Diversity Awareness Partnership

COCA (Center of Creative Arts) is a leading, multidisciplinary community arts organization committed to enriching lives and building community through the arts. As an innovative model for arts education and nationally accredited for artistic and educational excellence, COCA serves as a regional hub for learning in and through the arts for all ages from all backgrounds and skill levels. The organization was founded with the intention of being a place of artistic learning that would transcend the boundaries of geography, race, and class. COCA celebrates diversity in perspectives, backgrounds, artistic disciplines, and experiences, and believes everyone should have access to experience the arts. It has grown to become one of the most diverse cultural institutions in St. Louis, a position bolstered by a commitment to access and equity.

COCA employs a mixed-income business model to deliver its mission-aligned programs and services. The annual operating budget for the current fiscal year (ending August 31) is $7.6 million; additionally, COCA’s endowment is presently valued at $6 million. COCA owns and manages a 92,000-square-foot building in University City, which includes the historic B’nai Amoona Synagogue, which was built in 1950 and served the community as a religious site until the 1980s; the original building is listed on the National Register of Historic Spaces. In 2020, construction completed on a 52,000-square foot expansion, including the state-of-the-art Catherine B. Berges Theatre, additional studios, scenic and costume shops, and a community commons space. The expansion was funded through a $49 million Create Our Future capital campaign and financed in part through New Market Tax Credit partnerships. COCA has a professional full-time staff of 36, and more than 250 part-time employees, including artistic faculty and theatre production teams.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions. 

• Maintain construction standards within the costume shop.
• Maintain and update the costume inventory management system.
• Take notes and assist with performer fittings as needed.
• Be able to work independently on assigned projects.
• Must be able to work all assigned production, be available for TECH, the full run and strike.
• Other duties as assigned.

Education and/ or Qualifications:

• Costume construction skills, including: cutting, stitching and finishing.
• Simple draping and pattern making.
• Costume fitting experience.
• Tailoring experience.
• Garment alteration skills, including: prepping, stitching and reconstruction.
• A commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.

Competencies: 

• Ability to work well under pressure with varied personalities.
• Ability to both receive and delegate instructions to others.

Physical Demands & Work Environment:

• Ability to perform duties in a rigorous schedule.
• Ability to climb ladders and stairs.
• Ability to carry up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to walk, stand and sit for periods of time.
• Must be available evenings and weekends when required.
• This position is required to work onsite.

COVID-19 Considerations: 

• COCA Employees are required to be fully vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus.
• COCA requires all employees, students, patrons and guests to remained masked at all times, regardless of vaccination status.

COCA is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. All employment decisions at COCA are based on business needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion or belief, family or parental status, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate. COCA is committed to achieving a diverse workforce through application of its affirmative action, equal opportunity, and nondiscrimination policy in all aspects of employment. COCA complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact hr@cocastl.org.

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