Music Director/Organist Job at North Church of Portsmouth in Portsmouth

North Church of Portsmouth

Music Director Search

We are committed to building a dynamic music program, the foundation of which would be our iconic organ, our grand piano, our musical instruments and our faithful choir. A music director who comes with fresh ideas will find enthusiastic support for initiatives among the congregants. Our goal is to create a blended experience of traditional and contemporary music in our worship services. We believe in the power of music to transform our hearts and minds, and we are excited to partner with a director who joins us in that vision.

As a United Church of Christ congregation, North Church is a progressive Protestant congregation that is centered around the worship of God, service to the community, and fellowship among the congregation. Guided by our Christian values, we are an open and affirming church committed to advocating for justice, equality, and the dignity of all people. North Church's location in the central square of Portsmouth has long positioned us as a gathering place not only for worship services, weddings, and funerals, but as a friendly, welcoming place of worship for area visitors. Countless community events are held in our sanctuary each year, and our towering steeple serves as an iconic representation of the City. North Church recently celebrated its 350-year anniversary. We are focused on renewing and growing our congregation, welcoming new members from throughout the Seacoast area.

The current renovation of our North Church Sanctuary reflects the enthusiasm and determination of our congregation to move into the future. Through collaborative effort we reached consensus on a plan to address the needs of the church, a willingness to roll up our sleeves, make hard choices and work together to chart a course for the future.

Our church is part of a vibrant musical community that extends from Portland through the Seacoast to Boston. Many local church musicians participate in that music community, enriching the music of their congregations. This connection to the larger music landscape fosters greater community engagement. It is our hope that a future music director would be engaged in these circles to enhance the music and outreach of North Church. It is our belief that by providing engaging and inclusive musical opportunities in worship and otherwise, we can share the love and joy of North Church with our broader community.

The North Church Music Director shall:

1. Demonstrate skill in leading worshiping communities with the piano and/or organ, and leading congregational singing. Preference is both piano and organ.
2. While some knowledge of the organ is needed and proficiency on the organ is preferred, the Church is willing to provide compensation for additional skill building.
3. Work with the Pastor to select music that unites and enhances the weekly message and special events incorporating diverse genres and styles across musical boundaries.
4. Direct the choir, including scheduling and leading weekly rehearsals to prepare all music for church services including hymns, anthems and special music to support worship.
5. Recruit, enhance skills and positively engage participants of both the Sanctuary choir and the Handbell choir.
6. Prepare and play for special services (Ash Wednesday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Christmas Eve, and others as agreed upon) in addition to weekly services.
7. In the event of funerals or weddings, the Music Director will be given right of first refusal.
8. Identify and coordinate vocal and instrumental musicians from the community to participate as guest musicians in worship.
9. Identify and coordinate a list of substitute musicians in the event of the Music Director’s absence.
10. Identify opportunities to grow the Music Library and to expand the offerings of North Church’s music program working in coordination with copyright laws and the church’s administrative assistant.
11. Coordinate tuning and maintenance with outside vendors while working collaboratively with Pastor, Music Committee and Cabinet in the event of the replacement and/or purchase of new musical instruments.
12. Ability to relate well and respectfully communicate with Pastor, staff, and members of the church.
13. Exercise leadership in a creative and cooperative manner.
14. Ability to compromise.
15. Demonstrate good relations management and assume positive intent.

Accountability

1. Work with the Pastor, staff and Music Committee to set a flexible schedule in concert with the needs of the church.
2. The Music Director shall work under the supervision of the Pastor, in cooperation with the Music Committee, and with ultimate accountability to the North Church Cabinet.
3. The Music Director shall work within the standards set forth in the North Church Personnel Handbook.

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: Up to $24,000.00 per year

Expected hours: 18 – 20 per week

Benefits:

• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave

Schedule:

• Choose your own hours
• Evening shift
• Weekends as needed
• Weekends only

Work Location: In person