Director of Music Ministries (York, PA)

First Presbyterian Church of York -- Director of Music Ministry

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt or Exempt
Reports To: Co-Pastor(s)
Work Week: At least 30 hours/week up to full-time (depending on the candidate)
Anticipated Start Date: January 2022

Position Objectives
The Director of Music Ministry will provide leadership in corporate praise to God through sacred music, working with staff in planning, developing and coordinating the music program in a manner that serves God and encourages spiritual growth of our members while promoting the understanding of the theology and polity of the Presbyterian Church USA.

Position Responsibilities
• Exhibit a demeanor consistent with Christian faith and practice.
• Attend Staff and Music and Worship committee meetings, serving as staff advisor to the Worship and Music Committee.
• Following co-pastors’ direction in leading the worship ministry with discernment and joy
• Consistent with FPC’s overall vision, grow the music program including developing a diverse variety of instrumental and choral ensembles, providing musical direction (leadership and conducting) and coordination, and working with staff and volunteers to develop, strengthen and sustain these groups. Develop an increasing level of interest and excitement for the music ministry at FPC, providing an opportunity for all who are interested in “making a joyful noise” to actively participate, while also raising the caliber of the music program (and the skills of the participants) over time.
• Recruit, train and educate choir and instrumental groups, encouraging increased and active participation of volunteers of all ages and talents, to attainable standards of musical excellence.
• Embrace and champion a variety of musical genres in worship, recognizing the diverse nature of the FPC congregation, and being open minded to new musical avenues for worship expression. Provide organ and choral music for scheduled traditional worship services, weddings, and funerals/memorials, arranging for substitutes when needed.
• Maintain an ongoing program calendar of worship services to include choral and instrumental offerings, coordinating those dates/offerings with the Co-Pastors who will provide consultation regarding theme/scripture for each worship service.
• Help to plan and implement special services (in addition to traditional or regularly scheduled worship) that allows the congregation to embrace worship through different formats and approaches.
• Working with the CE and Youth Directors, develop opportunities for children and youth to become active in the ongoing music ministry through regular events/participation/engagement. Take an active role in nurturing and developing the musical talents of interested children/youth in the congregation.
• With lay support, champion musical offerings as an outreach to our broader community, building on the heritage of FPC’s legacy Abendmusik Series.
• Advocate for and communicate music program activities through various communication vehicles, including church publications.
• Prepare in advance for rehearsals and include time for prayer before rehearsals and prior to worship.
• Oversee maintenance of the inventory of music, choir robes, organs, pianos, handbells and other FPC musical assets.
• Prepare, manage and oversee the music budget of FPC, in conjunction with the Worship and Music Committee.
• Other duties as assigned.

Position Requirements
• Must possess excellent interpersonal and team-building skills and desire to develop a rapport with FPC employees, members and guests.
• Must possess excellent communication skills;
• Must have strong team-building and relational skills.
• Must have demonstrated strong musical leadership skills, including choral and instrumental conducting and proven record of developing musical ensembles.
• Must have demonstrated strong musicianship, including the ability to perform a wide range of musical styles.
• Must be open-minded and actively embrace new musical avenues and genres. Must have the ability to actively encourage broader congregational participation in the music ministry, with dual-capabilities of strong development (building people up in their musical abilities) and strong standards (striving to make us, and the music we make, better and better over time).
• Must be able to openly share their faith as an active part of their leadership.
• Strong keyboard and organ skills are highly preferred. The level of organ skills and the breadth of experience and comfort championing a wide range of musical genres will help determine if the position will be full-time or part-time, as well as whether additional support staff may be needed (e.g., separate Organist, separate Contemporary Worship Leader, etc.).
• Must have strong ability to manage people well, including lay volunteers as well as possibly other musical staff (based on the ultimate staffing structure, which will be in part based on the range of skill sets/passions/experiences of the candidate).