Director of Music Job Application

Summary of Ideal Candidate

St. John’s is looking for a Director of Music Ministry (Organist/Chancel Choir). Duties will include coordinating the music program, serving the congregation as organist and accompanist, selecting music for worship in cooperation with the priest, and directing the chancel choir of the congregation. Worship services are planned jointly by the priest and the Director of Music Ministry. The ideal candidate is a skilled choir director and organist/pianist, and who is familiar with, or is willing to learn, Episcopal liturgy and hymnody. The position will start in January 2027.

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Job Responsibilities

• Partner with the priest to plan and lead a dynamic music program aligned with the liturgical seasons, including the design music for special services (not limited to) Advent Evensong, Christmas Eve, Epiphany Lessons and Carols Lenten Evensong, Holy Week evening services
• Choose appropriate hymns, psalms and anthems according to the season, feast day or weekly lectionary texts
• Select and provide appropriate organ/piano accompaniment during the Eucharist
• Rehearse the choir on Thursday evenings (Sept- June) with a Steinway B piano and a well-maintained CB Fisk 2-manual & pedal, mechanical action organ with a substantial dynamic range
• Plan, coordinate and rehearse solos, ensembles, instrumentalists for worship
• Communicate with sound technicians to ensure all details are prepared and accurate for worship.
• Report to onelicense.net hymns, texts, and service music reprinted and broadcasted on Youtube
• Purchase all music related supplies, hire instrumental and vocal soloists, and arrange for copyright permission fees within the ranges provided in the parish’s operating budget
• Assist in the hiring of substitute musicians when the Employee is not available
• Maintain the music library in an orderly fashion, ensuring that there are an adequate number of copies of the music for the members of the choir
• Provide organ/piano and choral music for funerals, weddings, and other additional services subject to the Employee’s availability (for an additional stipend). Attend regular parish staff meetings and the annual meeting of the parish
• Provide weekly music submissions for the Sunday bulletin. For our FYI (online newsletter) provide monthly articles, including educational background pieces

• Arrange proper maintenance for the organ and piano

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Education and Experience

• Bachelor's in Sacred Music (or equivalent performance degree) and a strong background in choral leadership. You should have documented experience in choral literature, diction, and vocal production. Master’s degree a plus
• Minimum 5 years conducting church choirs with a range of abilities
• Demonstrates ability to organize, coordinate, and motivate volunteer musicians
• Dedication to using music to enhance and support worship. While high-quality music is expected, the emphasis should be on deepening the spiritual experience, not on performance.
• Strong interpersonal and pastoral skills, with a proven ability and genuine desire to work collaboratively with parish laity, staff, and clergy.
• Familiarity with Google Workspace (including Docs, Sheets, and Drive) to efficiently manage scheduling, communication, and music department resources.
• Reliability and punctuality for worship, rehearsals and in meeting deadlines

Compensation and Benefits

Salary commensurate with experience
Four weeks' vacation
One-week Continuing Education
Sabbatical negotiable after every 5 years of service
Benefits in accordance with the guidelines of the Episcopal Diocese of MA

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Overview

St John’s is located in the heart of Gloucester. We strive to live in loving partnership with God and our neighbors throughout the wider community. Music at St. John’s is considered the very heartbeat of our congregation and worship binds our community together. Under the guidance of the PIC and Worship Team, our music ministry transforms worship into a living, breathing house of glory and praise. We are a community committed to radical hospitality, healing, and renewal—seeking to be a steady source of Christ’s joy and love for the sake of the world. As we enter a exciting new season, we are dedicated to continue the revitalization of our music program.

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How to apply

For more information or to submit a cover letter and resume, please upload your PDF below If you have any questions, please reach out to our Priest in Collaboration. The Rev. Marya DeCarlen

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