
Director of Music Job at Presbytery Of The James do in Fredericksburg
Presbytery Of The James do, Fredericksburg, VA, United States
FREDERICKSBURG, VIRGINIA
Director of Music
The Presbyterian Church of Fredericksburg seeks a part‑time Director of Music to lead and nurture a vibrant, intergenerational music ministry rooted in the classical and sacred traditions of Reformed worship. Building on a long history of musical excellence, the Director of Music will collaborate with our pastor, organist, staff, and volunteers to shape worship that reflects the depth, beauty, and theological integrity of our tradition. This position offers the opportunity to guide established ensembles, cultivate musical growth across all ages, and steward a rich legacy of choral and instrumental music within a historic downtown congregation.
The Director of Music will oversee a program that includes our Adult Choir—an accomplished SATB ensemble with strong musicianship and a broad repertoire of anthems and major works—as well as the Jubilate Ringers, a seasoned four‑octave handbell choir, a Youth Choir for middle and high schoolers, and a Covenant Choir for elementary-aged children. The Director will plan and implement musical offerings that highlight the liturgical seasons, including cantatas, major works, and youth musical productions, while also drawing on the talents of a diverse community of instrumentalists who regularly enrich our worship life. The church’s extensive choral and handbell libraries, along with a strong tradition of performing works by composers such as Rutter, Schubert, Vivaldi, Mozart, Fauré, and Handel, provide a deep foundation for creative and thoughtful programming.
Located between Richmond and Washington, D.C., The Presbyterian Church of Fredericksburg (PCUSA) is a congregation of 500 members with a long-standing commitment to worship, education, and mission. Our community is enriched by a strong local arts culture, including the University of Mary Washington, The Riverside Theater, and numerous community ensembles. With active school music programs and skilled instrumentalists and vocalists within the congregation, the Director of Music will find abundant opportunities for collaboration and creative expression.
This position is ideal for a musician with demonstrated excellence in directing ensembles, strong vocal pedagogy skills, and a passion for sacred music in the Reformed tradition. The Director of Music will help us continue to honor our heritage while inspiring the congregation to lift its voice in praise, service, and joyful worship.
Music Responsibilities
Collaborate with the pastor and organist to plan and provide appropriate music for traditional Sunday worship and special services.
Provide support for musical offerings at weddings, funerals, and memorial services upon request.
Provide leadership and oversight for entire music program which currently includes adult choir, handbell choir, youth choir, and children’s choir, maintaining a high standard of music excellence.
Plan and implement musical offerings that highlight the liturgical seasons and complement the church’s ministry, such as youth musical productions, seasonal cantatas, major works.
Hire instrumentalists as appropriate within budget for special events or to enhance Sunday morning worship.
Promote music as an integral part of church life by providing occasional leadership or coordination of music for church education programs and events.
Administrative Responsibilities
Work collegially and collaboratively with other staff, leaders and volunteers.
Attend monthly staff meetings, worship and music committee meetings, and other meetings as requested.
Serve as the direct supervisor of the organist.
Maintain and organize the church’s extensive music library and ensure copyright compliance.
Oversee the budget of the music program including ordering music and other supplies, and maintenance of musical equipment.
Collaborate with staff using Office 365, OneDrive, and SharePoint.
Accountability
The Director of Music reports to the Pastor as Head of Staff and is accountable to the Session through the Personnel Committee. The position requires regular collaboration with church staff, elders, worship leaders, volunteers, and musicians. An annual performance review will be conducted by the Personnel Committee.
Required Qualifications
Demonstrated excellence in directing musical ensembles, supported by relevant education or experience.
Vocal pedagogy training for all age groups.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
Ability to provide keyboard rehearsal accompaniment; regularly for children and youth choirs, occasionally for adult choir. (preferred)
Willingness to work within the theology, polity, and worship practices of The Presbyterian Church (PCUSA).
Hours
This is a salaried, part-time position averaging approximately 20 hours per week during the program year. A regular schedule will be established around worship services, rehearsals, and required meetings, with regular independent work completed on or off site. In person attendance is expected at church services, rehearsals and meetings. Additional hours are expected during Lent, Holy Week, Advent, and Christmas Eve. These seasonal demands are balanced by a lighter rehearsal schedule in June and July.
Compensation and Benefits
Annual salary: $42,500
Benefits, including paid vacation and sick leave, are provided in accordance with the Employee Handbook.
Application process
Please submit the following to apply@fredericksburgpc.org before April 18th:
Cover letter and resume
References available upon our request
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