Connecting Creative Minds, Arts & Creative Opportunities and Jobs
Overview
Honoring our strong traditions and stepping boldly into a new chapter of ministry, Fourth Presbyterian Church seeks a visionary and collaborative Organist and Director of Music. The successful candidate will steward a strong tradition of congregational, choral, and instrumental worship music while also expanding opportunities for diverse musical styles, educational programming, volunteer development, and community engagement. The Organist and Director of Music functions as a senior staff leader who will partner with the Pastor to articulate and implement a strategic vision for Music Ministry. This is a full-time position with competitive compensation, benefits, and opportunities for professional growth within a welcoming, multi-generational faith community. Fourth Presbyterian Church is a progressive and inclusive Presbyterian Church (PCUSA) located on Chicago’s vibrant Michigan Avenue. Its historic and modern buildings welcome hundreds of people each day, including members, guests, church staff, and others. Programs offer services to those who seek faith and guidance or are active in one of our many community programs or participate in one of our associated mission programs. Key Responsibilities
Leadership
Work with the Pastor and clergy staff to plan a vital program of worship music. Direct the work of the Music Ministry staff, including Music Manager, Morning Choir members, the Director of Music for Children and Youth, and freelance musicians. Rehearse and lead professional ensembles, including choral groups (including the Morning Choir), instrumentalists, and touring ensembles. Supervise and develop Music Ministry staff, including the Music Manager and Section Leaders in the Morning Choir. Recruit and support volunteer choristers and musicians, maintain a welcoming atmosphere for all backgrounds and skill levels. Build and sustain a culture of invitation and welcome that facilitates connections and belonging. Cultivate support for Fourth’s music program through outreach and fundraising efforts. Planning and Administration
Plan and coordinate music for weekly worship services, seasonal liturgies, weddings, funerals, and special occasions in collaboration with the Head of Staff Pastor and other pastoral and ministry staff. Oversee all aspects of the Music Ministry, including budget management, music library organization, and maintenance of instruments. Regularly provide clear and consistent communication to Music Ministry staff and volunteers. Support the work of the church’s Worship, Music, and Arts Committee through regular reporting and discerning the priorities and direction of the Music Ministry. Recruit and coordinate a growing team of Music Ministry volunteers. Community Engagement
Serve as the face of Fourth’s Music Ministry for members and visitors. Oversee an annual series of public concerts that features Fourth’s Music Ministry as well as outside musicians who rent our space. Promote Music Ministry programs and events to the congregation and wider public in collaboration with the Communications team. Represent the church in the broader Chicago music community, cultivating partnerships with schools, ensembles, and community organizations as appropriate. Qualifications
Master’s degree in music, Sacred Music, Choral Conducting, or a related field. Proven experience as a church organist and choral conductor, with demonstrated leadership in liturgical planning. Proficiency in pipe organ and piano. Strong vocal coaching and conducting skills; ability to work with both flourishing choirs and diverse vocal/instrumental groups. Strong administrative skills, including creating and managing budgets. Demonstrated experience coaching and supervising staff, including providing corrective feedback. Demonstrated ability to manage time and priorities effectively. Excellent communication and collaborative skills; ability to work respectfully across a broad spectrum of musical tastes and faith backgrounds. Commitment to inclusivity, diversity, and the mission of Fourth Presbyterian Church. Work Environment/Physical Requirements
The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those employee encounters while performing essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with different abilities to perform essential functions. The sanctuary organ is a five-manual electo-pneumatic instrument with approximately 8,343 pipes and 142 ranks. There is a Jardine organ in the east balcony of the sanctuary as well as a grand piano. Additional pianos are located throughout the campus, including in a secondary worship space, Buchanan Chapel. Schedule: weekly Sunday worship services; rehearsals, special seasonal services, and special events; occasional evenings and Saturdays; regular weekly office hours and attendance at Church/Chicago Light staff and administrative meetings. Resources: Modern facilities, professional-grade acoustics, and robust technology support for live-streaming and multimedia integration. One must be able to participate in online virtual communications, including email, video conferencing, and other online tools used to facilitate virtual office culture and work sharing. Smoke and drug (illegal or recreational)-free environment. Fourth Church/ Chicago Lights aims for accessibility in any off-site location that we control, but some of them may not be fully accessible. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, and scanners. Employees are regularly required to communicate effectively via computer, via phone, and in person. Be able to lift 35 pounds. Climbing stairs is required to access the sanctuary organ. This role requires frequent sitting and standing. Fourth Presbyterian Church’s/Chicago Lights office is located in downtown Chicago. Compensation and Benefits
Salary range: $110,000–$130,000 annual salary plus honoraria for weddings and funerals. Medical insurance (church pays 85% of employee monthly premium and 75% of eligible dependents) Dental and vision insurance plans Generous 17 days of PTO plus 11 paid holidays 403(b) retirement plan (3% employer contribution after one year of employment) FSA for unreimbursed medical and dependent daycare expenses Mass transit and commuter parking benefits Life and short-term disability insurance, optional life insurance, and long-term disability plan
