Minister of Music (Portland, OR)

Date Posted: 
March 26, 2018
Job Description: 

Job Title: Minister of Music
Organization Name: St. James Lutheran Church, Portland Oregon
Organization Website: stjamespdx.org
Salary Range (optional):
Job Description:
MINISTER OF MUSIC, St. James Lutheran Church
1315 SW Park Ave., Portland, OR 97201
“We share God’s Inclusive and eternal love with everyone”

MINISTER OF MUSIC:
The Minister of Music leads, encourages and supports the worship of the
congregation and its ministry through music.  This full time, salaried
position is responsible for leading and administering the entire music
program.  The Minister of Music will demonstrate strong organ and choral
conducting skills, incorporate an awareness of Lutheran liturgical and
theological traditions and exemplify strong leadership and organizational
abilities. Responsibilities include planning music for all worship services
in consultation with the pastor.  This includes the building, planning and
nurturing of the Chancel Choir, Vesper series, Bell Choir and youth
education. The Minister of Music shall support the vision, goals and annual
objectives of the congregation.

Primary Tasks
•       Plan liturgy, hymnody, and choral music for all regular worship services,
in collaboration with the pastor.
o       Plan music, rehearse and play for all worship services.
o       Submit music selections (organ, choral, instrumental) and details to the
church office at the beginning of each week for preparation of service
bulletins.  Work with Parish Administrator in proofing the bulletin for
print.
o       Rehearse the Chancel Choir weekly and before worship services.
o       Rehearse Hand bell choir (September-May) with goal of monthly worship
participation.
o       Schedule /rehearse) cantors and special music for summer services.
o       Manage the paid choral scholars and additional special musicians.

•       Administer, plan and direct Bach Vesper series, (includes hiring
instrumentalists and soloists, and handling publicity).
•       Support the Jazz Vesper Ministry at St. James by being in regular
communication with the Director of Jazz Vesper and attend monthly Jazz
Vespers as able.

•       Attend regular meetings with staff, pastor and Worship Committee, as
scheduled
•       Submit annual budget for Music Ministry to Finance Committee each fall.
•       Oversee  maintenance of all church  musical instruments which include the
main sanctuary three-manual Richard Bond pipe organ, a portative organ (The
Margaret B. Witschard organ) built by Bond Organ Company, plus two grand
pianos.
•       Maintain and order music for choral and instrumental libraries

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

•       Bachelor’s degree in sacred music, choral conducting/organ performance
required; Master’s Degree preferred.
•       Knowledge of the rich heritage of Liturgical Worship
•       Proven work history of Liturgical Worship Leadership
•       Extensive experience in organ performance and choral conducting required
•       Knowledge other music genres, e.g. Jazz
•       Strong Administrative skills, including running seasonal music series,
producing budgets, collaborative working relationship with church staff and
choir members and musicians
•       Ability to work flexible schedule to accommodate all services and
rehearsals
•       Maintain excellence in one’s own musical skills through regular
practices, study and continuing education.

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT US, VISIT OUR WEBSITE AT: https://stjamespdx.org/

Contact Email: Music@stjamespdx.org