We're hiring! St. John's Episcopal Church in Oakland, California is looking for our next Music Director. Read more below or download the job description.
Job Title: Music Director
Organization: St. John’s Episcopal Church - Oakland CA
St. John’s is a warm and welcoming congregation — a multigenerational community that seeks to serve Christ through invitation, inclusion, faith and action. No matter where you are on your journey of faith, our welcome knows no boundaries of age, race, ethnicity, culture, gender, sexual orientation, economic condition, physical or mental condition.
We are a medium-sized church with an active membership of about 200 families. Our church community has a strong commitment to and participation in our music program. The Music Director is part of a seasoned staff team headed by our Rector, the Rev. Scott Denman, and includes an Associate Rector, a Director of Children and Youth Ministry, Office Coordinator, and Bookkeeper. Our mission places strong emphasis on our role in the community, and we have more than 40 active congregation committees to support our many activities.
Job Type: 20-25 hours/week, including one monthly Saturday morning choir rehearsal.
Duties & Responsibilities
The Music Director plays a key role in the growth and success of the congregation through musical support of our liturgy, building and growing the choral capabilities of all choir members. The Music Director reports to the Rector, and works closely with staff to ensure the successful design, execution, and integration of our music program.
Key Responsibilities
Organ and Piano Accompanist
Administration and Management
Requirements
Candidates for the Director of Music position should have demonstrated capability in the following core skills:
Compensation: Compensation will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.
Salary Range: $50,000 - 60,000 per year
Salary increase negotiable with expanded job responsibilities, i.e. creating a Children’s Choir.
Application Deadline: July 31, 2025 or until filled
Electronic applications are invited, with links to video/audio via email at [email protected]. Submit a cover letter, resume, recent video recording of choral conducting, and an audio or video recording of organ and piano excerpts.
Job Title: Music Director
Organization: St. John’s Episcopal Church - Oakland CA
St. John’s is a warm and welcoming congregation — a multigenerational community that seeks to serve Christ through invitation, inclusion, faith and action. No matter where you are on your journey of faith, our welcome knows no boundaries of age, race, ethnicity, culture, gender, sexual orientation, economic condition, physical or mental condition.
We are a medium-sized church with an active membership of about 200 families. Our church community has a strong commitment to and participation in our music program. The Music Director is part of a seasoned staff team headed by our Rector, the Rev. Scott Denman, and includes an Associate Rector, a Director of Children and Youth Ministry, Office Coordinator, and Bookkeeper. Our mission places strong emphasis on our role in the community, and we have more than 40 active congregation committees to support our many activities.
Job Type: 20-25 hours/week, including one monthly Saturday morning choir rehearsal.
Duties & Responsibilities
The Music Director plays a key role in the growth and success of the congregation through musical support of our liturgy, building and growing the choral capabilities of all choir members. The Music Director reports to the Rector, and works closely with staff to ensure the successful design, execution, and integration of our music program.
Key Responsibilities
- Oversee the planning of all St. John's musical endeavors, including music for liturgical services, special services (weddings, funerals) and special musical events.
- Build choral capability in our choir through rehearsal and performance.
- Promote choir involvement by leading the congregation in singing of hymns and liturgical music during the service.
- Strengthen the musical ability of the choir, including musical interpretation, music theory and sight-singing.
- Plan and coordinate special music events in conjunction with community engagement committee, i.e. special choir concert, piano recital, organ recital, concerts, hymn sings, etc.
- Be willing to develop a Children’s Choir program, in conjunction with the Director of Children and Youth Ministry and volunteer parents.
Organ and Piano Accompanist
- Conduct and accompany choirs during all services and rehearsals.
- Provide appropriate organ and piano music for services, including Sunday Prelude and Postlude.
- Provide music support for weddings and funerals, working with appropriate parties in the selection of music. These events are in addition to the expected workload, and receive additional outside compensation.
- Hire instrumental and vocal soloists as necessary, particularly for Christmas and Easter services.
- Oversee maintenance of all musical instruments belonging to the church.
Administration and Management
- Develop, recommend, and manage the music budget in conjunction with the Finance Committee.
- Participate in weekly staff meetings.
- Provide musical information and support for the creation of service bulletins.
- Maintain updated choir rosters.
Requirements
Candidates for the Director of Music position should have demonstrated capability in the following core skills:
- Choral conducting experience for adult and youth choirs.
- Knowledge of sacred music and repertoire, and its use in liturgy and worship.
- Proficiency in playing piano and organ, including sight-reading.
- Ability to motivate and grow the capability of singers.
- Ability to work collaboratively with staff and volunteers.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills.
- Instrumental conducting experience is a plus.
- Knowledge of Episcopal liturgy and worship is a plus.
- Previous experience as a church music director is a plus.
Compensation: Compensation will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.
Salary Range: $50,000 - 60,000 per year
Salary increase negotiable with expanded job responsibilities, i.e. creating a Children’s Choir.
Application Deadline: July 31, 2025 or until filled
Electronic applications are invited, with links to video/audio via email at [email protected]. Submit a cover letter, resume, recent video recording of choral conducting, and an audio or video recording of organ and piano excerpts.
- Please address any questions you may have to the Search Committee via the email listed above.
- Further information about St. John’s can be found on our website stjohnsoakland.org.
