Western Carolina University continues to rank high on Forbes 'Best Employers' lists each year. Including:
*2024 - Ranking in the top 8.5% on Forbes 'America's Best Midsize Employers' list, WCU was ranked 34 out of the top 400 employers across all industries.
*2023 - Ranked in the top 20% on Forbes 'America's Best Midsize Employers' list, WCU was ranked 97 out of the top 500 employers across all industries.
*2022 - Ranked 14th in the top 100 employers in North Carolina in Forbes 'America's Best Employers by State' list.
Western Carolina University is the UNC system's westernmost campus and has been consistently ranked as one of the top 15 public regional institutions in the South.
Employees of WCU are provided a comprehensive benefits package as well as other resources, policies and programs to ensure a happy and healthy work/life balance. Benefit eligible employees have access to dental, vision and health insurance plans - eligibility begins on the first of the month following date of hire. Retirement plan contributions begin on the eligibility date following election and include employer contributions for either a defined contribution or a defined benefit plan. Optional disability plans are also available.
Eligible employees have access to tuition waivers for up to three courses per academic year; employee may enroll at any of the constituent UNC System campuses. Also offered are free group exercise classes multiple times per week, a discounted membership to the campus recreation center, free vaccine and booster shots offered on campus, pretax flexible spending accounts, 12 paid holidays and 24 hours of paid community service leave each year. Paid vacation and sick leave accrual begin after first month of employment. Paid parental leave after 12 months of continuous service.
WCU offers an abundance of training and development programs, certifications, workshops and conferences - many of which are offered free of charge.

Costume Shop Supervisor/Manager - responsible for the daily operation of the costume shop, including personnel and supplies management. Makes sure costumes are ready for parade and other required events as scheduled and agreed upon in consultation with the director and designer.

The Costume Shop Manager assists the Costume Designer, oversees implementation of design, serves as Cutter/Draper, (Percentage of time devoted to cutter/draper versus oversight of design & alterations depends on show and overlaps supervision of students 50%)directly supervises student assistants in the shop, making sure all fitting times are met and recorded, (20%)conducts shop meetings, attends general theatre staff and production meetings, acts as liaison with Stage Manager for fitting and production notes and as liaison with Wardrobe Head for smooth transition from shop to dress rehearsal. (15%)orders supplies and assures equipment is kept in good working condition, keeps track of budgets (general shop budgets and student payroll)(10%)Design productions as needed (5%)


Cutter/draper responsibilities are shared by designer as available and as determined by show needs. Cutter/Draper - develops patterns and is responsible for cutting all fabric, including interlinings, fabrics, linings, bias strips, plackets, etc., plans the construction process for each garment, gives stitchers careful and complete instructions, attends fittings, and supervises alterations.

Sewing, cutting, pattern making for the fabrication, creation and alteration of stage costumes. Must be able to work with a variety of groups of people including, faculty, students, and community. Must have budget and time management skills. Must be able to effectively communicate with faculty designers and other production staff a well as outside material and technical vendors.

To be considered, you must apply online. A cover letter, current resume, list of references (please include complete contact information), and a portfolio, website, or samples of work, are required to complete this application. Please complete all areas of the application and include any licenses and/or certifications that may be relevant to the position you are applying for. Incomplete applications may not be given consideration. If no applicants apply, who meet the required Knowledge, Skills, Abilities/Competencies and Training and Experience requirements, then management may consider other applicants. Effective October 1, 2015 all new hires into positions subject to the State Human Resources Act (SHRA) will serve a 12 month probationary period as defined by the North Carolina Office of State Human Resources (OSHR).

Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks.

Western Carolina University uses E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify. Proper documentation of identity and employability are required at the time of employment.

All new employees are required to have listed credentials/degrees verified within 30 days of employment. All new employees who will be teaching are required to provide official transcripts within 30 days of employment. Transcripts should be provided for the highest earned degree and/or the degree which is being used to satisfy credential/qualification requirements.

Western Carolina University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race; color; religion; sex; sexual orientation; gender identity or expression; national origin; age; disability; genetic information; political affiliation; National Guard or veteran status, consistent with applicable federal, state and local laws, regulations, and policies, and the policies of The University of North Carolina. Additionally, the University promotes the realization of equal employment opportunity for minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and veterans through its affirmative action program.
Persons with disabilities requiring accommodations in the application and interview process please call (828) 227-7218 or email at jobs@email.wcu.edu.

The Western Carolina University Annual Safety Report is available online at or in hard-copy by request at the office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, 227 HFR Administration Building, Cullowhee, NC 28723 (828-227-7147) or the Office of University Police, 111 Camp Annex, Cullowhee, NC 28723 (828-227-7301). The report, required of all universities participating in Title IV student financial aid programs, discusses crime statistics, procedures for reporting suspicious or criminal activity, security, police authority, crime prevention strategies, university policies on substance abuse and sexual offenses, workplace violence and fire safety.