Costume Director
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Job no: 503885
Work type: Exempt Staff Full-time
Location: Bethlehem
Categories: Performing Arts
Costume Director - Zoellner Arts Center
Join Lehigh University's vibrant College of Arts & Sciences as our Costume Director, where creativity meets craftsmanship in the heart of our acclaimed Zoellner Arts Center. This full-time exempt position offers the opportunity to lead costume production for our Department of Theatre while contributing to the artistic excellence that defines our campus community.
About the Opportunity
As Costume Director, you will coordinate all costume shop and wardrobe operations for theatrical productions staged within the Zoellner Arts Center. This role combines hands-on artistry with leadership responsibilities, requiring expertise in costume construction, budget management, and team supervision. You'll collaborate directly with designers while overseeing the complete costume creation process from concept to final fitting.
Position Number: S87320
This position is a Grade: 9 - 40 with an approximate salary range of $56,030-$68,190 and is subject to change based on experience, skills and qualifications.
Key Responsibilities
- Develops annual costume production timelines aligned with departmental season planning to lead all fittings, build schedules, alterations, technical/dress rehearsals, run crews, and strike logistics.
- Communicates effectively across production teams—including directors, designers, stage management, and staff—while supporting student growth through hands-on mentorship in production settings.
- Manages costume budgets responsibly across all productions, prioritizing expenditures based on specific production needs and available resources while maximizing value by reusing and repurposing existing stock.
- Sources fabrics, garments, supplies, rentals, and specialty items strategically while maintaining high standards of craftsmanship and visual presentation for every production.
- Trains students in sewing, costume construction, wardrobe procedures, and maintenance, while mentoring student designers, wardrobe supervisors, and costume crews through applied production experiences.
- Teaches assigned courses or workshops in areas of expertise to support classroom learning, while consistently modeling professional standards of collaboration, accountability, and workplace safety.
- Maintains costume shop equipment, tools, machines, and workspace systems, coordinating any necessary maintenance or replacement needs directly with departmental leadership.
- Oversees costume storage, organization, labeling, and inventory practices while establishing and enforcing safe working procedures to ensure clean, efficient, and welcoming workspaces.
- Participates in professional organizations, conferences, and training opportunities to research emerging techniques in costume construction, sustainability, and wardrobe systems.
- Pursues continuous artistic and technical development to remain highly current with evolving costume technology, materials, and modern production practices.
Qualifications
- Master's Degree in Costume Design and Technology; Terminal degree in field
- Three to five years of related experience
- Professional experience in advanced patterning and construction processes may be adequate substitution to degree
- Strong organizational and interpersonal skills
- Demonstrated skills and capabilities in analytical and critical thinking, complex problem solving, and team leadership
- Supervisory experience
Why Lehigh University
Lehigh University offers an exceptional work environment where innovation thrives alongside tradition. Our comprehensive benefits package includes health insurance, retirement plans, and tuition benefits for employees and their families. Located in Pennsylvania's beautiful Lehigh Valley, our campus provides easy access to major metropolitan areas while maintaining a close-knit community atmosphere. As part of our arts community, you'll work alongside dedicated faculty and staff who are committed to excellence in education and artistic expression. The Zoellner Arts Center serves as a cultural hub, hosting performances that enrich both our campus and the broader community.
Lehigh University is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate. We are committed to a culturally and intellectually diverse community and we seek qualified candidates to contribute to the university’s mission.
Persons with disabilities who anticipate needing an accommodation for any part of the interview or hiring process may contact Lehigh's Accommodations Specialist.
Special Considerations
- This position has direct contact with minors, therefore a background check is required.
- Schedule varies during periods of technical rehearsals and production activity.
Successful completion of standard background checks including but not limited to: social security verification, education verification, national criminal background checks, motor vehicle checks, PATCH, FBI fingerprinting, Child Abuse Clearance and credit history based upon the requirements of the position.
Only complete applications will be considered therefore please complete the application in its entirety. Once the posting is removed from the website applications may no longer be allowed to be completed.
Advertised: Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: Eastern Daylight Time
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