Wardrobe Director 

Ballet Hispánico 
New York City, NY 

Full-Time | Exempt 

Ballet Hispánico, the nation’s largest Latino cultural organization and one of America’s premier dance companies, seeks an experienced and collaborative Wardrobe Director to lead all aspects of costume production, maintenance, and wardrobe operations for the Company, School of Dance, and Community Arts Partnership programs. 

Reporting to the Director of Production, in close artistic collaboration with the Artistic Director & CEO, and the Company General Manager, the Wardrobe Director serves as the organizational leader for costume production and wardrobe operations. This position oversees the planning, budgeting, construction, maintenance, inventory management, and implementation of all costumes and related wardrobe elements across Ballet Hispánico’s artistic and educational programming. 

This is an exceptional opportunity for an experienced wardrobe professional who enjoys working in a highly collaborative environment supporting world-class artists while managing both day-to-day operations and long-term strategic planning. 

About Ballet Hispánico 

For more than 50 years, Ballet Hispánico has been recognized as the nation’s leading Latino dance organization and one of America’s foremost cultural institutions. Through its Company, School of Dance, and Community Arts Partnership programs, Ballet Hispánico celebrates and explores the diversity of Latino cultures through contemporary dance. 

Position Responsibilities 

Costume Production & Artistic Collaboration 

Lead the planning, budgeting, scheduling, and execution of all institutional costume needs. 

Collaborate closely with choreographers, costume designers, artistic staff, and production management on new productions and repertory works. 

Support the realization of new costume designs, including budgeting, vendor coordination, fabrication, rentals, and purchasing. 

Manage costume builds from concept through opening performance. 

Develop production schedules that align with rehearsal and performance timelines. 

  

Wardrobe Operations 

Oversee all costume maintenance, alterations, repairs, laundering, and professional cleaning. 

Responsible for the execution of all new works, working directly with guest designers to ensure timely production of costumes, and ensures costumes are prepared for all performances, photo shoots, and events both artistic and corporate. 

Ensure the artistic integrity and longevity of Ballet Hispánico’s costume collection. 

Maintain costume quality for performances, rehearsals, tours, educational programs, and special events. 

Organize all costumes, accessories, and performance-related wardrobe elements. 
 

Touring 

Supervise costume packing and logistics for domestic and international touring. 

Travel with the company on all tours. 

Supporting the handling of production bags at airports, venues, and other locations. 

Supervising and executing load-in and load-out at all venues. 

Supervising venue staff and crew in accordance with local labor union regulations, e.g. IATSE.  
 

Inventory & Documentation 

Maintain comprehensive production bibles for all repertory. 

Oversee the organization’s costume inventory and virtual costume catalog. 

Maintain accurate records of costume history, alterations, repairs, purchases, and storage locations. 

Organize props and costume accessories for easy access across departments. 
 

Personnel Management 

Supervise the School of Dance Wardrobe Supervisor, in close communication with the Ballet Hispánico School Director to ensure School costume needs are met. 

Manage the costume shop and all overhire wardrobe personnel. 

Recruit, hire, onboard, schedule, and supervise seasonal staff, part-time employees, contractors, and wardrobe crews. 

Foster a collaborative, organized, and inclusive work environment. 
 

Administrative & Financial Management 

Develop and manage costume department budgets. 

Track departmental expenditures, purchase orders, reimbursements, and vendor payments. 

Purchase fabrics, supplies, costumes, and specialty materials. 

Monitor order status and communicate timelines with internal and external stakeholders. 
 

Dancer Support 

Coordinate costume fittings and maintain detailed measurement records for Company dancers. 

Maintain current knowledge of AGMA regulations affecting wardrobe operations. 

Ensure costume preparation complies with union requirements and production schedules. 

  

Qualifications 

The ideal candidate will possess: 

Minimum 5 years of professional wardrobe or costume management experience, preferably in dance, opera, or large-scale performing arts organizations. 

Demonstrated experience supervising wardrobe teams and costume shops. 

Strong knowledge of costume construction, tailoring, alterations, textile care, and costume preservation. 

Experience managing departmental budgets and purchasing. 

Excellent organizational and project management skills. 

Ability to manage multiple productions simultaneously while meeting tight deadlines. 

Experience supporting touring productions is highly desirable. 

Knowledge of AGMA or other performing arts union agreements is preferred. 

Knowledge of IATSE and other relevant labor union practices is preferred. 

Proficiency with Microsoft 365, Slack, and digital inventory systems. 

Excellent written and verbal communication skills. 
 

Preferred Qualifications 

Professional experience in repertory dance companies. 

Experience with international touring. 

Familiarity with costume inventory software or digital cataloging systems. 

Bilingual English/Spanish is a plus. 
 

Physical Requirements 

This position requires the ability to: 

Lift and move costume trunks, garment racks, and supplies (up to 40 lbs.). 

Work evenings and weekends as required by production schedules. 

Stand for extended periods during rehearsals and performances. 

Travel domestically and internationally on all company tours and for additional projects when required. 
 

Compensation and Benefits 

The salary range for this full-time, exempt position is $67,000 to $70,000. The role is also eligible for Ballet Hispánico’s benefit plans, including health, dental, vision, life insurance, and 403(b) retirement fund. Vacation and Sick Time.  
 

Why Join Ballet Hispánico? 

Working at Ballet Hispánico means joining one of the country’s most respected dance organizations. You’ll collaborate with internationally recognized artists while helping create performances that celebrate the richness and diversity of Latino cultures. This position offers meaningful artistic collaboration, leadership opportunities, and the chance to shape the costume legacy of a renowned repertory company. 
 

To apply send your resume and portfolio to hr@ballethispanico.org and reference "BHNY Wardrobe Director" in the subject line.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. 

Ballet Hispánico is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages candidates from all backgrounds to apply.