Assistant Professor of Costume Design

Job Summary

Serves as a tenure-track Assistant Professor of Costume Design responsible for teaching undergraduate courses, designing costumes for theatre and dance productions, and managing costume shop operations. The role includes supervision of student workers, oversight of costume budgets and production processes, and participation in service activities at the department, college, and university levels.

Essential Job Functions

Instruction and Curriculum Delivery:

• Teach undergraduate courses such as Costume Construction, Costume Design, Stage Makeup, Production, and Theatre Appreciation (in-person and online).
• Develop course materials and assess student learning outcomes.
• Mentor and advise students in costume design and production.

Costume Design and Production Oversight:

• Serve as costume designer or supervisor for departmental productions (plays and dance concerts).
• Oversee costume design execution from concept through production.
• Collaborate with directors, faculty, and production teams.

Costume Shop Management and Operations:

• Manage daily operations of the costume shop.
• Supervise student workers and maintain time records.
• Oversee inventory, maintenance, and costume construction processes.
• Coordinate production logistics, including fittings and strikes.

Service, Recruitment, and Administrative Responsibilities:

• Participate in departmental, college, and university committees.
• Attend and support recruitment events on and off campus.
• Contribute to program development and student engagement initiatives.

Minimum and Desired Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Costume Design or a closely related field from an accredited institution.
• Experience in costume design and construction for theatre and/or dance productions.
• Experience at the university level or significant professional experience in costume design and production.
• Demonstrated ability to teach undergraduate courses in costume-related disciplines (e.g., Costume Construction, Costume Design, Stage Makeup, Production).
• Experience supervising or mentoring students in a production or academic setting.
• Strong organizational, communication, and collaboration skills.
• Ability to manage multiple productions, timelines, and priorities simultaneously.
• Demonstrated ability to support student success in an academic setting.

Desired Qualifications:

• Three (3) or more years of teaching experience at the college/university level.
• Experience in Theatre Education or curriculum development.
• Experience managing costume budgets for theatrical productions or seasons.
• Proficiency with current technologies and trends in costume design and production.
• Experience supporting both in-person and online instruction.

Supplemental Information

Key Competencies:

• Costume design and construction expertise.
• Instructional effectiveness.
• Project and budget management.
• Collaboration and student mentorship.
• Organizational and time management skills.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to work in a shop/lab production environment.

Job Conditions:

• Work is performed in classroom, theatre, and costume shop environments.
• Evening and weekend hours are required during productions and events.