Historic Clothing Manager

Conner Prairie Museum - Fishers, IN 46038

Position Type Full Time

Job Shift Day

Education Level 4 Year Degree

Description

Principal Function: The Historic Clothing Manager is responsible for the research, management and care of the historic clothing collection that is used in the interpretative experience on the historic grounds of Conner Prairie.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: Duties include, but are not limited to:

1. Ensures that all Interpretation staff are properly outfitted for their role on the grounds.
2. Serves as Interpretation PIC (Person in charge) of front-line staff on historic grounds during the daily experience.
3. Researches, designs and constructs garments. Coordinates garment fittings and alterations for Interpretation staff, Trades staff, Agriculture staff and youth volunteers.
4. Educates the visiting public about historic clothing construction and techniques through workshops, classes and daily experience enhancements.
5. Partners with HR to provide, order and issue all Conner Prairie Logo items to staff and volunteers.
6. Writes and updates clothing staff/volunteer contracts, garment handling/care procedures and clothing storage and management policies.
7. Conducts routine inventory of all clothing, supplies and accessories to ensure all items are tagged in the clothing digital database.
8. Oversees purchases, maintains accounting records, and vendor contracts for clothing supplies and equipment.
9. Manages budget expenses for the Historic Clothing Department to ensure compliance.
10. Manages staff as it relates to performance objectives, evaluations and corrective counseling.
11. Recruits and hire departmental staff as necessary.
12. Collaborates with the Facilities Department to coordinate repair/service calls to maintain equipment and tools used in the Historic Clothing Studio (i.e. sewing machines, washer/dryer, digital oversize printer for historic clothing patterns).
13. Works with the Facilities Department to monitor the temperature/environment in the Historic Clothing Studio and clothing storage areas in preparation for any weather- related/HVAC issues.
14. Creates and conducts trainings and presentations on historic clothing and participates in professional conferences and workshops specifically as a keynote speaker or session leader when possible.
15. Participate in department orientations, meetings/retreats and trainings.
16. Perform other duties as required.

Supervisory Responsibilities: Historic Clothing Manager supervises staff (Historic Clothing Assistant), outside contractor (1) and volunteers as well as interns in the Historic Clothing Studio.

Education and/or Experience: Bachelor's degree (B.A./B.S.) in History, Theater, Museum Studies or other related fields. Education can be substituted for a minimum of five years’ experience in sewing and alterations. Previous supervisory experience is desired. Knowledge in 19th and 20th century clothing is required.

Qualifications

Qualifications: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty according to the requirements of the organization. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties and responsibilities.

Competencies: To perform this job successfully, all employees at Conner Prairie should demonstrate the following competencies:

• Customer Service – Responds to requests for service and assistance; Manages difficult or emotional customer situations focusing on listening without interrupting and keeping one’s emotions under control; Solicits customer feedback to improve service; Maintains confidentiality and meets commitments; Remains open to others’ ideas and tries new things.
• Teamwork – Balances team and individual responsibilities; Exhibits objectivity and openness to others’ views; Gives and welcomes feedback; Contributes to building a positive team spirit; Puts success of team above own interests; Able to build morale and group commitments to goals and objectives; Supports everyone’s efforts to succeed.
• Diversity – Demonstrates knowledge of EEO policy; Shows respect and sensitivity for cultural differences; Educates others on the value of diversity; Promotes a harassment- free environment; Builds a diverse workforce.
• Ethics – Treats people with respect; Keeps commitments; Inspires the trust of others; Works with integrity and ethically; Upholds organizational values.
• Organizational Support – Follows policies and procedures; Completes administrative tasks correctly and on time; Supports organization’s goals and values; Benefits organization through outside activities; Supports affirmative action and respects diversity.
• Professionalism – Approaches others in a tactful manner; Reacts well under pressure; Treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position; Accepts responsibility for own actions; Follows through on commitments.
• Quality/Quantity – Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; Looks for ways to promote and improve quality; Applies feedback to improve performance; Monitors own work to ensure quality; Meets productivity standards; Completes work in a timely manner; Strives to increase productivity and works quickly.
• Safety/Security – Observes safety and security procedures; Determines appropriate action beyond guidelines; Reports potentially unsafe conditions; Uses equipment and materials properly.
• Attendance/Punctuality/Dependability – Is consistently at work and on time; Ensures work responsibilities are covered when absent; Arrives at meetings and events on time; Follows instructions; Responds to management’s direction; Takes responsibility for own actions; Keeps commitments; Commits to long hours of work when necessary to reach goals; Completes tasks on time or notifies appropriate person with an alternative plan.

Job-related Competencies – To perform this job successfully, employees in this job should demonstrate the following competencies:

• Problem Solving - Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; Gathers and analyzes information skillfully; Develops alternative solutions; Works well in group problem solving situations; Uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics.
• Project Management - Develops project plans; Coordinates projects; Communicates changes and progress; Completes projects on time and budget; Manages project team activities.
• Oral Communication - Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; Listens and gets clarification; Responds well to questions; Demonstrates group presentation skills; Participates in meetings.
• Written Communication - Writes clearly and informatively; Edits work for spelling and grammar; Varies writing style to meet needs; Presents numerical data effectively; Able to read and interpret written information.

Other Skills and Abilities: The following skills and abilities are either required or desired.

• Computer software skills required include: Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint and project management software such as Basecamp and Google Docs.
• The ability to communicate effectively at all levels is required.
• A working knowledge of the historical time periods that the organization represents is required.
• The ability to prepare and maintain financial budgets is required.
• The ability to operate a computer, printer, copy machine, scanner, fax machine, and other office equipment is required.
• The ability to speak, read and write in English is required. Spanish is desired.

Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties and responsibilities.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee frequently will stand; walk; and lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. The employee occasionally will climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; and taste or smell.

Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision (clear vision at 20 inches or less), distance vision (clear vision at 20 feet or more), color vision (ability to identify and distinguish colors), peripheral vision (ability to observe an area that can be seen up and down or to the left and right while eyes are fixed on a given point), depth perception (three-dimensional vision, ability to judge distances and spatial relationships), and the ability to adjust focus (ability to adjust the eye to bring an object into sharp focus).

Work Environment: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties and responsibilities.

The employee will occasionally work near moving mechanical parts, in high, precarious places, near fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, extreme cold (non-weather), extreme heat (non-weather), risk of electrical shock, and work with explosives. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet to moderate.

Conner Prairie is generally open from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday, this position will be required to work beyond these hours and when open for special events.

https://www.connerprairie.org/join-our-team