In-house Designer - TDF Costume Collection Rental Program

About TDF Costume Collection Rental Program



The TDF Costume Collection is a program of TDF, a not-for-profit service organization dedicated to bringing the power of the performing arts to everyone.



In operation for over 40 years, the TDF Costume Collection offers costume rentals to theatre, film, television, opera, dance and educational institutions nationwide. Currently housing an inventory of more than 85,000 costumes and accessories, the TDF Costume Collection is located in the historic Kaufman Astoria Film Studios in Queens, New York.



About the Position

The In-house Designer reports directly to the Rental Manager. This individual will provide pulling and photography services and scheduled personal shopper assistance to customers in the warehouse, as well as assisting the Staff Designer and performing additional duties as assigned.



In this role, the right candidate will be responsible for tasks including but not limited to the following:

• General Duties:

o Checking in and out of costumes, restocking items, and daily general warehouse upkeep

o Communicating with customers of varying degrees of experience, which requires a strong knowledge of the rental stock

o Physical activities including but not limited to lifting heavy costumes, moving boxes, negotiating and using ladders of various heights, and most importantly, standing for extended periods of time

• Personal Shopper:

o Responding to all inquiries regarding shopping and photography services with a strong working knowledge of period and standard repertory plays, musicals and operas

o Pulling costumes for various projects with accuracy in a reasonable amount of time

o Communicating with customers in a concise, firm, yet polite matter with accurate descriptions of period, style, cut and condition of costumes

o Displaying and photographing costumes, uploading and sending to customers, requiring a basic understanding of technology, specifically iPads

o Assisting Staff Designer with mail order rentals as needed





About You

• You are passionate about the arts.

• You have a degree in Costume Design or equivalent professional costume design experience.

• You are detail-oriented with strong organizational skills.

• You are comfortable with math and numbers.

• You are comfortable with heights and physical labor, as well as working with potentially dusty costumes and environments.

• You have strong customer service skills, including but not limited to active listening and collaboration, good communication, positivity, assertiveness and a sense of humor.

• You are proactive and self-motivated.

• You are able to work autonomously and in group settings.

• You are efficient with computers and other forms of technology, and a familiarity with social media is a plus.

• You are able to multitask and anticipate others’ needs.



TDF is requiring all staff to be fully vaccinated and boosted and will require proof of vaccination.



Compensation and Benefits

Salary range is $44,000-$46,000 and an excellent benefits package is offered which includes medical, dental, vision and PTO.

To Apply:

Please email a cover letter and resume with “In-house Designer” in the subject line to taylora@tdf.org. Candidates may be asked to submit/present examples of their work.

Start Date: ASAP

TDF is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). We are committed to diversity in all areas of our work, both in our programs and in our workplaces. We encourage applicants with a unique cultural perspective inclusive of race, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, class, physical ability and sexual orientation.


Salary: $44,000-$46,000