Sample Job Description:

Choir Director
 

PERSONNEL POLICIES STATEMENT: The employees of this church, in all of their services—both within the congregation and in the fulfillment of the Church's mission in the world—shall carry out the duties to which they are assigned in faithfulness to the faith and mission of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.

TITLE: Choir Director

REPORTS TO: Music Director, Pastor

POSITION SUMMARY

Performs all duties/functions relevant to the parish music program as concerns the traditional, contemporary, youth, gospel, folk or other choir music programs; works to coordinate all aspects of music for worship services of the congregation through the Worship Committee and other staff music ministers for the traditional choir and the congregation. Consults with the Pastor as necessary in carrying out these duties for the smooth functioning of relevant parish activities.

PRINCIPLE ACCOUNTABILITIES

I. Plans/implements all aspects of the music for the traditional, contempo­rary, youth, gospel, folk and other choirs in the liturgical services and other parish activities.

A. Conducts the Sunday choir.

1. Encourages and empowers ensemble members to recruit new members.

2. Handles organizational matters.

3. Plans music, procures sufficient music copies as needed for choir and congregation.

4. Conducts rehearsals and liturgies as designated for assigned choir(s) activities; arranges for substitute when unable to be present.

B. Works with the Organist (and other instrumentalists) for worship services and other special occasions, planning music and arrangements, directing duties and functions concerning same.

C. Serves on congregation’s Worship Committee to work in planning details of liturgical celebrations and special occasions in the parish, assisting in preparation and implementation of same.

1. Helps to develop the annual budget for the parish music program as part of the Worship Committee budget.

2. Purchases -- upon approval -- and manages all printed music materials, library holdings for assigned choir(s) and congrega­tion as needed.

3. Helps to develop a master plan for long-range direction of parish liturgy/music program.

D. Helps coordinate and plan the music for special services and functions in the church, working in consultation with the Pastor and other music staff personnel as requested (especially when two or more choirs are singing at the same service).

II. Works cooperatively with music/choir directors of other parishes in planning, participation in and/or implementing special synodical or conference music programs, presentations or functions as indicated/as requested by the Pastor or the Bishop.


III. Keeps current in regard to trends and directions of church music in the Lutheran church to assure music used in service and special activities is appropriate and in accordance with church tradition and current practices of the church.


IV. Works cooperatively with congregation’s staff as well as with the Music Director and Worship Committee and maintains Christian attitude/behavior in dealings with all clergy, parish members and the community in general, as a representative of a Lutheran congregation.


QUALIFICATIONS

1. A bachelor’s degree in music, with experience in choral organizations and administration preferred.

2. Experience in directing and conducting church music.

3. Lutheran belief preferred.

4. Knowledge of choir’s role in liturgical services of the Lutheran Church preferred.

5. Experience as a team member in working with plans and development of church music programs helpful.

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NOTE: This is only a sample of a generic position description. The Congregation Council or Staff Support Committee should tailor the position description to fit the specific needs of the congregation.

Regarding the qualifications, there are many choir directors across the church serving faithfully and capably without college degrees. This higher standard of qualifications is given with the idea that it is easier to scale down a position description from a sample than to add responsibilities or qualifications.

When the position is to be filled by an Associate in Ministry, the language of the position description should specifically reflect the called nature of the ministry of music.