ABOUT WILLAMETTE UNIVERSITY:

Willamette University, founded in 1842, is a nationally-renowned private university enrolling 2800 students across five colleges. Our historic campus, adjacent to the Oregon State Capitol, hosts a distinguished undergraduate liberal arts college in Salem, Oregon. Our downtown Portland campus is home to the Pacific Northwest College of Art (PNCA). We offer a wide range of professional graduate programs, including Oregon’s top-ranked MBA program, the Northwest’s oldest law school, as well as MA/MFA programs at PNCA and master’s degrees in data science and computer science.

Willamette University provides a high-value and comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees. Our Benefits Summary includes options for health, dental, life insurance, retirement, substantial paid time off, tuition and more. If you need assistance applying for a job or have any questions on recruitment at Willamette, please contact our HR Department, hr@willamette.edu or call us at 503-370-6210.

VISITING ASSISTANT PROFESSOR OF THEATER

Willamette University seeks a Visiting Assistant Professor of Costume Design. The successful candidate will provide creative, technical, and managerial support in costume design and technology for the Willamette College Theatre Program. This person will execute or supervise costuming for four departmental stage productions per year: two dramas, one musical, and one opera. Additionally, the Costume Designer will teach 3 courses over the academic year, (which will include core courses in the major, likely related to costume design and specialized topics courses that emphasize costume construction, fabrication, design, and technology), as well manage the costume studio and storage, supervise student workers in the costume studio and on productions, and manage budgets. The Costume Designer collaborates in all areas of creating a successful theatre program and production season. Contractual obligations follow both the academic school year and a common theatrical production calendar.

Required skills and experience include:

• Designing and costuming for University theatre and opera  productions

• Mentoring student designers and technicians

• Patterning, draping, cutting, tailoring, altering, and fitting garments

• Supervising wardrobe crews and student workers in the costume studio

• Dying and distressing fabric

• Operating and basic repair knowledge of sewing machines and other applicable machinery and devices

• Knowledge of period and contemporary clothing and accessories

• Collaboration with faculty and students

• Monitor and track budget expenditures for productions and studio spaces to stay within approved budgets

• Ensure design scopes for all productions are achievable in a sustainable and repeatable way, specifically in terms of timeline and budget. 

• BA or BFA with five years of professional experience in costume design and construction.

Desired skills and experience include:

• MFA in Costume Design or related field.

Typical Work Schedule 

This is an in-person teaching position. Classes typically meet two to three times per week. Days and hours will vary based on performance needs and timelines.

Salary: $48,000 - $54,000 depending on education and experience

To apply, please upload the following documents as part of your application materials in the "My Experience" section labeled “Resume”: 

• A letter of application describing your interest in and qualifications for the position

• Curriculum vitae 

• A statement of teaching philosophy, including an explanation of how you guide students toward specific learning objectives 

• A design portfolio with examples of past work

Review of applications will begin November 1, 2025 and will continue until the position is filled.

For further information or inquiries, please contact Professor Susan Coromel at scoromel@willamette.edu.

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BACKGROUND CHECK REQUIREMENT:
All University positions require that candidates submit to a criminal conviction record check prior to hire. Conviction does not automatically preclude candidates from being hired. Nature of conviction will be considered relative to the duties of the position.
 

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS STATEMENT:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR APPLICANTS:

Please read the following carefully before beginning the online application process. To be considered for employment at Willamette University, please complete our online employment application. Your application and all required attachments -- listed at the bottom of the page -- must be submitted for each individual job post that you are interested in applying. Once you submit your application you will not be able to edit your application.