Description
OVERVIEW
The full-time Director of Music Ministry and Organist is responsible for administrating and coordinating the total music ministry of First Presbyterian Church, providing leadership to choir members, congregation, and community. Reporting to the Senior Pastor, and working closely with the Worship Committee, this position plays a central role in the worship and life of the church, serving as both musician and spiritual leader. The successful candidate will bring creativity, vision, and imagination to the music ministry and worship design; demonstrate a strong commitment to diversity; and foster participation through positive motivation, an outgoing and friendly presence, and a sense of humor. Above all, this person will embody a clear call to ministry, consistent with the theology of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and the mission of First Presbyterian Church.
PRIMARY JOB RESPONSIBILITIES
Conduct Adult Choir, supervise section leaders, conduct Adult Handbell Choir, and Joyful Noise Handbell Choir; serve as principal organist for worship services.
Create and direct children’s and youth choir programs, fostering a love of music and worship in young participants, and providing musical contributions to church services and events.
Serve as a music resource for the religious education program.
Plan, prepare, and implement music for all worship services in consultation with the pastors, incorporating a diversity of genres, styles, and instrumentation.
Participate in making programmatic, worship, and administrative decisions.
Conduct at least one concert per year with church choirs and musicians.
Develop a concert series.
Encourage strong volunteer participation in music ministries.
Manage the music ministry budget.
Provide music for weddings, funerals, and memorial services, as requested.
Purchase all music and supplies.
Coordinate and supervise maintenance of all instruments and the church music library.
ADMINISTRATIVE RESPONSIBILITIES
Attend staff meetings and conferences.
Serve as ex-officio member of the Worship Committee.
Coordinate the employment of professional vocalists and instrumentalists.
Utilize good communication skills in providing music ministry announcements, coordinating publicity for special events, and sharing worship information with the church office.
Develop a planning document with dates, services, and choral and instrumental needs.
Encourage volunteer participation, including music library, vestments, and choir assistance.
SALARY AND BENEFITS
Salary range: $63,000-70,000
Benefits include:
4 weeks of vacation, 2 weeks continuing education
Single medical insurance coverage
403(b) retirement contributions of 5 percent
APPLICATIONS.
To receive full consideration, please submit to following by October 10, 2025:
PDF containing your cover letter and CV/resume to [email protected]
URL links to videos of you conducting two contrasting anthems for SATB choir.
URL links to samples of your organ playing (two pieces, suitable for a prelude and postlude), plus two hymns (one on organ and one on piano), and a short improvisation with a key change leading from one of the hymns to the Doxology (Old Hundredth).
INSTRUMENTS OF THE CHURCH
56-rank Casavant/Rule organ in the sanctuary
9-rank Taylor and Boody Opus 52 chamber organ in the chapel
3-rank Ott/Rule Opus 1 portatif organ
3-rank single manual Ross/Lebedinsky harpsichord – 5 octaves
Steinway and Sons Model M piano in the sanctuary
Steinway and Sons Model S piano in the chapel
Malmark handbells – 5 octaves and 3 octaves
Malmark hand chimes – 3 octaves
Extensive collection of Sonor Orff instruments
Various percussion instruments
Kawai CS7 digital keyboard
Chickering baby grand piano in the parlor
5 console and upright pianos in various locations
Requirements
QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor’s degree in music or related field; Master’s degree preferred.
Success in church music leadership for a minimum of five years.
Proficiency and experience in choral and instrumental conducting.
Proficiency and experience in organ performance.
Proficiency and experience conducting from the console.
Capacity and willingness to serve on a cohesive staff team.
Skills in time management, volunteer recruitment, organization, and communication.
