Western Washington University, with over 15,000 students in seven colleges and the graduate school, is nationally recognized for its educational programs, students and faculty. The campus is located in Bellingham, Washington, a coastal community of 90,000 overlooking Bellingham Bay, the San Juan Islands and the North Cascades Mountain range. The city lies 90 miles north of Seattle and 60 miles south of Vancouver, British Columbia. Western has additional sites in Anacortes, Bremerton, Everett, Port Angeles, and Poulsbo. Western is recognized nationally for its successes, such as being named one of the top public master's-granting institutions in the Pacific Northwest for 25 years in a row by U.S. News & World Report.

Western Washington University is committed to achieving excellence through advancing inclusive success, increasing our Washington impact, and focusing on transformational education grounded in the liberal arts and sciences and based on innovative scholarship, research, and creative activity. Western's greatest strength is the outstanding students, faculty, staff, and alumni/ae who make up its community. Western supports an inclusive governance structure for all and provides a learning and working environment in which everyone can thrive. In pursuit of this excellence, individual employees are expected to establish and maintain productive and effective inclusive working relationships amongst diverse populations including staff, faculty, administration, student, and external constituents. Further, individual employees are expected to have the ability to operationalize sustainability concepts (economic, societal, environmental) into all aspects of performing their job duties.

Under the direction of the Costume Shop Manager, the ideal candidate works alongside student employees to complete all production-related costume tasks required by the Theater and Dance Department. The Sewing and Alteration Specialist 3 provides knowledgeable instruction and assistance to students and staff, including the instruction of introductory level theatrical costume practicums & dance costume designers, and ensures safety and quality work from students while carrying out other production related tasks at the direction of the Department’s Costume Shop Manager. This position requires knowledge of professional theatrical costuming practices including modern dance costuming, professional costume construction techniques and equipment and requires skillful and safe execution of a wide variety of period and dance costumes, accessories, and multi-media garments and translation of costume designs into realized elements of a production. 

This permanent part-time position works 30 hours per week for 8.5 months each year (between September - June). Typical hours of work are Monday through Friday, 6 hours a day, with flexible hours. However, some evening and weekend work is required during the technical rehearsal process leading up to each production opening.

• Proven ability to work well under pressure, on multiple projects and meet deadlines
• Ability to frequently work evening and weekends
• Experience instructing both skilled and unskilled labor
• Ability to communicate and clearly articulate policies and procedures
• Demonstrated ability to adjust attention to detail based on project requirements
• Knowledge of both commercial pattern and theatrical fabric cutting, construction and alteration techniques
• Strong sewing skills: domestic sewing machines, hand sewing and pressing techniques
• Basic sewing machine maintenance
• Proficiency in interpreting costume renderings and body measurements
• Ability to maintain professional demeanor and create a safe space while taking body measurements and assisting during fittings
• Commitment to equity, inclusion and diversity
• Ability to make presentations to large and small groups
• Knowledge of theatre and modern dance
• Modern dance design experience and knowledge of modern dance costume history and influences
• Undergraduate degree in Theatre with an emphasis in Costume Design and/or Costume Technology
• 2-4 years of experience working in a professional or university costume shop setting
• Office Management or Office Assistant experience
• Experience and expertise with MS Word; MS Excel
• Valid driver's license and the ability to drive large vehicles

• Proficiency in pattern creation through flat patterning, drafting and draping techniques
• Experience with industrial straight stitch and over-lock sewing machines
• Experience in textile manipulation, Millinery and jewelry repair
• Experience in fitting clothing
• Knowledge of grades and qualities of textiles
• Knowledge of Costume History
• Experience working closely with/or as a costume designer(s)
• Experience working with confidential and/or personally sensitive information
• Experience with budget reconciliation
• Experience with PC and Mac
• Ability to lift 40 pounds overhead
• Basic crochet and knitting

Application materials should address your experience related to the position responsibilities and the required and preferred qualifications.

Application review begins September 12, 2024; the position is open until filled.

Western Washington University (WWU) is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer committed to assembling a diverse, broadly trained faculty and staff. Women, minorities, people with disabilities and veterans are strongly encouraged to apply. In compliance with applicable laws and in furtherance of its commitment to fostering an environment that welcomes and embraces diversity, WWU does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy and parenting status), disability, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status or genetic information in its programs or activities, including employment, admissions, and educational programs. See WWU’s Policy on Ensuring Equal Opportunity and Prohibiting Discrimination and Retaliation. Inquiries may be directed to the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance, Title IX and ADA Coordinator, Western Washington University, Old Main 126 (MS 9021), 516 High Street, Bellingham, WA 98225; 360.650.3307 (voice) or 711 (Washington Relay); crtc@wwu.edu

WWU is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. To request this document in an alternate format or to request an accommodation, please contact Human Resources Disability Services, 360.650.3303 or 711 (Washington Relay).

Annual Security and Fire Safety Report: This report is provided pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act ("The Clery Act"). It includes statistics for the previous three calendar years concerning reported crimes that occurred on Western's campus; in certain off-campus buildings or property owned or controlled by Western; and on public property within, or immediately adjacent to and accessible from, the campus. The report also includes institutional policies concerning campus security, such as policies concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. You can obtain a copy of this report in printed or alternate formats by contacting the Office of the Vice President for Enrollment and Student Services at vpsa.office@wwu.edu. The report can be found at: Annual Security and Fire Safety Report.

All new employees must comply with the immunization policy and show employment eligibility verification as required by the U.S. Citizen and Immigration Service before beginning work at WWU. A thorough background check will be conducted on all new hires which includes a sexual misconduct background check.