Costume Designer and Costume Shop Manager

Augsburg University has maintained a strong academic reputation defined by excellence in the liberal arts and professional studies since 1869. A safe and welcoming campus in the heart of Minneapolis, Augsburg offers undergraduate and graduate degrees to nearly 3,200 diverse students.

Augsburg’s mission is to educate students to be informed citizens, thoughtful stewards, critical thinkers, and responsible leaders. The Augsburg experience is supported by an engaged community that is committed to intentional diversity in its life and work. An Augsburg education is defined by excellence in the liberal arts and professional studies, guided by the faith and values of the Lutheran church, and shaped by its urban and global settings.

Augsburg invites individuals who share our mission and commitment to intentional diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging to join our community.  In particular, Augsburg invites BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, individuals with disabilities, women, veterans and those from underrepresented or marginalized backgrounds are encouraged to apply. 

We seek a creative, collaborative, and organized individual to join a vibrant academic Theater Department in the heart of the Twin Cities. Our program is primarily undergraduate, with hands on experience in Design/Technical Theater, Directing/Dramaturgy/Playwriting, and Performance. We offer a Bachelor of Arts degree and work with over 30 theater majors, as well as minors and other students involved in our production season, and we are committed to the college-wide priorities of intentional inclusion and equity.

Summary of Position 

This position follows a 9-month (40 week) schedule and works August - May with summers off. During the working months, the role is 30 hours per week.

This position designs and costumes departmental productions and workshops, supervises and mentors students involved in departmental productions and workshops, and manages the costume shop. This role will also serve as the primary instructor for several theater practicums.

Primary Responsibilities

• Design, construct, and maintain costumes, wigs/hair, and makeup for departmental productions theatrical productions in collaboration with director(s) and design team. 
• Attend production meetings, fittings, rehearsals, and productions. 
• Manage the schedules, budget, and daily operations of the costume shop. 
• Maintain the inventory of shop supplies, tools, and equipment and order supplies or make repairs as needed. 
• Supervise and train work-study student employees who work in the costume shop and mentor all students involved in departmental productions and workshops. 
• Teach departmental courses or workshops under an Adjunct Faculty or Guest Artist contract.

Additional Responsibilities

• Serve on the Season Selection Committee to help decide on departmental productions, Guest Artists, and workshops. 
• All other duties as apparent or assigned by supervisor(s). 

Work Environment and Physical Demands

• Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs.
• Standing and sitting for long periods of time. 
• Capable of the physical demands of costume construction, including hand and machine sewing, taking measurements, and cutting fabric.
• The position requires a flexible schedule, including evening and weekend work, to accommodate a typical professional theater process and the need to work longer hours during weeks leading up to production’s opening and during technical rehearsals.
• Computer and phone use.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in costume design, theater, or other relevant major. 
• Professional costuming experience. 

Preferred Qualifications

• Master of Fine Arts degree in costume design, theater, or other relevant major.
• Experience teaching at the collegiate level.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

• Ability to develop design materials/renderings and collaborate on design concepts with directors.
• Knowledge of costume periods, styles, and silhouettes.
• Expertise in costume construction techniques and alterations of theater costumes and related accessories.
• Expertise in project management.
• Demonstrated teaching experience.
• Commitment to the training and mentoring of student designers and technicians.
• Commitment to fostering an inclusive working and learning environment.
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment and work independently with little supervision.
• Ability to reason/analyze; maintain confidentiality; and demonstrate patience, understanding.
• Ability to show initiative; organize workflow; manage one or more projects; and handle frequent interruptions.

Application Instructions

For consideration, candidates must submit the following information at the time of application: 

• Resume / CV
• Cover Letter
• Unofficial transcripts

Compensation & Benefits at Augsburg

• The compensation range is $29,000 - $33,640 per year, DOQ. Compensation will be paid bi-weekly over the 9 months (40 weeks) the position works during the year.

Augsburg University offers a competitive and comprehensive total rewards program including: 

• A generous 403(b) matching program with an employer contributions of up to 8% upon eligibility
• Up to 100% tuition remission for employees, spouses and dependents, and participation in the Tuition Exchange program with colleges and universities throughout the US
• Generous paid time-off, including paid holidays, sick days, community service days, and vacation
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for all employees

Equal Opportunity Statement

Augsburg is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of gender, sexual orientation, marital status, gender identity, race, age, disability, religion, national origin, color, or any other protected class.  

Augsburg University is committed to providing equal employment opportunity to all applicants and employees regardless of their race, color, creed, religion, gender, age, national origin, familial status, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status or public assistance status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. 

If you need a reasonable accommodation to complete our application process, please contact our Human Resources Department at phone number: 612-330-1058 or email: [email protected].