Newport Presbyterian Church is hiring: Music Director in Bellevue

Newport Presbyterian Church – Job Description

Position Title: Music Director

Reports to: Head of Staff

Approved by: Personnel Committee

Status: Part time (20-40 hours per week; including Sundays and Christmas Eve)

Pay and Benefits: starting at $30/hour, depending on experience; contributions toward health insurance may be available if working more than 20 hours/week.

Position Purpose:

In alignment with Newport’s mission and vision:

1. Provide the musical foundation and support for the worshipful life of the congregation.
2. Encourage congregational participation in the music of the church.
3. Foster Christian worship through the ministry of music.
4. Lead a music program that blends contemporary and traditional music.
5. Incorporate a Diverse, Equitable, Inclusive, and Accessible lens throughout Newport’s music ministry.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Worship and Music Administration

1. Prepare and plan all worship music and coordinate with the Pastor’s input and review.
2. Lead all worship music with piano and voice; invite and encourage congregational participation.
3. Direct the chancel choir.
4. Adjust language in songs as needed to reflect progressive and inclusive theology.
5. Actively participate in both musical and non-musical elements of worship.
6. Prepare weekly worship slides (in PowerPoint); coordinate with the Pastor to review.
7. Connect with the NPC music community as needed.
8. Hire and oversee guest musicians as needed.

Leadership and Participation

1. Prepare and lead weekly/regular music rehearsals.
2. Coordinate with volunteer musicians, including the chancel choir.
3. Plan and dream about the future of musical offerings at Newport.
4. Foster, invite, and encourage ALL lay musicians of all ages within the congregation.
5. Attend and help coordinate musical elements of occasional all-church gatherings.
6. Attend regular weekly staff and monthly Faith Experience Committee meetings.

Other

1. Partner with the Personnel Committee, Faith Experience Committee, and Pastor to continually improve church practices.
2. Manage music business associate relationships and music license requirements.

Position Requirements: Skills, Experience, and Personal Attributes

1. Earned a suitable degree in music or music instruction/direction.
2. Able to select and deliver a repertoire from a wide variety of musical genres.
3. Experienced in conducting and able to engage people with a wide range of musical abilities.
4. Proficient on the piano with repertoire appropriate for worship.
5. Demonstrates skill in accompanying other performers, choirs, and ensembles.
6. Strong and timely communication skills (verbal, written, technology-based).

Bonus Skills

1. Experience directing and teaching handbell choirs.
2. Ability to play music by ear.
3. Proficiency on other instruments, such as organ, guitar, percussion.

About Newport Presbyterian Church

Newport is an inclusive and thoughtful faith community focused on thriving, connection, and justice. Our congregation loves learning, seeks connection, and delights in our opportunity to embody the kin-dom of God in our community.

What now?

After reading through this job description, we encourage you to fill out the job application at (https://forms.gle/UX3ShrZ4GLQToDZK7). Our task force will be reviewing applications as received, with an application deadline of January 15, 2025.