production Team. This individual will lead the daily operations of the costume shop and play a vital role in supporting productions for the Film, Television, and Theatre season, the Notre Dame Shakespeare Festival, and Opera Notre Dame.

About the Position:

Reporting to the Production Manager, the Costume Shop Manager oversees all aspects of costume shop operations, including costume construction, fittings, budgeting, staffing, and maintenance of the University's costume collection. This position collaborates closely with faculty, guest artists, costume designers, and production staff to ensure artistic goals are achieved while maintaining production schedules and fiscal responsibility.

The Costume Shop Manager combines advanced technical expertise in costume construction with leadership, mentorship, and administrative oversight. This role supervises student employees and temporary artisans while fostering a safe, collaborative, and inclusive working environment.

This is a full-time position with frequent evening and weekend responsibilities during production periods.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

Production Execution & Technical Leadership:

• Collaborate with costume designers to execute artistic visions through advanced costume construction, draping, pattern-making, tailoring, and alterations.
• Lead costume shop workflow for all productions, developing schedules that ensure costumes are completed before technical rehearsals.
• Construct, modify, and repair costumes, fabrics, and costume accessories as required.
• Coordinate costume fittings with designers and performers and implement fitting adjustments.
• Assist designers with pulling costumes from stock and purchasing or sourcing materials, fabrics, and costume pieces.
• Supervise student workers and temporary costume artisans to ensure high-quality craftsmanship and timely completion of production deadlines.
• Participate in production meetings and provide technical expertise related to costume construction, crafts, wigs, hair, and makeup.
• Attend dress rehearsals and performances as assigned and coordinate costume maintenance and strike activities following each production.

Personnel Leadership & Student Mentorship:

• Recruit, hire, train, schedule, and supervise student employees, wardrobe supervisors, and temporary costume artisans.
• Provide hands-on instruction and professional mentorship to students pursuing theatrical production and costume technology.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, creativity, professionalism, inclusion, and workplace safety.
• Establish weekly shop schedules based on production priorities and supervise all assigned labor, including staff, contractors, student employees, and volunteers.

Administrative & Budget Management:

• Manage costume shop budgets, including tracking expenditures for materials, labor, rentals, and purchases.
• Coordinate payroll for student employees and temporary staff.
• Prepare contracts, rental…