Organist/Choirmaster (Spartanburg, SC)

Date Posted: 
May 6, 2022
Organization Name: 
The Episcopal Church of the Advent
Salary Range: 
$50,000-$55,000
Job Description: 

The Episcopal Church of the Advent Job Description

Job Title: Organist/Choirmaster FLSA Status: Exempt
Work Schedule: Full-Time

Position Summary: The Organist/Choirmaster will develop, direct, and coordinate a comprehensive music ministry for children, youth, and adults that will strengthen involvement and build energy and enthusiasm for the music ministry at the Episcopal Church of the Advent while enhancing the worship experience for the entire parish.

Reporting Relationship: Reports directly to the Rector

Other Key Relationships:

  • Internal: Director of Christian Formation, Director of Communications, Youth Director,

    Director of Children and Families, Parish Administrator, Clergy, Vestry, Parishioners, and

    other church staff

  • External: Vendors, Local Musicians, and Artistic Organizations

    Essential Job Functions and Primary Responsibilities:

  • Oversee the entire music program of the Advent

  • Work closely with staff and clergy in regular worship planning to provide unified,

    inspiring, and cohesive liturgical services

  • Direct or oversee all choirs, handbell ensembles, carillon guild, orchestral ensembles,

    and other musical activities of the church

  • Encourage, develop, and grow lay volunteer talent within the congregation

  • Recruit and supervise all section leaders of the adult choir and other guest musicians

  • Plan musical events at the church which serve as outreach opportunities to the broader

    Spartanburg community

  • Work closely with the Music Commitiee and the Liturgy Commission in the areas of

    liturgical planning and leadership

  • Assist in preparation and monitoring of the music budget

  • Accompany and oversee music for weddings and funerals for which the Organist/

    Choirmaster may receive bench fees and/or additional honoraria

  • See to the regular maintenance of the organ, pianos, and other musical instruments

    owned by the church.

  • Maintain the music library in an orderly manner and purchase music and music supplies

  • Attend staff meetings, staff retreats, and other events as required

  • Contribute to the vibrant life of the parish

    Competencies:

To perform this ministry successfully, the Organist/Choirmaster should possess the following knowledge, skills, abilities, and behaviors:

  • Musical skills—Exceptional keyboard skills, including all kinds of worship genres (especially traditional liturgical music); outstanding choral and ensemble conducting abilities; an extensive knowledge of a variety of worship repertoire; a deep understanding of the musical needs of a worship environment; the ability to learn music quickly and teach it effectively; the ability to adapt musically to unforeseen circumstances

  • Communication Skills—Excellence in writing and speaking to convey information to staff members and parishioners of all ages; the ability to listen in order to build and maintain positive relationships with children and their families, staff, guests, and all others; the ability to communicate effectively using various tools and technologies: phone, email, letters, notes, cards, newsletter articles, social media, flyers, and other technologies as they become available

  • Interpersonal Skills—An atitude of openness, interest, curiosity, acceptance, and engagement toward all who are encountered; a good sense of both humor and patience; the ability to uphold confidentiality and trustworthiness

  • Leadership Skills and Initiative—The ability to inspire and motivate others in a safe and inclusive environment; the initiative to, without prompting, take proactive steps and manage and improve situations and operations; the capacity to be innovative, responsible, and insightful

  • Adaptability and Good Judgement—The ability to adjust to and thrive in a dynamic changing environment; the willingness to make decisions, exhibit sound and accurate judgement, and make Gmely decisions while maintaining a dispositon that is coachable, receptive, and constructive

  • Teamwork, Planning, and Organizational Skills—The ability to work cooperatively with fellow staff members, parishioners, volunteers, vendors, and others to achieve the Advent’s mission and vision; the ability to plan and prioritize work activities, use time efficiently, and develop realistic action plans; the aptitude to establish and adhere to deadlines through effective Gme management

  • Problem Solving—The ability to identify and resolve problems in a timely manner using good judgement; the ability to gather and analyze information skillfully; to exhibit a willingness to ask for help

    Qualifications and Experiences

    • A Masters in Music in an appropriate area or equivalent experience.

    • A demonstrated ability as a leader of church music, preferably in a liturgical style of

      worship

      Physical and Other Requirements

    • Works in a clean and healthy environment

    • Will usually work inside a climate-controlled environment, but may at times be required

      to conduct business outside

  • Required to stand, sit, push, bend, lift, lean, and walk/move around without encumbrances

  • May be required to lift items up to 30 lbs.

    Job Description Acknowledgement and Acceptance

    This Job Description is not intended, and should not be construed, to be an exhaustive list of all Job Functions, Accountabilities, Competencies, Skills, and Work Environment/Conditions associated with this job. It is meant to be an accurate reflection of principal job elements useful for recruiting and selecting employees, assigning work, and evaluating performance. Additional responsibilities may be assigned and management retains the right to change this job description at any time. Acceptance of this Job Description does not constitute an employment agreement or contract. The Episcopal Church of the Advent is an at-will employer and reserves the right to terminate employment for any reason or no reason, with or without notice to the employee.

To apply for this position, please send the following materials to the Rev. J. Edward Morris, Rector, at nmorris@churchofadvent.org:

1. Letter of Inquiry
2. Resume/CV
3. Performance Link of Organ Playing and Choral Conducting