Description

First and Central Presbyterian Church (F&C) seeks a talented, energetic, and creative individual to serve as its next Director of Music Ministries. The ideal candidate is a trained organist, pianist, and choral conductor who will work under the supervision of the Pastor/Head of Staff and in cooperation with the Worship Committee of Session. This is a full-time, salaried position with benefits. Salary is $68,000 to $78,000, commensurate with education and experience.

F&C is an open and affirming congregation that currently offers one worship service each Sunday morning, as well as services on Christmas Eve and other liturgical occasions. The Chancel Choir, composed of 6 professional and 16 high-level volunteer singers, is well-respected in the region. F&C’s musical assets include: the Gabriel Kney organ, opus 112, (sanctuary); a Steinway B grand piano (sanctuary); and a newly restored vintage Mason & Hamlin grand piano (choir rehearsal room).

Core Responsibilities:

• Serve as organist/pianist for all worship services, providing leadership for the planning and presentation of all worship music (anthems, hymnody, service music, etc.) in collaboration with the Pastor/Head of Staff.
• Lead the Chancel Choir, which performs from September through May, including:
  • Planning and preparing all repertoire;
  • Conducting weekly choir rehearsals during performing season (at present, two hours on Thursday evenings and 30 minutes on Sunday mornings);
  • Coordinating with volunteer help to maintain music library;
  • Recruiting and auditioning new professional and volunteer singers as needed;
  • Providing interpersonal leadership to maintain the thriving and vibrant dynamic of the Choir.
• Serve as organist and coordinator/consultant for music in weddings, memorial services, and other special services (paid separately in addition to salary).
• Recruit a volunteer summer choir from the congregation for June and July, selecting appropriate music and rehearsing before each summer Sunday service.
• Participate in professional networking/continuing education with organizations such as the American Guild of Organists and American Choral Directors Association.
• Coordinate the tuning and other maintenance of the church’s musical instruments.
• Enhance one of F&C’s primary forms of outreach by serving as the Artistic Director of Market Street Music (MSM), a separate 501(c)3 non-profit organization founded in 2010 to continue and expand F&C’s decades-long tradition of presenting high-quality concerts outside of worship. MSM programs and presents a slate of concerts each season, including 24 short Thursday Noontime Concerts and 4-6 full-length Festival Concerts. Supported by MSM’s board and staff Program Administrator, the candidate would:
  • Lead MSM’s two resident choirs:
    • Center City Chorale, an all-volunteer adult choir that rehearses midday Tuesdays during the season and presents two Thursday Noontime Concerts each fall and spring.
    • Mastersingers of Wilmington, a semi-professional choir that attracts the region’s highest-level performers and presents one Festival Concert each fall and spring (usually with organ but occasionally with instrumental ensembles).
  • Perform two Thursday Noontime Concerts each season as solo organist.
  • Plan and hire musical acts for the other Thursday Noontime and Festival Concerts.
  • Coordinate grant-writing, fundraising, and marketing activities with the board/Program Administrator.
  • Advocate on behalf of MSM in the church and community.

The start date for this position is negotiable. We are considering applications and are looking to fill the position as early as spring 2025. We will accept materials and consider applicants as long as the position remains open. To apply, please send a link to your portfolio or a letter of interest, your résumé, video samples of your playing and conducting, and references to FandCDirectorofMusicMinistries@yahoo.com, attn: Joseph Bradley, Chair, Director of Music Ministries Search Committee. 

First & Central Presbyterian Church does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability or age, and encourages candidates from historically underrepresented backgrounds to apply.

Requirements

Required Skills and Experience

• Minimum of a Master’s degree in Organ Performance or similar program
• At least 5 years’ experience in church music leadership
• Strong hymn accompanying skills with appropriate improvisation and modulation capabilities
• Interest and experience with a variety of sacred and secular choral repertoire
• Formal post-graduate training in choral conducting
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including kindness and respect for others and the ability to collaborate
• A willingness to be active in the local community and life of the church
   

Preferred Skills and Experience

• A background and interest in liturgy, particularly of the PCUSA
• Strong knowledge and experience with vocal/choral singing techniques
• Interest in composing, arranging, and transposition
• A background in arts administration