Position Opening
Director of Music
South Congregational Church
Pittsfield, Massachusetts
South Congregational Church in downtown Pittsfield, Massachusetts, seeks a part-time, year-round Director of Music to plan and lead the church’s music program. The Director of Music collaborates with church staff and lay leaders to foster, support, and coordinate worship and spiritual growth through congregational, choral, and instrumental music. In this work, the Director of Music contributes to South Congregational Church’s mission to “be a constructive force in God’s world.” Formed in 1850, South Church plays a vital role in social justice and community building in a small but vibrant city in western Massachusetts.
Duties
The Director of Music’s primary responsibilities include providing service music on organ and/or piano at regular Sunday services (10 am) throughout the year; rehearsing weekly and directing the adult Chancel Choir (15+ members) at Sunday services September through mid-June; choosing hymns and other service music for weekly worship in consultation with the pastor; providing organ/piano, choral, and other special music for several additional services during the year, including Christmas Eve and Maundy Thursday; and playing for weddings/funerals. The Director of Music will work with the Christian Education Director to integrate musical experiences into an active and growing Christian Education program and will explore options for using the church’s hand bells, tone chimes, and other instruments.
Additional responsibilities include developing and maintaining the music library; overseeing the maintenance and tuning of church instruments; hiring instrumental and vocal soloists as needed; arranging for substitutes during scheduled vacations; submitting a written annual report to the congregation; and maintaining good communication with the Music Committee (to whom the Director of Music reports) regarding overall music program and budget.
Qualifications
The successful candidate will be proficient in organ and piano; have demonstrated success with choir development and conducting; value a diverse selection of music; be creative in leading and contributing to an inspiring, spiritual environment; and maintain a fresh, evolving approach to the church’s music program. Strong organizational/communication skills and experience working with adults and children of varying levels of ability and experience are a must. South Church is looking for a thoughtful, self-directed musician and an enthusiastic, imaginative team player who shares the congregation’s commitment to the church family and the wider community.
Compensation & Schedule
Compensation for this part-time, unbenefited position is competitive. The position entails a weekly commitment of 10-12 hours. Scheduled time includes weekly Sunday worship services, a weekly choir practice (currently on Thursday evenings, September–May), and a weekly meeting with the pastor. Practice time and planning time are self-scheduled and may occur on or off-site. The Director of Music reports to the South Church Music Committee but works closely with the pastor, Christian Education director, and Administrative Coordinator, as well as lay leadership.
To Apply
Please send a letter of interest and resume to the attention of the Director of Music Search Committee by U.S. mail or by e-mail:
South Congregational Church
110 South Street
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.