Administrative Manager - Worship and Music Job at Washington National Cathedral

Overview

The Administrative Manager for Worship and Music is responsible for the day-to-day operational and administrative leadership of the worship and music programs at Washington National Cathedral. This position reports to the Canon for Precentor and manages departmental budgets, contracts, payroll, staffing logistics, and calendar planning in coordination with the Canon Precentor, Interim Director of Music Administration, and cross-departmental partners. The role supports major Cathedral services, events, and concerts, ensuring operational excellence from planning through performance. The Administrative Manager acts as the central point of coordination for the departments, maintaining effective communication across internal teams and external collaborators, and upholding institutional processes and accurate administration of services, rehearsals, and events. The position is internally collaborative and publicly facing, requiring professionalism, adaptability, and care. A working knowledge of choral or sacred music, or demonstrated interest in supporting the arts in a liturgical context, is strongly preferred.

Salary range is $80,000 - $85,000 commensurate with experience.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Cross-Departmental Support: Manage Canon Precentor's calendar; maintain departmental calendars; attend calendar meetings; process departmental invoices, check requests, receipts, and staff reimbursements; manage payroll and time sheets for hourly and per-service staff; process PTO requests for Canon Precentor and IDOMA/DOM; prepare, log, and submit special event pay documentation; coordinate food-related logistics for worship and music events; monitor the Music Office email account; order departmental office supplies; assist with music procurement.
• Operational and Financial Oversight: Work with Head Verger and Administrative Director of Liturgical Operations on Worship budget issues and billing; manage contracting and payment for per-service musicians; provide non-liturgical logistical support for worship services; support Music budget planning, tracking, and reconciliation with Finance; manage contracts, vendor relations, and honorarium processing for concert personnel.
• Calendar and Project Management: Coordinate the annual master calendar for services, concerts, and rehearsals; track project timelines and deliverables; schedule instrument maintenance.
• Staff and Artist Coordination: Maintain rosters and coordinate auditions and onboarding for staff singers, instrumentalists, and substitute musicians; serve as administrative liaison to payroll to ensure compliance with Cathedral policy.
• Concert and Event Production: Assist with logistical planning and execution of all concerts in collaboration with Production Manager and GEMS; assist with contracting and payment for guest musicians, conductors, and production support, including travel reimbursement.
• Communications and Representation: Serve as a primary point of contact for internal and external inquiries related to Music and Worship logistics; manage bi-weekly internal communications with the Music staff; perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in program administration, operations, or project management, preferably in a performing arts, religious, or nonprofit setting
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines
• Experience with budget oversight, financial tracking, and vendor/contractor management
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills across departments and stakeholders
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and familiarity with cloud-based scheduling or project management tools
• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in music, arts administration, or concert/event production
• Familiarity with liturgical worship traditions and church calendar cycles
• Prior work in a Cathedral, church, or mission-driven institution
• Experience working with musicians, contractors, or performing arts professionals
• Knowledge of institutional budgeting processes or nonprofit financial management
• Basic understanding of union contracts, per-service agreements, or freelance artist engagement

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge: Understanding of nonprofit, religious, or arts operations; budget management and payroll systems; project management; familiarity with choral or sacred music traditions; awareness of HR procedures and compliance for onboarding, PTO tracking, and contractor engagement
• Skills: Strong problem-solving, project management, communication, calendar coordination, contract/invoice reconciliation, and confidential record handling
• Abilities: Balance big-picture planning with day-to-day execution; collaborate with diverse staff and leadership; manage timelines and adapt to changing circumstances; represent the department professionally

Working Conditions

This position requires regular business hours work, with some weekend or after-hours duties as needed. Hybrid/remote scheduling is possible as dictated by department needs. Roles involve keyboard use, reading and preparing reports, prolonged sitting/standing, and physical tasks up to 25 pounds.

Washington National Cathedral is an equal opportunity employer and seeks a diverse, inclusive workplace. Applicants will not be discriminated against because of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin. Salary and benefits are commensurate with experience.