Director of Music and Liturgy (Milwaukee, WI)

The Director of Music and Liturgy (DML) is responsible for nurturing the prayer life of the community through music, particularly in coordinating music for liturgical celebrations and fostering the growth of St. Paul’s music ministry. Through utilizing a variety of musical styles, the DML helps the parish broaden its understanding and appreciation of the role music plays in our liturgical life.

Supervisory Responsibility: The DML, in consultation with the rector, will exercise oversight and supervision of paid musicians (voice and instrumental) needed throughout the year.

Representative Responsibilities:

• Envisions, develops and implements all liturgical celebrations in consultation with the rector.
• Selects music (hymns, anthems and motets, service music and voluntaries) for all liturgies of the church year, in consultation with the rector.
• Maintains the Anglican music tradition while including other musical styles as liturgically appropriate.
• Plays and directs the musical portions of the liturgies and other programs as required.
• Procures competent substitutes for the DML’s absences.
• Recruits, teaches, trains, conducts, and supervises the St. Paul’s Choir, paid singers and guest artists at all liturgies. This includes one regularly scheduled weekly rehearsal, pre-service rehearsals, and special rehearsals as deemed appropriate.
• Works collaboratively with the rector, parish staff, vestry, committees, and parishioners in a cooperative and supportive manner to ensure that church operations and planning occur in a positive and productive environment.
• Supervises and schedules tuning and maintenance of the organ and all pianos.
• Organizes and maintains the choral library and the James Melby organ literature collection of St. Paul’s.
• Consults with families for funerals and weddings to plan liturgies and select music. The DML accompanies all weddings and funerals celebrated at St. Paul’s, unless unavailable. In such an event, the DML shall arrange for a competent substitute. These liturgies are compensated by the parties separately from the contracted salary in accordance with St. Paul’s guidelines.
• Develops annual budget in conjunction with church leadership and the rector.
• The DML exercises stewardship and administration of the music program funds.
• Encourages parishioners to offer and develop their musical gifts as part of their Christian service.
• Creates annual working objectives to fulfill St. Paul’s mission in consultation with the rector.
• Works creatively in consultation with the rector to explore and develop new forms of music ministry including other choral groups (e.g. choristers)
• Schedules all liturgical ministers.
• Provides material and final copy approval for all liturgical publications.
• Other duties as assigned by the rector.

Qualifications/Characteristics:

• Evidences extensive formal organ and choral training and demonstrated skills (Advanced degree or equivalent).
• Possesses outstanding choral teaching and conducting skills.
• Exhibits leadership skills for initiating, developing, and maintaining a high- quality music program.
• Demonstrates excellent teaching and communication skills.
• Displays attention to detail and ability to coordinate multiple tasks.
• Practices good listening skills, able to receive feedback and is adaptable and flexible.
• Exhibits strong knowledge of the Anglican musical and liturgical tradition.
• Participates in regular consultation sessions with the rector.

Compensation:

Competitive salary and benefits in accordance with national church policy. Additional stipends for wedding and funerals. Requests for any outside professional engagements must be made in writing and receive the approval of the rector.

Applicants should send cover letter, resume, and contact information for three (3) references to: The Rev. Brad Toebben, Rector, St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 914 E. Knapp St., Milwaukee, WI  53202.

The position will be open until suitable canadidate is found.