Current Employment Opportunities
Director of Music
Purpose: Epworth United Methodist Church, located minutes away from Duke University in Durham, NC, is seeking a Director of Music. This leadership position will include the weekly preparation of the Chancel Choir, scheduling of all music groups for traditional worship service and other programs and developing various music ministries within the church.
Reporting Structure: The Director of Music is accountable to the Senior Pastor as head of staff and the Staff Pastor Parish Relations Committee.
The ideal candidate will:
- Be responsible for the development, direction, and leadership of the Epworth United Methodist Church music ministry.
- Collaborate with church organist, church staff, and volunteer music leaders in regard to music ministry activities.
- Attend weekly staff meetings and worship committee meetings.
Employee Status: This is a part-time, salaried position requiring approximately 20 hours per week.
Start Date: May 2020
Application Deadline: March 13th, 2020
SPRC Job Application (4)Job Contact Information:
Please send cover letter, resume, and application for employment to:
Thad Gurley
Epworth United Methodist Church
3002 Hope Valley Road
Durham, NC 27707
Director of Music-Job Description
Principal Function
Develop various music ministries within the church to support worship services, committee events, and other programs. Lead, instruct, participate in, and grow these activities to increase the Christian discipleship of Epworth UMC and its community.
Reporting Structure
The Director of Music Ministry is accountable to the Senior Pastor as head of staff and SPPRC.
Job Requirements
- Have the ability to recruit, motivate, and teach volunteer musicians
- Set high standards for quality of performance and inspire musicians to achieve them in leading worship
- Encourage and respond to staff efforts to grow Christian discipleship in all aspects in regard to church programs, events, and related functions, especially as it relates to the music ministry.
- Be accountable and dedicated to working in a team environment alongside the ordained pastors, office and non-office staff, volunteer laity, and contractual employees in all related duties to promote the responsibilities stated herein.
Educational Requirements
Bachelor’s Degree in Music, preferably sacred music, is required. Master’s Degree in Music or advanced certification in related field (e.g., music education) is preferred.
Professional Requirements
At least 3 years of instruction and/or music leadership experience along with good interpersonal skills and experience working with groups.
Responsibilities of Employment
- Responsible for the supervision, development, leadership, scheduling, organization, oversight, growth, and direction of the Epworth UMC music ministry, including but not limited to: Chancel Choir, Organist, and Children’s Choir, Instrumental Ensemble, Handbell Choir, Brass Quartet, Vocal and Instrumental Soloists, Piano/Organ duets, guest musicians and all related rehearsals for such activities
- Collaborate and work on scheduling with church organist, church staff, and volunteer music leaders in regard to any applicable music ministry activities
- Choose a variety of sacred music that fits our congregation and inspires it toward meaningful worship
- Attend weekly staff meetings, worship committee meetings, and any other committee meetings as requested by Senior Pastor or SPPRC pertaining to music ministry
- Assist Office Manager in developing communications applicable to delivery of music activities as necessary
- Oversee and assist laity volunteers and staff, if applicable, in delivery of performances for Handbell Choir, all Instrumental Ensembles and any other program or activity as directed by Senior Pastor
- Schedule and lead preparation for specially designated musical events that follow the liturgical calendar or correspond with the tradition of Epworth UMC
- Work in conjunction with the Organist in terms of coordination, scheduling, choice of music, and rehearsals for all relative music ministry activities
- Research, choose, understand, schedule private practice time for, and show proficiency in appropriate music for all music groups and activities, especially as relates to worship services, funeral services, special events, and/or requests by Senior Pastor
- Recruit participants for existing music activities as well as instrumentalists and vocalist for special music services and activities as necessary
- Develop, plan, and oversee budget for all music ministry activities in accordance with Worship Committee
- Oversee regular, preventative, or necessary maintenance for all music equipment and supplies, including but not limited to: organ, pianos, miscellaneous instruments, robes, and choir suite
- Communicate and respond as necessary with church staff, laity members, and any other applicable parties in response to delivery of music ministry
- Network with other musicians and church music ministry professionals to discuss ways and methods of improving Epworth UMC music programming
- Maintain membership, licenses, and certifications in various organizations as applicable to the position
Physical Requirements
This position involves working in a wide range of conditions that are moderately physically demanding. These may include but are not limited to: prolonged periods of standing, sitting, and working in front of a computer screen and the need to move furniture, boxes, and the like up to 30 pounds.
Employee Status
Non-exempt, salaried employee not to exceed 20 hours per week, approved annually by the Senior Pastor and SPPRC for inclusion in the operational budget approved by the Church Council.
Evaluation: Performance reviews will be conducted annually by the Senior Pastor and SPPRC.