Costume Shop Manager

Position Details

Position Title:

Costume Shop Manager

Position Number: 0111801

Posting Date: 06/29/2026

Closing Date:
Open Until Filled

Location:

Hanover, NH (Hopkins Center, Costume Shop Rm 011)

Employment Category:
Regular Full Time – 40 hours per week, 12 months

Schedule:

Monday‑Friday 9 am‑5 pm (nights and weekends may be required during productions)

Remote Work Eligibility:
Onsite only

FLSA Status:
Exempt

Reporting to the Production Manager and in alignment with the Costume Design Faculty, the Costume Shop Manager oversees all costume‑related operations for productions presented or supported by the Department of Theater. The manager ensures effective shop operations, safe practices, and high‑quality production support while providing technical guidance and supervised experiential learning opportunities for students engaged in production work.

• Oversee costume‑related operations including construction, rentals, fittings, wardrobe coordination, maintenance, and logistics for mainstage, student, and thesis productions.
• Review costume requirements and develop operational plans to meet production needs in consultation with faculty, guest designers, and the Production Manager.
• Maintain costume quality and continuity during rehearsals and performances.
• Coordinate costume and wig fittings and facilitate costume loans and rentals.
• Coordinate shared use of dressing rooms with Hopkins Center Production staff and participate in departmental production meetings and planning activities.

• Manage daily shop operations, workflow, scheduling, and supervision of staff, student employees, volunteers, and over‑hire personnel.
• Oversee the shop budget, including production‑related costume expenses and shop supplies, in partnership with the Production Manager.
• Maintain costume stock, repair, storage, organization, and inventory of costumes, accessories, materials, equipment, and tools.
• Ensure safe and effective operation of shop facilities, equipment, and work spaces.

• Hire, train, and supervise student costume shop employees, coordinating schedules, budgets, and employment processes.
• Provide technical guidance, coaching, and supervised experiential learning opportunities for students engaged in costume construction and production activities.
• Advise student costume designers on technical feasibility, construction methods, timelines, and production requirements.
• Supervise student kit, wardrobe crews during technical rehearsals and performances to ensure adherence to production standards and safe practices.
• Oversee student use of shop tools, materials, and spaces to promote safety and effective skill development.

• Participate in department retreats, select meetings, and collaborative planning activities to support Theatrical Department operations and productions.

• Demonstrate professionalism and collegiality through interactions and communications with others in a welcoming environment.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• 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 equivalent.
• Knowledge /
  
  Skills:
• Management practices – bookkeeping, budget management, purchasing, scheduling, inventory control.
• Costume machinery and equipment maintenance.
• Hands‑on technical skill in costume construction, garment alteration, and fabric modification.
• Costume design coordination.
• Planning and prioritization.
• Supervision and mentoring of students.
• Collaborative, written and verbal communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
• Strong managerial and leadership qualities.
• Preferred Qualifications:
  
  Master of Fine Arts degree in Costume Design or Costume Technology.

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.

Employment in this position is contingent upon consent to and successful completion of a pre‑employment background check, which may include criminal background checks, reference checks, verification of work history, conduct reviews, 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.