Director of Music Job at Minister, Elders and Deacons of the Reformed Protestant

Director of Music Ministry Job Description

West End Church is a progressive, inclusive, vibrant community of faith ministering to our ever-changing city in the name of our all-changing God. We are young and old, of many races and abilities, of various genders and sexualities, people on journeys and people longing to put down roots. We see our diversity as an expression of God’s immense imagination, and we value hospitality, inclusivity, and equity.

We are one of four ministries of the Collegiate Church of the City of New York. The Collegiate Church, founded in 1628, is the oldest continually worshiping Protestant church in the country and is deeply embedded in the history of our city. While we celebrate our past, we lean into our dynamic and creative future.

We are seeking a full-time Director of Music Ministry (40 hours/week) whose exceptional leadership, musical performance, and choral conducting skills will enrich and energize our congregation. The beauty of the music that pours from our 50-rank Austin pipe organ, Steinway grand piano, and semi-professional choir is amplified by our historic sanctuary, which anchors our neighborhood as a worship and concert space within the vibrant arts scene just north of Lincoln Center.

The ideal candidate:

● Is a person of faith who recognizes the crucial role music plays within the Christian tradition in helping us connect with God in order to grow in spirit and build community;

● Has advanced musical training and/or equivalent professional experience as a choral director, organist, pianist, and collaborative musician, with knowledge of sacred music and hymnody from the past to the present;

● Cultivates relationships with other musicians and is excited to invite guest artists to broaden the congregation’s musical and cultural experiences;

● Delights in sharing music with others and is eager to nurture the participation of professional and volunteer musicians of all ages, especially youth and children;

● Enjoys dreaming in a collaborative environment with a leadership team that cares deeply about crafting a cohesive slate of programs to meet our intellectually curious congregation;

● Welcomes the challenge of creating a finely-tuned musical program that expands horizons without losing sight of the emotional and spiritual resonance of singing songs beloved and familiar;

● Is well organized and can administer a program and its musicians and faculty across the entire week;

● Possesses technological skills and media literacy necessary to access a wider pool of artists and collaborators, communicate online, and to grow our music programs into the future.

The Director of Music Ministry’s professional responsibilities include:

● Collaborate with clergy, staff, and congregational leaders to plan and prepare musical offerings for weekly worship services and special services (i.e., Ash Wednesday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Christmas Eve), attentive to the rich tapestry of faith traditions and cultures within the congregation and community;

● Design a program that plays to the Director’s musical performance strengths while strategically identifying key programs that might benefit from additional performance support or teaching faculty;

● In addition to conducting the Sanctuary Choir, coordinate the West End Community Choir, music for Tuesday Table food program, and once-monthly jazz brunch, as well as any additional ensembles that may be of interest and value to the congregation;

● Invite opportunities for the artistic gifts and talents of the congregation to be integrated into worship and community life;

● Curate and present seasonal educational offerings and/or concerts that inspire the congregation and community, taking particular care to highlight organ performance;

● Collaborate with Senior Minister and Director of Curriculum in evaluating new resources and hymnals for worship;

● Provide music or referrals for funerals, weddings, and special services as scheduled by the Senior Minister;

● Administer the music budget and choir payroll, maintain the church’s musical instruments, and attend weekly staff and leadership meetings, as required.

Salary and Benefits:

● Starting range of $70,000-$85,000, dependent on experience and qualifications

● Generous benefit package, including health and pension contributions

● Three weeks of paid vacation (including 4 Sundays)

● Professional development/continuing education in discussion with Senior Minister

● Note: West End considers member wedding and funeral services to be part of the ordinary worshiping life of our congregation. As such, there are no additional honorariums for any full-time staff for these services, including clergy and the Director of Music Ministry.

To apply, please submit the following:

● Cover letter explaining your interest in the position and what about West End Church speaks to you;

● Resume or curriculum vitae including 3 recent references, one of which must be a supervisor or head of staff;

● Supporting musical materials (links to videos and recordings). The Search Team is eager to review examples of the following:

1. A significant piece of organ or piano repertoire demonstrating technical and musical mastery;

2. Two choral selections you have directed (a cappella or accompanied) demonstrating diversity of style;

3. A hymn demonstrating how you lead congregational singing;

4. Selected programs for performances where you have chosen the music to be performed and conducted the performance;

5. Additional materials that reflect the depth and breadth you bring to the position (i.e. compositions/arrangements, digital offerings, special musical skills or training, etc.).

Frequently cited statistics show that women and people from underrepresented groups apply to jobs only if they think they meet 100% of the criteria. If you meet many but not all the criteria and feel you may be a good fit for the role, West End Church encourages you to apply.

West End Collegiate Church is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, color, national origin, ethnic origin, citizenship status, disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law in its employment policies. West End will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.