Holy Trinity Lutheran Church & Lutheran Campus Ministry

Chapel Hill, North Carolina

 

Position Description:

Director of Worship and Music 

 

Objective:    

The Director of Worship and Music (DWM) will lead the musical expression of the people – the assembly, choral groups, solo singers, handbells, and instrumentalists – and serve as the primary organist/pianist for all worship services.

 

Lines of Responsibility:

The DWM serves under the supervision of the Parish Pastor and the Campus Pastor and is responsible to the Congregational Council.

 

Qualifications/Education

• Degree: Bachelors or Masters of Music with an emphasis in Sacred Music preferred 

• Proficiency in piano, organ, voice 

• Familiar with Lutheran theology and committed to assembly singing

• Able to relate to all age groups

• Effective communication and organizational skills

• Ability to relate in a professional manner to church members, staff, volunteers, and the public

• Ability to work with minimal supervision

• Able to prioritize work and handle multiple tasks

 

Time Expectations:

Full time – an average of 40 hours per week (more in some seasons, less in others)

 

Context of Ministry:

Holy Trinity is on the doorstep of the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill NC. We are an intergenerational congregation with diverse age groups, interests, and faith backgrounds. We are looking for someone who can relate to all age groups and diverse worship and musical expressions. Worship is one of our four core values, so we prioritize the singing and song of the whole congregation.

 

Performance Evaluation:

In the first and second year of employment, then every other year, by the Personnel Committee with input from the Congregational Council

 

Benefits are as per ELCA North Carolina Guidelines for Rostered or Lay Leader:

This position allows for pension and benefits as outlined by the ELCA North Carolina Synod. This position allows for Paid Leaves as outlined by the ELCA North Carolina Synod (Continuing Education, Vacation, Sick Leave, Maternity/Parenting Leave, and Sabbatical). This position allows for Reimbursed Professional Expenses as outlined by the ELCA North Carolina Synod (Automobile and Book/Periodical Expense).

 

Responsibilities:

 

1. Plan and coordinate the entire music ministry and program.

2. Provide leadership and resources, including the creating and editing of worship bulletins, in the area of worship and music for all our programs.

3. In collaboration with the Parish Pastor, staff and Worship and Arts Ministry Team,  the planning and coordination of worship and other musical activities in the congregation and campus ministry. 

4. Provide musical leadership (organ, piano, et al.) for all worship services, including but not limited to: Sundays, midweek services, seasonal festivals, funerals, and campus ministry worship.

5. Direct and rehearse musical ensembles, currently including Chancel Choir (adult SATB), Lutheran Campus Ministry Choir, Youth Choir (grades 6-12), Joyful Noise (grades 1-5), and Handbell Ensemble; work with instrumentalists and singers for 8:30 service.

6. Educate, train and enrich all musicians participating in the program, making available new resources and ideas through leadership and collaboration. 

7. Recruit and facilitate from all age groups within the congregation participation in our music and worship ministries. 

8. Attend regular staff meetings. Determine, submit and monitor annual budget requirements for the worship and music ministries. Serve as the staff liaison to the Worship & Arts Ministry Team.

9. Maintain and grow the music library and supervise the maintenance of all instruments.

10. Participate with the church staff, synod staff and church council in facilitating congregational goals, assuming responsibility for tasks as mutually agreed. This includes attending synod and conference gatherings as appropriate to the position.

11. Maintain professional competency by practicing, performing, attending continued education opportunities and other relevant activities.

12. Be a liaison to the University and community music groups. This includes recruiting and supervising choral scholars and music interns, as well as provide organ lessons, free of charge, to one student in the congregation or LCM who has completed a minimum of two years of piano study.

13. Coordinate with outside musical groups who would like to use our facilities and worship space for concerts, events or programs that are in line with our mission and vision as a community of faith.

 

In addition, the Director of Worship and Music shall:

• Be permitted to use the church organ and piano for private teaching.  Scheduling should not conflict with congregational activities.

• Participate with other staff in congregational activities and programs, demonstrating a desire to be collegial and share gifts and responsibilities.

• Find a substitute when necessary.

• Give thirty days (written and verbal) notice of intent to terminate employment.

 

This congregation shall:

 

• Pay a substitute when the DWM is on vacation or at a continuing education event.

• Maintain wedding guidelines which will include a policy for compensating the DWM since playing for weddings is not part of the position.

• Defer to the DWM who will determine if other organists for weddings or funerals are appropriate for our instruments.

• Provide performance review, opportunity for mutual dialog, goal setting, and conflict resolution.

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To apply send cover letter and resume to Pastor Will Rose at prwill@holytrinitychapelhill.org