Director of Music (Summit, NJ)

Director of Music

Saint John’s Lutheran Church, Summit, NJ seeks applications for the full-time position of Director of Music beginning no later than September 2022. Vibrant worship and music by the whole assembly is central to our identity. We are committed to the rich Lutheran liturgical tradition and embrace the wide diversity of worship expressions of the Church catholic. Our purpose is to: “Hear God’s Word. Reflect God’s Grace. Share Christ’s Love.”

Summary of Music Director Position

Music of high quality—organ, piano, choral, and instrumental—is essential to the life and liturgy of Saint John’s Church. The Director of Music will:

·      Lead the assembly in song using the whole range of musical gifts and possibilities,

·      Be an accomplished organist and keyboardist, playing for weekly Sunday (2 services per week), festival services, seasonal midweek worship, and other worship services,

·      Develop and direct all choirs and ensembles, building community through music,

·      Prepare all instrumental and choral music for worship services,

·      Set an example of ministry, collegiality, professionalism, and care towards others,

·      Empower people in the congregation and wider community to share their musical gifts.

The Director of Music is a vital part of the ministry of the parish as a whole.

Musical Resources

·      2 manual 1971 Holtkamp tracker-action organ, restored and expanded in 2008

·      Kawai and Steinway grand pianos, Kawai digital piano, harpsichord, and portative organ

·      5 octaves of Malmark handbells and 3 octaves of Malmark handchimes

·      Varied collection of percussion instruments

Qualifications

·      Bachelor’s degree in church music or organ (Master’s preferred). 3-5 year’s experience.

·      Exceptional ability as an organist and pianist, playing a wide repertoire and sufficient improvisational skills.

·      Experience and high proficiency in choral and ensemble conducting; ability to include and engage musicians of a wide range of ages and skill levels.

·      Facility in a broad range of music traditions, styles, and accompaniments.

·      Familiarity with liturgical worship, preferably with the Lutheran Church or a similar context. Commitment to upholding the Lutheran musical heritage.

·      Commitment to Saint John’s progressive Christian mission, vision, and values.

·      Superior oral, written, and interpersonal skills.

Terms of Employment

·      Full-time.

·      Compensation: $55,000-65,000 per year, depending on experience, with benefits.

·      Four weeks of paid vacation per calendar year, including four Sundays.

·      Two weeks of professional development per year.

To apply, please email a cover letter, a resume with references, and if available a digital sample of your work to pastorbscalet@stjohnssummit.org.

Detailed Job Description

Music Ministry

·      Direct and develop all choirs and ensembles. Current musical ensembles: Adult Choir, Handbell Choir, Saint John’s Brass Ensemble (professional quintet and percussion for Christmas and Easter), Recorder Ensemble, and Drumming Ensemble. Desire to restart Children’s Choir post-COVID. Occasional volunteer vocal or instrumental ensembles.

·      Provide music for all Sunday services, solo literature and liturgical accompaniment.

·      Provide organ and choral music for additional services, including but not limited to Ash Wednesday, Lenten Midweek, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Easter Vigil, Blue Christmas, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, occasional Summit Interfaith or Synodical worship events, and other feast days and special parish celebrations.

·      Musical support for Christian Education and congregational gatherings, as needed.

·      Play music at all weddings and funerals, with additional compensation.

Administration

·      Prepare a robust, diversified, and balanced plan of music for all choirs and ensembles. Schedule ensembles and musicians throughout the year.

·      Research, arrange, typeset, or compose music as needed.

·      Collaborate with the Pastor. Meet with the Pastor regularly to review the music program and coordinate worship. Select appropriate instrumental and choral music, consulting the Pastor in all respects of the music and worship life of the congregation.

·      Collaborate with the whole church staff. Provide all musical and copyright information for printing in the worship bulletin and for the livestream. Provide digital copies or typeset hymns, psalms, and service music as needed for the bulletin. Proofreading of print materials. Manage all copyright licensing and reporting. Prepare any music announcements, rehearsal schedules, and music information for inclusion in Saint John’s communications. Assist in technology, livestream, and AV work as relates to music ministry and ability.

·      Be responsible for the purchase of all necessary music and supplies, the maintenance of the church’s musical instruments, the hiring of paid musicians, maintaining the music budget and submitting financial matters to the Treasurer.

·      Supervise paid soloists/section leaders, paid guest musicians, or any additional music staff.

·      Secure substitute musicians for all continuing education, vacation time, and family or medical leave when the Director of Music will be away.

·      Participate ex officio in the work of the Worship and Music Committee.

Education and Support

·      Devote time to educating both the wider parish and those involved in the music program.

·      Practice organ and keyboard skills, and undertake regular Continuing Education in order to provide music and maintain professional standards of performance.

·      Participation in professional organizations, including but not limited to the Association of Lutheran Church Musicians and the American Guild of Organists.

·      Become educated in Saint John’s, New Jersey Synod, and ELCA policies and procedures; maintain clear professional boundaries; uphold the mission of the Church in word and deed.