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Honoring our strong traditions and stepping boldly into a new chapter of ministry, Fourth Presbyterian Church seeks a visionary and collaborative Organist and Director of Music. The successful candidate will steward a strong tradition of congregational, choral, and instrumental worship music while also expanding opportunities for diverse musical styles, educational programming, volunteer development, and community engagement. The Organist and Director of Music functions as a senior staff leader who will partner with the Pastor to articulate and implement a strategic vision for Music Ministry. This is a full-time position with competitive compensation, benefits, and opportunities for professional growth within a welcoming, multi-generational faith community. Fourth Presbyterian Church is a progressive and inclusive Presbyterian Church (PCUSA) located on Chicago’s vibrant Michigan Avenue. Its historic and modern buildings welcome hundreds of people each day, including members, guests, church staff, and others. Programs offer services to those who seek faith and guidance or are active in one of our many community programs or participate in one of our associated mission programs. Key Responsibilities
Leadership
Work with the Pastor and clergy staff to plan a vital program of worship music. Direct the work of the Music Ministry staff, including Music Manager, Morning Choir members, the Director of Music for Children and Youth, and freelance musicians. Rehearse and lead professional ensembles, including choral groups (including the Morning Choir), instrumentalists, and touring ensembles. Supervise and develop Music Ministry staff, including the Music Manager and Section Leaders in the Morning Choir. Recruit and support volunteer choristers and musicians, maintain a welcoming atmosphere for all backgrounds and skill levels. Build and sustain a culture of invitation and welcome that facilitates connections and belonging. Cultivate support for Fourth’s music program through outreach and fundraising efforts. Planning and Administration
Plan and coordinate music for weekly worship services, seasonal liturgies, weddings, funerals, and special occasions in collaboration with the Head of Staff Pastor and other pastoral and ministry staff. Oversee all aspects of the Music Ministry, including budget management, music library organization, and maintenance of instruments. Regularly provide clear and consistent communication to Music Ministry staff and volunteers. Support the work of the church’s Worship, Music, and Arts Committee through regular reporting and discerning the priorities and direction of the Music Ministry. Recruit and coordinate a growing team of Music Ministry volunteers. Community Engagement
Serve as the face of Fourth’s Music Ministry for members and visitors. Oversee an annual series of public concerts that features Fourth’s Music Ministry as well as outside musicians who rent our space. Promote Music Ministry programs and events to the congregation and wider public in collaboration with the Communications team. Represent the church in the broader Chicago music community, cultivating partnerships with schools, ensembles, and community organizations as appropriate. Qualifications
Master’s degree in music, Sacred Music, Choral Conducting, or a related field. Proven experience as a church organist and choral conductor, with demonstrated leadership in liturgical planning. Proficiency in pipe organ and piano. Strong vocal coaching and conducting skills; ability to work with both flourishing choirs and diverse vocal/instrumental groups. Strong administrative skills, including creating and managing budgets. Demonstrated experience coaching and supervising staff, including providing corrective feedback. Demonstrated ability to manage time and priorities effectively. Excellent communication and collaborative skills; ability to work respectfully across a broad spectrum of musical tastes and faith backgrounds. Commitment to inclusivity, diversity, and the mission of Fourth Presbyterian Church. Work Environment/Physical Requirements
The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those employee encounters while performing essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with different abilities to perform essential functions. The sanctuary organ is a five-manual electo-pneumatic instrument with approximately 8,343 pipes and 142 ranks. There is a Jardine organ in the east balcony of the sanctuary as well as a grand piano. Additional pianos are located throughout the campus, including in a secondary worship space, Buchanan Chapel. Schedule: weekly Sunday worship services; rehearsals, special seasonal services, and special events; occasional evenings and Saturdays; regular weekly office hours and attendance at Church/Chicago Light staff and administrative meetings. Resources: Modern facilities, professional-grade acoustics, and robust technology support for live-streaming and multimedia integration. One must be able to participate in online virtual communications, including email, video conferencing, and other online tools used to facilitate virtual office culture and work sharing. Smoke and drug (illegal or recreational)-free environment. Fourth Church/ Chicago Lights aims for accessibility in any off-site location that we control, but some of them may not be fully accessible. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, and scanners. Employees are regularly required to communicate effectively via computer, via phone, and in person. Be able to lift 35 pounds. Climbing stairs is required to access the sanctuary organ. This role requires frequent sitting and standing. Fourth Presbyterian Church’s/Chicago Lights office is located in downtown Chicago. Compensation and Benefits
Salary range: $110,000–$130,000 annual salary plus honoraria for weddings and funerals. Medical insurance (church pays 85% of employee monthly premium and 75% of eligible dependents) Dental and vision insurance plans Generous 17 days of PTO plus 11 paid holidays 403(b) retirement plan (3% employer contribution after one year of employment) FSA for unreimbursed medical and dependent daycare expenses Mass transit and commuter parking benefits Life and short-term disability insurance, optional life insurance, and long-term disability plan
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