Description

St. Bede’s Episcopal Church in Menlo Park is seeking a part-time organist. Our 10:15 service includes the organ throughout the year for our worship, with the choir joining us from the Sunday after Labor Day through Pentecost Sunday. Our organist is responsible for leading the congregation in hymns and sung service music, accompanying the choir on select pieces, and selecting preludes, postludes, and organ anthems as appropriate. Our organist is an important part in shaping the environment of inclusion and support in which we strive to create a safe and welcoming community for all. Our hymns and service music are taken from the Hymnal 1982, Wonder, Love, and Praise, and other Episcopal sources. 

This position is a part-time, eight hour per week position, taking part in our choir rehearsals on Wednesday evenings during the program year and at our 10:15 service throughout the calendar year. Additional responsibilities include playing in burial services, weddings, and special services. These special services for us include several evensong services throughout the year,  services on Christmas Eve including Lessons and Carols, burial services, and other similar occasions. It is understood that our organist will have other responsibilities in life in addition to this position, and for services outside of the normal liturgical calendar is given the right of first refusal for these occasions.

Job Responsibilities

Prepare/rehearse scheduled music before the first choir rehearsal of that music. Prepare accompaniments to solo vocals and instrumental pieces as scheduled. 
Attend weekly choir rehearsals during the established choir season and, as requested, for special services or performances.
Participate in in-person services on Sunday mornings and, as requested, in special service or performances. 
Select and prepare weekly organ voluntaries in consultation with the Music Director.
Supervise maintenance of the organ and the sanctuary piano in consultation with the Music Director.
Work with the Music Director to solve musical challenges within the choir.
Work with the Music Director to engage a substitute organist for services when needed. 
Record hours worked accurately and submit timesheet for approval according to St. Bede’s 
semi-monthly payroll schedule.

Requirements

Job Qualifications and Additional Requirements

A Bachelor’s or Associate’s degree in music or equivalent experience.
Extensive knowledge of church musical repertoire and prior experience as a professional organist. Ability to accompany choir and soloists on piano a plus.
Flexible: able to work independently and as part of a team; ability to manage the unexpected with grace. 
Able to present a positive, friendly, welcoming image to parishioners, other church staff and the public.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and healthy boundaries.
Familiarity with the Episcopal Church or other religious institutions a plus.
Must complete and remain current with requirements outlined in the Episcopal Diocese of California’s “Whole and Healthy Church” abuse prevention policy. 
Must be able to clear a background check as directed by the Diocese.