Director of Music & Organist Job Description

Job Overview

The Episcopal Church of St. Thomas the Apostle is a theologically progressive church located in the heart of Dallas, Texas. Our parish is warm, compassionate, and welcoming of all! We worship in a traditional manner, recognizing that music unites us together and draws us closer to God. Our sanctuary houses a beautiful 3 manual pipe/electronic hybrid Monarke organ custom made by the Johannes Organ Company in The Netherlands. With voices equivalent to 53 registers of pipes, the instrument produces both pure organ tone as well as sounds imitative of flues, strings, brass, and bells. There is an additional practice space that includes a 5 foot Bernhard Steiner piano and a harpsichord.

We are seeking a talented Director of Music & Organist who is well-versed in a variety of musical genres to lead our congregation and adult volunteer choir in sung worship each Sunday. This position is a part-time, entry-level staff position with flexible work hours (approximately 15-17 hours per week). A successful candidate will be familiar with the Episcopal liturgical tradition, will be a strong choral director, will be self-motivated, and will work collaboratively with the Rector to grow and enhance St. Thomas’ music ministry.

Qualifications and skills

• The Director of Music must have an active faith and a passion for music as a form of worship (this is not a performance opportunity).
• At least a Bachelor’s degree in music performance, church music, or other related field is preferred.
• Proficiency on the organ and piano as soloist and accompanist.
• Experience and competency directing a choir, forming individual members of various proficiencies into a unified voice.
• Knowledge and experience in liturgical worship, and familiarity with Episcopal liturgy and theology.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with people of all ages, internal and external to the parish.
• Broad knowledge of historical and contemporary church music and other music appropriate for use in worship.
• Familiarity with alternative worship styles and open to exploring new developments in worship music.
• Ability to pass a comprehensive background check.

Job expectations

• In collaboration with the Rector, seek to nurture joy, reverence and participation in music as part of the congregation’s life and worship.
• Participate in regular staff meetings with the Rector and other staff as necessary.
• Select music appropriate to the liturgical season for congregational singing, choral anthems, and/or instrumental reflection.
• Work with clergy and families to plan and execute music for weddings and funerals (with supplemental compensation). If necessary arrange for a substitute.
• Serve as primary music resource to the parish, offering opportunities for education that raise awareness of the critical linkage between liturgy and music.
• Direct and provide appropriate leadership in the rehearsal and preparation of all adult music ensembles of the church (Vocal & Hand bell choirs).
• Provide all necessary information to the Office Administrator regarding production of service leaflets and other supporting materials.
• Develop, submit, manage, and adhere to a music budget in coordination with the Rector and Budget, Finance, & Administration committee.
• Maintain (or provide for the maintenance of) all musical instruments, the music library, choral vestments and facilities, and all other items specific to the music ministry.

Work schedule

The Director of Music & Organist is an Exempt part-time, approximately 15-17 hours a week, position. Work hours are flexible and to be determined in concert with the Rector. Nights and weekends are required due to service schedules, ensemble rehearsals, weddings, funerals, etc. Regular worship services are on Sundays at 8:00am (Rite 1) and 10:30am (Rite 2).

Additional services include, but are not limited to:

• Christmas Eve
• Christmas Day
• Ash Wednesday
• Maundy Thursday
• Good Friday
• Easter Vigil

Compensation and Benefits

• The stipend for this part-time position is $25,000/year.
• This position is less than 20 hours/week, and therefore does not qualify for pension or medical benefits as per the standards set forth by Church Pension Group (CPG).
• After one year of service, two weeks of vacation will accrue, but may not be carried over from year-to-year without specific consent of the Rector, and should be coordinated with the Rector for a mutually agreed upon time.
• It is the responsibility of the Director of Music to “cover the bench” with competent musicians in his/her absence with allocated budget funds for “guest musicians.”
• Funerals for members of the congregation are expected and included in the provided compensation package. Non-member funerals carry a suggested honorarium of $200. The wedding fee for both members and non-members is $300. The Director of Music has bench rights, first rights of refusal for all weddings and other musical events.
• A (small) continuing education budget is provided for membership in professional guilds (AGO, AAM), and provides for shared-cost participation in travel to workshops/conferences.

Working Conditions and Requirements

• The duties of this job require regular sitting and frequent use of hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls. In addition, the Director of Music is occasionally required to stand, walk, reach with hands and arms, and talk or hear.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus and to read music.
• Ability to utilize legs, ankles, hands, and feet to play all manuals.
• Lifting up to 20 lbs of music books, instruments, and various items associated with the above mentioned duties.

The Episcopal Church of St. Thomas the Apostle is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in its hiring practices. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, faith tradition, color, national origin, gender, gender identity or expression sexual orientation, age, disability, or any other applicable characteristics.

How to Apply

Please submit the following:

• Cover Letter explaining your interest in the role and your approach to music and worship.
• Resume detailing relevant experience.

Send applications to info@thedoubter.org with the subject line: Director of Music Application. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.

Deadline to Apply: March 15, 2025