Organist / Director of Music Ministries
St. Michael’s Episcopal Church
St. Michael’s Episcopal Church is seeking a faithful, collaborative, and talented part time (15 hours a week) Organist/Director of Music Ministries to lead and nurture the musical life of our parish. We are looking for an individual who values the richness of the Anglican musical tradition while helping our congregation participate fully and joyfully in worship.
The Organist/Director of Music Ministries will work closely with the Rector, staff, choir members, and volunteers to plan and lead music for worship throughout the liturgical year.
Responsibilities
- Plan and provide music for Sunday worship and special liturgies (Holy Week, Christmas, Kirkin’ o’ the Tartan, 4th of July, various other liturgies and services as planned)
- Serve as principal organist and accompanist.
- Direct the parish choir and recruit new singers.
- Help us create a new choral artist program with paid section leaders
- Select hymns, service music, anthems, and other musical offerings in consultation with the Rector.
- Prepare music for seasonal services including Advent, Christmas, Lent, Holy Week, Easter, Pentecost, funerals, weddings, and other special occasions.
- Schedule and lead weekly choir rehearsals.
- Maintain the church’s music library.
- Complete Safe Church Training
- Work collaboratively with clergy, volunteers, and staff in worship planning.
- Encourage congregational singing and musical participation.
Qualifications
- Demonstrated proficiency in organ performance and choral conducting.
- Familiarity with Episcopal liturgy and Anglican sacred music.
- Strong collaborative and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to recruit, encourage, and develop volunteer musicians.
- Experience in church music ministry preferred.
Compensation
Compensation is commensurate with experience, education, and the scope of responsibilities. Salary range: $33,000.00- $36,000.00
Two weeks of paid vacation (15 hours), including two Sundays beginning after 6th months. Vacation will increase to 3 paid weeks after 3 years of employment. After 5 years of employment, vacation will increase to 5 weeks.
To Apply
Interested candidates should submit a résumé, cover letter, and references via email to canonginny@stmichaelsbristolri.org
Audio or video recordings of organ playing and choral directing are welcome.
St. Michael’s Episcopal Church welcomes applicants who are committed to excellence in sacred music and collaborative ministry.
Position Description
Organist / Director of Music Ministries
St. Michael’s Episcopal Church
Position Summary
The Organist/Director of Music Ministries serves as the principal musician of St. Michael’s Episcopal Church and is responsible for leading, developing, and supporting the music ministry of the parish. This position fosters meaningful worship through music that reflects the traditions of the Episcopal Church while encouraging active congregational participation.
The Organist/Director of Music Ministries works under the supervision of the Rector and collaborates with clergy, parish staff, choir members, and volunteers.
Primary Responsibilities
Worship Leadership
- Provide organ and keyboard music for all regularly scheduled Sunday worship services.
- Play for Holy Days and seasonal liturgies, including Ash Wednesday, Holy Week, Easter, Christmas, and other principal feasts.
- Select preludes, postludes, offertories, communion music, and service music appropriate to the liturgical season.
- Collaborate with clergy in selecting hymns and musical settings that support the appointed lectionary and sermon themes.
Choir Ministry
- Direct the parish choir.
- Plan and conduct weekly rehearsals.
- Recruit, welcome, and mentor new choir members.
- Develop the musical skills and spiritual life of the choir.
- Schedule soloists and guest musicians when appropriate.
- Help us establish a choral scholars program with area schools.
Administration
- Maintain the music library.
- Prepare and organize music for choir and congregation.
- Coordinate with parish administrator to include music in the weekly bulletin.
- Assist in planning the annual music budget.
- Coordinate maintenance and tuning of the organ and pianos.
- Maintain copyright licensing and music permissions as needed.
Special Services
Provide music for:
- Weddings (as available and by separate agreement if applicable)
- Funerals and memorial services
- Diocesan events hosted by the parish
- Other special parish celebrations
Collaboration
- Attend regular staff meetings as requested.
- Participate in worship planning with the Rector and liturgy committee.
- Support the mission and ministry of St. Michael’s Episcopal Church.
- Foster a welcoming, encouraging, and collaborative atmosphere for all musicians.
Qualifications
- Degree in Organ Performance, Sacred Music, Church Music, or equivalent experience preferred.
- Strong organ and piano performance skills.
- Experience conducting volunteer choirs.
- Knowledge of Anglican liturgy and Episcopal worship.
- Familiarity with The Hymnal 1982, Lift Every Voice and Sing II, Wonder, Love, and Praise, and other Episcopal resources.
- Excellent organizational and communication skills.
- Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with clergy and staff.
Desired Characteristics
The successful candidate will:
- Demonstrate Christian faith and respect for Episcopal worship.
- Value excellence in music while fostering participation.
- Be organized, dependable, and flexible.
- Encourage volunteers with kindness and enthusiasm.
- Be committed to lifelong musical and spiritual growth.
Schedule
This is a part-time position that includes:
- Sunday worship services
- Weekly choir rehearsals
- Staff meetings as scheduled
- Holy Days and seasonal liturgies
- Weddings and funerals as arranged