Shenandoah Conservatory at Shenandoah University is looking for a highly qualified
candidate to join our team in a newly created position as the Costume Shop Manager, and to
serve as an adjunct faculty member for Costume Design and Technology.
Reporting to Shenandoah Conservatory+rsquo;s Executive Director for Performances and
Engagement, and in coordination with Theatre Division faculty, the Costume Shop Manager
supports the general operational and production needs of the Conservatory, with a
specialized focus on the costuming needs of the Theatre Division, Dance Division,
Shenandoah Summer Music Theatre (SSMT), as well as guest artist performances and other
university events, as assigned.
In addition to overseeing and managing the costume shop year round, this position
collaborates closely with costume design faculty, students, and guest artists/designers to
provide costumes and support for performances and rehearsals; trains and supervises
costume shop staff (including seasonal staff, work study students, and Theatre Design and
Production students); serves as a costume designer for select performances; and teaches one
Costume Design and Technology course per semester, as needed.
An ideal candidate will possess the following skills and experience: knowledge of strong
draping, flat patterning, and advanced construction skills; management and mentorship of
variously skilled labor; and time and project management.
Successful candidates will also have a demonstrated ability to create and maintain a positive
working environment; a working knowledge of costume shop and dye room safety practices;
and a passion for teaching and mentoring students. Teaching and/or academic advising
experience on the college level is a plus. An MFA in costume design and/or technology, or
equivalent professional experience, is required.
This position requires excellent communication and relationship-building skills; and an ability
to manage people and events effectively, navigating various stakeholders in order to solve
problems in a fast-paced work environment.
This is a full-time, 12-month staff position with benefits and requires evening and weekend
work. This position requires a current driver license and the ability to work at heights and
stand for long periods of time.

Responsibilities:
● Oversee and manage year round Costume Shop operations, which supports
productions by the conservatory+rsquo;s academic divisions and Shenandoah Summer

Music Theatre (SSMT), as well as special university events and guest artist
performances
● Collaborate with faculty, guest artists, designers, and students to construct costumes
and provide staffing support for Shenandoah Summer Music Theatre and academic
year productions, including Theatre and Musical Theatre productions, Opera, Dance
Concerts, Performing Arts Live guest artist performances; Holiday Gala; Convocation;
and other special events; provide/construct costumes and serve as cutter/draper, as
assigned
● Manage shop operations and logistics for Shenandoah Summer Musical Theatre
(SSMT) productions +mdash; working with designers to oversee costume construction;
hiring, training, and supervising seasonal costume staff; overseeing safe and effective
use of equipment and resources; troubleshooting issues as they arise; and
assisting/advising the production and creative team as needed
● In collaboration with Costume Design faculty, establish costume shop hours; maintain
a consistent presence in the shop to supervise staff and ensure safe practices; and
train, schedule, and supervise Costume Shop staff, overseeing seasonal staff, work
study students, and students completing lab hours for credit in the shop
● Oversee and maintain Costume Shop equipment, inventory, and budget +mdash; take lead
on the acquisition of needed materials and stock for shop operations; track inventory
of costume stock on campus and in off-campus storage
● Serve as adjunct faculty, teaching one course per semester for Costume Design and
Technology (as needed), including courses on stage makeup, introduction to
costuming, etc.
● Serve as Costume Designer for the Conservatory+rsquo;s Annual Holiday Gala
● Serve with TDP faculty and staff on aligned recruitment and retention activities
● Participate in production meetings, auditions, and recruitment activities as needed
Required Qualifications:
● MFA or MA in costume design and/or technology or commensurate professional and
educational experience
● Strong organizational and communication skills
● Must possess management and administrative skills as well as the maturity to
supervise student workers; to efficiently schedule student staffing for the shop, and to
effectively administer policies.
● Competence in Google Suite
● Must be able to work independently, but also enjoy contributing in a team work
situation.
● Must be able to work with diverse personalities and constituencies.
● Must be able to handle multiple tasks, to work under deadlines, and to prioritize
workload
● Current Driver+rsquo;s License
Desired Qualifications:
● Two to three years of professional experience in the entertainment industry
● Teaching at the university level
● Skill set in costume areas in addition to construction (millinery, dye work, costume
crafts, tailoring, etc.)
Reporting Relationships:
This position reports to the Executive Director of Performances + Engagement and works in
close collaboration with the Theatre Division, TDP faculty and staff, and SSMT leadership.

Required Application Materials:
The complete application will include a cover letter, CV, contact information for three
professional references, and a link to an online portfolio. The review of applications will begin
immediately and continue until a qualified candidate is selected.

Shenandoah University is committed to enriching its educational experience and culture
through the diversity of its faculty, administration, and staff. All candidates are strongly
encouraged to include a statement in their cover letters addressing ways in which they may
be able to contribute to that commitment.
**Note: A pre-employment background check will be required and a satisfactory driving
record may be required as a condition of hire.
Shenandoah University values the unique and diverse perspectives of individuals and
communities locally and globally and seeks to foster mutual understanding in an inviting
community where individuals are welcome and respected. The university does not
discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender
identity, national origin, age, physical, or mental disability, genetic information, veteran+rsquo;s
status, or on any other basis protected under applicable law.

About Shenandoah Conservatory: Founded in 1875, Shenandoah Conservatory has an
extraordinary legacy of shaping the arts in Virginia and beyond. Located at the head of the
beautiful and historic Shenandoah Valley in Winchester, VA, the Conservatory is now home to
over 700 students from across the nation and globe enrolled in baccalaureate, masters and
doctoral curricula in the areas of music, theater, and dance, and includes a distinguished
faculty of more than 125, half of whom are full-time. Based on the main campus of
Shenandoah University, the Conservatory is within easy driving distance of Washington, DC
and is easily accessible internationally via Dulles International Airport. As a visionary and
collaborative arts community, Shenandoah Conservatory educates motivated students in a
supportive and inclusive environment and equips them for professional success.
Please visit www.su.edu/conservatory for more information.