Calling All Music Directors!

St Mark Lutheran Church seeks a Director of Music to lead our vibrant music ministry. This role requires an organist and choral conductor with a strong foundation for liturgical music and a commitment to Lutheran worship. Responsibilities include accompanying services; directing our choir; coordinating with our handbell program; incorporating guest musicians as appropriate; and fostering intergenerational musical growth. Our ideal candidate possesses a degree in music, excellent organizational and communication skills, and a collaborative spirit. Experience with handbell choirs, children’s music programs, and recruiting/managing volunteer musicians is highly desirable. 

About Us:

St. Mark Lutheran Church is a welcoming and active congregation committed to sharing the love of Christ through worship, music, and service. We value a collaborative spirit, musical excellence, and a deep appreciation for the role of music in enriching our faith journey.

About the Position:

Director of Music/Organist shall possess credentials in music and have an understanding of the role of organ, choral and instrumental music within the liturgy. This individual shall be responsible for the effective planning, coordination, and execution of organ, congregational, choir music and special music within the liturgical celebrations of the church. This person must possess outstanding communication skills for work in a team environment to include staff and musicians. 

Our Ideal Candidate:

• Possesses a degree in music or equivalent experience
• Demonstrates proficiency in organ and piano, with a deep understanding of liturgical music
• Exhibits excellent choral conducting and vocal technique skills
• Excels in interpersonal and communication skills
• Possesses a collaborative spirit and a passion for working with others
• Has a heart for sharing the love of music and faith with the congregation

Essential Qualities:

• A strong foundation in liturgical music
• The ability to lead congregational singing with confidence and enthusiasm
• Skilled choir leadership and a knack for developing singers of all ages
• A collaborative approach to working with staff and volunteers

Bonus Points:

• Familiarity with the ELCA and its liturgical practices
• Interest in developing music programs for children and youth

To Apply:

Please submit your application using the following link.

Please email your resume to churchcomm@smlconline.org

We look forward to hearing from you!

For more information, please reach out to Pastor Rev. Joel Neubauer.  Email Pastor Joel

Job Description

Job Title: Director of Music/Organist

Revision Date: January 2025

Supervisor: Pastor      

Salary and benefits for this position will be commensurate with the candidate’s experience and qualifications.                                                 

Position Overview: 

The Director of Music/Organist shall possess credentials in music and have an understanding of the role of organ, choral and instrumental music within the liturgy. This individual shall be responsible for the effective planning, coordination, and execution of organ, congregational, choir music and special music within the liturgical celebrations of the church. This person must possess outstanding communication skills for work in a team environment to include staff and musicians. 

Job Skill Requirements: 

• Maintain a vision of music in the overall church endeavor. 
• Be excellent in playing, and knowledgeable of, the pipe organ to include hymn playing and organ preludes and postludes.
• Be proficient in keyboard skills, to include piano. Harpsichord, a plus.
• Possess choral skills and knowledge to include repertoire selection, rehearsal and vocal techniques applicable for volunteer singers.
• Have knowledge of sacred choral literature in keeping with the ELCA; familiarity with Sundays and Seasons and Prelude Music Planner, a plus.
• Possess outstanding interpersonal skills. 

Education/Experience Requirements: 

Primary Responsibilities: 

Worship:

• Collaborates with the pastor to provide all worship music for Sunday services (currently 9:00 and 11:00am).
• Plans, prepares and implements faithful, quality, choral offerings in worship.
• Plans special music for choir, handbells and guest musicians in collaboration with the pastor for festival days (Christmas, Easter and other days as may be suggested by the pastor).
• Participates in services during Advent and Lent, midweek, Holy Week, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day.
• Is sensitive to, and adapts to congregational needs. 
• Collaborates with the handbell choir director and oversees handbell participation in worship.

Choir:

• Maintains and further develops the choir program already in place. 
• Prepares invigorating, challenging yet accessible, serious but fun, choral rehearsals in preparation for participation in worship
• Remains abreast of current developments in liturgy and music. 
• Researches, purchases and distributes music as appropriate. 
• Maintains the music library, assures copyright permissions and records usage.

Other Responsibilities:

• Attends and participates in meetings as necessary. 
• Coordinates care and maintenance of the organ and other church pianos/keyboards/instruments.
• Prepares and manages the music program budget.
• Communicates with the church membership about the music ministry.
• Plays for weddings and funerals (fees can be set via wedding procedure documents)
• Interest and skill in developing music for children and youth, a plus. Music ideas and opportunities for children and youth at St Mark may be presented to a qualified candidate.