Director of Costumes

About the Washington National Opera

In 1956, the sound of opera rang out in DC, heralding the birth of a new company. Four decades and countless artistic leaps later, Washington National Opera continues to move boldly forward on the great adventure that began years ago in a university auditorium. Washington National Opera is now one of the nation's leading opera companies and plays to standing room audiences in the Kennedy Center.

At the Kennedy Center, we strive to foster belonging and empowerment at work. We are able to advance our mission because of our committed and passionate employees. We are fortunate to be able to leverage their diverse perspectives, life experiences and skills to inform how our workplace can be a safe, transparent, and replenishing community. The Kennedy Center is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant based on race, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy or related condition, or any other basis protected by law. 

Mission Statement: As the nation's performing arts center, and a living memorial to President John F. Kennedy, we are a leader for the arts across America and around the world, reaching and connecting with artists, inspiring and educating communities. We welcome all to create, experience, learn about, and engage with the arts. 

Why Join Us

We offer a comprehensive range of benefits to all full-time employees including: 

• Staff offers for discount tickets
• Retirement plan with organization matching (after 1 year of employment)
• Qualifying employer for the Public Student Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF)
• Commuter programs including pre-tax options for discounted parking and SmartBenefits (WMATA)
• Annual Leave, Sick Leave, and Personal Days available immediately upon hire
• 11 paid holidays per year 
• Medical, Dental, and Vision benefits with FSA and HSA options, and paid FMLA
• Flexible work arrangements
• We like to have fun! Check out the Kennedy Center National Dance Day 2023 staff video!

Job Description

Produce costumes for all Washington National Opera productions and maintain costume storage and production related spaces in a safe and efficient manner. Maintain a professional and supportive relationship with Washington National Opera Staff, Donors, Board of Directors, and related companies. Manage earned revenue through costume rentals and sales.

Key Responsibilities

Production Planning  

• Consult with Costume Designers and Directors to establish parameters for each production regarding schedule, expectations, style, function, and materials.  
• Analyze new costume designs, costumes to be rented, or costumes to be remounted. Determine cost and time feasibility, and identify any potential problems. 
• Supervise and assist in the collection of critical facts for future productions.   
• Communicate production information to the Costume Department in a timely fashion to ensure that production timelines can be set and adhered to.   

Budgeting and Finance 

• Prepare annual budgets based on specific production, administrative, and facility needs,  •Prepare reliable budget projections for future seasons. 
• Manage all costume department activities within established budget parameters. Ensure that accounting records are detailed and accurate.  

Costume Personnel  

• Supervise all costume employees to ensure that the Costume Department is operating in an efficient and professional manner.  
• Ensure that all positions within the costume studio are filled as appropriate. Provide ongoing and annual appraisals of costume staff. 
• Identify, interview, negotiate contracts, and hire new costume employees.  

Costume Production  

• Develop a clear understanding of the production design to ensure the proper finish of all costume pieces. Guide and assist designers and costume staff as necessary to meet the needs of each production.  
• Ensure that all costume fittings are conducted appropriately. Attend costume fittings as necessary. 
• Ensure that all costumes are completed according to the specifications of the design and budget, and that they are delivered to the theater in a timely manner. 
• Attend and participate in dress rehearsals and any accompanying note sessions, Communicate costume notes to the appropriate costume personnel.   
• Ensure that complete and detailed records are kept for each production.  

Other  

• Provide a safe and comfortable working environment for all costume staff.  
• Oversee the proper and safe execution of all activities within the WNO Studio. 
• Ensure that costume storage areas are maintained in a clean and organized manner, 
• Attend and participate in all meetings as required. 
• Provide costume support to other departments as necessary. 
• Establish working relationships with other companies and vendors. Stay informed about industry standards and new products.  

Executive Staff  

• Execute a high level of fiscal control, leadership, vision, and judgment.  
• Participate in enhancing WNO’s current position in terms of institutional capacity, artistic vision, and revenue strategies. Contribute in planning the strategic direction of the company’s future.   
• Plan, coordinate, and collaborate with WNO department heads concerning issues of organization, operating policy, and focus. 
• Attend and provide reports to trustee and executive committee meetings as appropriate.  

Other duties as assigned.  

Key Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in theater or comparable professional experience, with training in costume design and production.   
• Must be highly motivated and a self-starter. 
• Excellent organizational, interpersonal, and managerial skills. 
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills. 
• Must exercise good judgment, show initiative and handle sensitive data in a trustworthy manner. 
• Discretion, maturity, and composure, especially under pressure. 
• Ability to establish priorities and handle numerous assignments simultaneously.   
• High standards and strong sense of responsibility. 
• Ability to project, work within, and maintain a budget. 
• Understanding of accounting and bookkeeping practices. 
• Good working knowledge of costume history. 
• Working knowledge of a variety of costume construction methods, materials and techniques. 
• Comprehensive training in the safe operation of costume equipment, including industrial speed sewing machines and commercial steam irons. 
• Knowledge of computerized information systems and their applications, including Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Office and FileMaker Pro. 
• Interest or knowledge in opera, music, and the performing arts.