Music and Choir Director
St. Mary’s Episcopal Church is an actively inclusive and vibrant progressive Christian faith community located on a beautiful 19-acre campus in midtown, Anchorage Alaska. This position is for the music at our main 10am Sunday service, (and other special occasions) once every other week. We have two music groups; this position is for the Choir Director of our vested organ choir. Unless, or until, our schedule changes, this position has every other Sunday off.
Under the supervision and direction of the Rector of St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, the Music and Choir Director will:
· With the approval of the Rector of St. Mary’s, or his or her designee, choose Sunday and special service music for the St. Mary’s Choir, in cooperation with the organist or accompanist.
· As above, select appropriate choir anthem or soloist / duets pieces for the choir
· Recruit and equip choir members, section leaders, and vocalist leads, rehearse the choir 1.5 hours weekly, and provide support to individual section leaders, choir members and musicians as needed.
· Serve as music coordinator and/or choir director for the St. Mary’s Choir during 10am Sunday morning and special worship services.
· Provide special vocal support or performance as needed for the 10 AM service or special services.
· Maintain proper care and organization of the music collection, bells, piano, etc. Arrange tunings of instruments as needed, in consultation with the rector.
· Represent the choir at the Annual Ministry Fair (in the Fall) and write the Annual report for the St. Mary’s 10 AM Service.
· Communicate weekly to the choir using e-mail, etc., to keep the choir motivated and appraised of upcoming opportunities, programs, and plans. Assist with recruiting new members into the choir.
· Assist with special liturgical services (including services of Christmas, Epiphany, Ash Wednesday Holy Week, and Thanksgiving) or other special events such as retreats requiring music, as needed.
· Arrange for and schedule guest musicians, soloists, duets, or other appropriate special music for summer services, or services at which the choir is unable to be present in full strength.
· In cooperation with the Rector or his or her designee, facilitate the recruitment, selection, and/or utilization of contemporary musicians and music as needed to supplement the usual traditional musical offerings of St. Mary’s for Sunday or special services.
· Report all paid employee’s hours worked and rehearsals/worship services attended to the Operations Manager and Administrator.
· Attend one worship committee meeting per month, and St. Mary’s staff meeting as needed. (1 per mo.
· Assist with Children’s Music programs, or other music needs of St. Mary’s as needed.
· Write an occasional piece for the St. Mary’s weekly newsletter, website, or social media, and submit regular announcements of upcoming music-program or choir related events.
· Arrange for the hosting or organization of an annual choir Christmas party for the choir.
· Communicate pastoral care needs within the choir to church staff.
· Maintain a welcoming, supportive, and inclusive spirit within the music department and choir, and support the overall mission of St. Mary’s Episcopal Church with whole-hearted dedication, commitment, good humor, and passion. St. Mary’s is an LGBTQA+-friendly and affirming faith community.
· Nurture and maintain a cooperative and life-giving professional relationship with the musicians, clergy, and Rector of St. Mary’s.
Compensation for this part-time position is negotiable, depending on experience.
This position is salaried. The average monthly workload is estimated to be approximately 18-19 hours Yearly average is estimated to be 210 hours/ year, or the approximate equivalent of 8 hrs. per week, every other week (= approx.. 4 hours per week averaged over the year. Jan – Dec.)
Other than scheduled Sundays off according to the summer schedule, it is expected that the Music Director will have scheduling or travel conflicts on occasion, and up to an additional 4 Sunday services per year may be taken off, at a compensation reduction of $200 per Sunday. The organist/ Music director will make arrangements for a substitute musician in their absence.
St. Mary’s Episcopal Church is a vibrant, welcoming, and inclusive church community that does not discriminate due to age, race, disability, sexual orientation, gender or gender identity.
Job Type: Part-time
Pay: $27.00 per hour
Schedule:
- Holidays
- Weekends as needed
Ability to Commute:
- Anchorage, AK 99507 (Preferred)
Work Location: In person