JOB DESCRIPTION
DIRECTOR MUSIC MINISTRIES
PURPOSE:
To coordinate and oversee the music for this congregation’s worship experiences so that the music
presented is a vehicle for praise, prayer, and thanksgiving by the congregation. The Director will be
expected to be supportive of this congregation’s team leadership approach and style. (1)
TIME COMMITMENT:
20-30 hours per week depending on level of responsibilities assumed.
LEVEL 1 – REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Music Leadership:
 Plan and coordinate the traditional music program, providing leadership and resources to other
music leaders of the congregation.
 As requested by the pastors, coordinate music for weddings and funerals conducted at the
church.
 Direct and hold regular rehearsals for choirs and ensembles including, but not limited to Chancel
and Chapel choirs, instrumental groups, and hand bells.
 Recommend new music and liturgy for worship, and assist the congregation in learning these
new settings.
 Make available new resources and ideas to program participants.
 Work with pastoral staff to implement music for the annual Sunday School Christmas program.
 Assist with music for annual summer Vacation Bible School (if necessary).
Worship Planning:
 Assist pastors and Celebration Team in developing, planning, and implementing worship
experiences for all scheduled traditional services and not limited to hymn selection.
 Investigate and recommend hymns, liturgies, and worship styles for consideration by the
Celebration Team. Make available new resources and ideas.
 Schedule choirs, ensembles, soloists, instrumentalists etc., in coordination with other music
leaders.
 Be an active member of the Celebration Team.
Support of Other Musicians:
 Support, encourage, assist, and guide directors of other musical groups to help them fulfill their
tasks to the best of their abilities.
 Provide guidance in the selection of music for various choral and instrumental ensembles (not
limited to organized, ongoing choirs).
Service:
 Be available as a resource to congregational members in the areas of music and worship for
funerals, weddings, hymnody, liturgy, etc.
 Be available for service beyond First Lutheran Church (i.e. synod and community events).
Administration:
 Maintain professional competency through practice and attending seminars.
 Recruit for choirs and ensembles and facilitate participation of all ages.
 Recruit and schedule special music for worship services (summers in the absence of choirs,
Christmas preludes, etc.).
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Oversee selection and make purchases of music for all choirs and ensembles within budget
guidelines.
Submit an annual budget request for all music-related items such as: music, tuning and
maintenance of all instruments, choir materials and supplies, continuing education for music staff,
paying for music licenses and copyright permission, purchasing journals and worship resources,
and funding for special music events.
Write an annual report to the congregation of the activities of the Director of Music and the music
programs at First Church.
Keep music copyright licenses current. Keep records on file. Advocate for lawful use of copying
music.
Maintain music library and supervise maintenance of all instruments (organ, piano, keyboard,
hand bells, others).
Participate with the pastors, other staff members, and congregational leaders in facilitating
congregational goals.
Responsible for all music staff employees, including coordination of responsibilities, performance,
annual performance review, and salary recommendations. (1)
Provide regular written reports to the Congregation Council.
Communicate with the congregation about music ministry through weekly and monthly
Revelations.
Attend regular staff meetings.
Qualifications:
 Bachelor of Music degree or equivalent experience.
 Understanding of the theology, practices, and worship of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in
America and match appropriate vocal/instrumental music with themes of the church year.
 Classically-trained music background in both keyboard and vocal skills. Thorough knowledge of
instruments and keyboard ability to play hymns, liturgy, easy anthem accompaniments on piano
or keyboard.
 Knowledge of music theory including transpositions and harmonizing a melody.
 Experience in the development and coordination of a comprehensive music program in a liturgical
church including competency in directing vocal and instrumental groups of all ages.
 Ability to communicate effectively with people, to relate well with all ages and to convey the
importance of our response to God through music and worship.
 Ability to work well with others and participate collegially with pastors, other staff members, and
congregational leaders.
LEVEL 2 – HIGHLY DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS
Includes all of the above plus:
 Organ proficiency.
 Share organist duties with current organist. (2)
 Coordinate organ/piano music for traditional services, including seasonal and special event
services.
LEVEL 3 – DESIRABLE BUT NOT IMPERATIVE
Includes either Level 1 or Level 1 and 2 proficiency plus:
 Oversight of contemporary worship musicians.
 Familiarity with popular, contemporary Christian music.
 Electronic keyboard proficiency.
 Substitute approximately 6 times per year for contemporary band keyboardist.
 Participate with contemporary worship planning team.
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Direct the youth band.
COMPENSATION:
 Annual salary range is $20,000 – $30,000 commensurate with level of experience and ability.
 Two weeks of vacation after first full year of service.
 Benefits unavailable.
Footnotes
(1) Depending on level of experience.
(2) Paid on a per service basis.