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 theKennedy Center National Dance Day 2023 staff video!

Job Description

The Costume Stock Coordinator is responsible for the orderly and efficient storage of all WNO costumes. Transports costumes between WNOS and the performance venue during production periods. Coordinates logistics for incoming and outgoing costume production rentals. Manages individual costume rentals and loans to outside organizations. Oversees Costume Department vehicle maintenance

Key Responsibilities

Costume Stock

• Maintain all costume storage areas in a clean and orderly manner.
• Ensure that all costumes are cleaned, accurately labeled, and properly stored.
• Ensure that any costumes in need of repair are identified and isolated until proper repairs have been completed.
• Complete minor repairs as necessary.
• Assist in keeping all costume inventory records current, complete, and accurate.

Current Productions

• Coordinate the shipping, unpacking, and inventory of all costumes brought into the studio for use in WNO productions. Ensure that all damages and discrepancies are appropriately documented.
• Coordinate the load out and return of costumes and equipment between the Studio and performance venue.
• Transport and account for all costumes pieces between WNOS and the performance venue after each dress rehearsal.
• Become familiar with all aspects of costuming for each production, as applies to future rentals.
• Strike the costumes after each production. Coordinate dry cleaning and carefully launder all washable items.
• Facilitate the return of any rented costumes to their place of origin, according to the terms of the rental contract.

Transportation

• Transport costumes between WNOS and the performance venue for each production or event.
• Complete costume related errands including shopping and deliveries as needed.

Individual Costume Rentals

• Facilitate the rental and/or loan of individual costumes to outside organizations.
• Ensure that records are properly kept; and that invoices are created, submitted, and paid for each rental.
• Monitor current rental procedures for local rentals and propose adjustments and improvements when necessary.

Production Costume Rentals

• Complete the inventory and packing of all costumes and coordinate shipping logistics.
• Ensure that all items are returned to the costume studio according to the terms of each agreement.
• Unpack, inventory, and strike all returned costumes. Ensure that all items are properly cleaned, restored, and restocked.
• Make appropriate notification regarding any damages or missing items for which fees must be assessed.
• Assist in maintaining complete and accurate records of all rentable productions.
• Supervise the costume load in and load out at the renting company's location as requested.

Vehicle Maintenance

• Keep the interior and exterior of costume department vehicles clean.
• Ensure that the costume vehicle registrations, inspections, and insurance are current.
• Ensure that the costume vehicles are in good working order by monitoring fluids and scheduling regular maintenance as needed.
• Ensure that the costume vehicle maintenance records are current and complete.

Other

• Oversees costume stock projects assigned to volunteers.
• Coordinate and install costumes for display purposes as requested.
• Maintain the costume laundry room in a clean and organized manner.
• Maintain an inventory of supplies needed for shipping, storage, and laundry.
• Other duties as assigned.

Key Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Theatre, or equivalent professional experience with a working knowledge of costume history and construction.
• Must be highly motivated and a self-starter
• Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills
• Complete knowledge of costume history
• Working knowledge of various costume construction methods
• Ability to operate basic costume workroom equipment
• Computer skills including Microsoft Office and Filemaker Pro.
• Understanding of basic vehicle maintenance and repair
• Candidate must be local or willing to relocate to the DMV area.

Additional Information

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to communicate in person and on the telephone. The employee is frequently required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel in order to operate computer keyboard, office equipment, and other essential tasks. The employee is frequently required to sit, stand, walk, bend, stoop, crouch, and reach with hands and arms. This position frequently lifts, carries, or otherwise moves and positions objects weighing up to 10 pounds. This position infrequently lifts, carries, or otherwise moves and positions objects weighing up to 50 pounds. This position infrequently pushes, pulls, or otherwise maneuvers wheeled objects weighing up to 300 pounds.
• Travel may be required.