The Church of the Redeemer is seeking a Director of Music.

The Director of Music will lead the music for Sunday 10:30 am Eucharists, Holy Week, Christmas and additional services customary to the Parish’s liturgical cycle. The Episcopal Church of the Redeemer enjoys a robust musical tradition with a large adult choir, supported by professional section leaders, and seeks to develop burgeoning children’s and bell choirs. We also proudly present an annual music series, and showcase special musical events that reflect the community at large, while embracing the rich traditions of our Anglican inheritance.  The Director of Music is an important part of the worship and communal life of the Church of the Redeemer, working to strengthen existing programs and exploring new opportunities. 

The full-time base salary range is $55,000-$62,000. The role includes excellent medical, dental and vision insurance, life insurance, disability insurance, and a retirement plan.

General Position Description:

• Serve as organist during Sunday services while utilizing service music and hymn selections in accordance with the traditions of the Episcopal Church.

• Direct the adult and children’s choir during services. 

• Provide for streaming of worship services and occasional other events and update music and events on the Redeemer website.

• The Director of Music reports directly to the rector.

Primary Responsibilities: 

• Recruit and maintain the Redeemer choirs and paid section leaders during choir season (Labor Day through the second Sunday in June). The adult choir consists of volunteers, with up to 4 paid section leaders. 

• Lead choir rehearsals on Thursday evenings and Sunday mornings. 

• Work with the rector and other church staff to plan music appropriate to the Lectionary.

• Facilitate congregational singing and worship through the excellent execution of hymns and other service music.

• Ensure maintenance of the choir robing room: vestments and music library

• Supervise and schedule maintenance requirements of the organ, pianos, and bells

• Be responsible for the administration and expenditure of the music budget, including recurring payments to section leaders and the development of an annual music budget, in collaboration with the Rector, bookkeeper and Treasurer. 

• Arrange the contract hire of instrumentalists or singers when required for services or special concerts.

• Act as musical liaison between the church and families in preparation for special service preparations, i.e., weddings, funerals, baptisms, etc. 

Other Responsibilities include:

• Produce service leaflets for 10:30 am Eucharists, special liturgies, concerts, and Music at Redeemer events. Train and support staff in design and printing of materials.

• Update and maintain website pages to indicate upcoming music events.

• Develop and lead the Music at Redeemer Series in collaboration with members of Friends of Music at Redeemer (FOMAR). The Music at Redeemer Series includes approximately 12 special musical events over the course of a year that provide non-sacred concerts of a professional standard. The series is underwritten by Friends of Music at Redeemer and ticket sales. 

• Assist in drafting an annual Friends of Music letter to solicit support and outline all programs planned for the upcoming program year. This letter is generally sent out in the late spring or early summer in order to not conflict with the Church of the Redeemer's annual fall stewardship effort.

• Attend weekly staff meetings.

• Coordinate facility booking with church administration. Manage bookings for music events such as piano/organ recitals and chamber music concerts.

Requirements and Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in organ performance, sacred music, choral conducting or equivalent - CAGO, ChM, AAGO certificates.

• Play organ at a professional level.

• Extensive experience conducting and working with choirs, both professional and amateur. 

• Knowledge of the Episcopal liturgy.

• Organizational and planning skills.

• Ability to manage a music series and work with groups in a committee setting.

• Excellent public speaking skills.

• Collaborative and adept at developing strong relationships. 

Compensation and Conditions:        

• Salary is commensurate with experience, Episcopal Diocese of Washington guidelines, and budget projections and/or considerations of the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer.

• Compensation will be made based on a 40 hr per week schedule, understanding that this time frame will ebb and flow with the liturgical season.  It is understood that approximately 10% of this time is devoted to FOMAR.  

• Annual Paid Leave will be granted for 4 weeks (28 days) days a year, consisting of a total of 4 Sundays as well as 3 days after Christmas and Easter. In addition, the position also allows for 7 days of continuing education leave.

• It is the Director of Music’s responsibility to contract substitute organists during any absences. 

• If a substitute organist is needed for any services that exceed allowance of paid time off, the Director of Music will be solely responsible for fiduciary compensation of the substitute.

• Regular performance discussions, at a minimum mid-year and the end of the year, will occur. Salary increases, in accordance with Diocesan scale as well as budgetary considerations will be made annually. 

• The Church of the Redeemer will also be made available should the Director of Music wish to give private music lessons.

• The Director of Music will have the right of first refusal for special services outside the scope of the standard liturgy – weddings, funerals, etc. However, it will be the responsibility of the Director of Music to contract any instrumentalists and/or singers required for the special service as well as any substitute organist required.

To apply, submit the following by August 1, 2024:

• Cover letter

• Resumé or CV

• Contact information for three professional references

• Submit two videos that demonstrate expert proficiency in both organ and choral conducting skills. Videos of organ playing should include examples of both solo work and congregational accompaniment. Videos that demonstrate skill in directing a choir from the organ console is also encouraged. Links to online content are preferred over large media files attached to email correspondence.

Applications may be submitted electronically to the Director of Music Search Committee via email at depwarden@redeemerbethesda.org.