Job Description

Park Avenue United Methodist Church

New York, New York 10028

Part Time

PARK AVENUE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 106 E. 86TH STREET, NEW YORK, NY 10028

Email: music@paumcnyc.org*with the subject header PAUMC Interim Music Director Application

JOB DESCRIPTION AND FUNCTIONS OF THE INTERIM MUSIC DIRECTOR

The Interim Music Director (MD) will work with the Pastor(s), choir members, and church staff to provide and enable the highest possible standard in worship music. The ideal candidate will be highly motivated, adaptable, and creative with a passion for excellence and a willingness to continue the music program.

The MD will report directly to the Senior Minister who will assist with general planning and leadership of the music ministry. In the absence of the Senior Minister and/or Staff Parish Relations Committee will assume this responsibility. An annual evaluation will be provided by the Senior Minister and subject to review by the Staff Parish Relations Committee.

STATUS:

The MD is a part-time position, up to 20 hours per week. The Interim position will go through January 2025 with the possibility to extend.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The MD will supervise all professional and lay singers and musicians for Sunday service and will select appropriate organ and choral music in conjunction with the Senior Minister. He/she will also have oversight over the children’s choir and any other choirs that might emerge.

Additionally, the MD will provide organ/piano and choral music for the following “special” services throughout the year:

Animal Blessing - typically October Christmas Eve

(further dates are dependent on the length of the Interim role) Ash Wednesday

Maundy Thursday Good Friday Easter

Midweek Lenten services

The MD will be responsible for the leadership of the following:

● Rehearsal for Sunday services at an agreeable time.

● Be responsible for the purchase of all music and music supplies, and the hiring of instrumental and vocal soloists. Expenditures in this area shall not exceed the amount provided in the church budget for the current fiscal year.

● Own the copyright and/or the rights granted by copyright holder to any work composed, created, arranged, or otherwise modified by the MD, regardless of whether the composition, creation, arrangement, or modification was done during the term of this contract and/or at the direction of the Church.

● Supervise maintenance, storage, and cleaning of choir robes.

● Be responsible for submitting all payrolls, receipts, and unpaid invoices to the Finance Director in a timely manner as requested.

● Meet on a regular basis with the Senior Minister and other church staff and committees as may be necessary. Make reports on the condition and needs for the choir, maintenance of the Church’s musical instruments, and any other related needs.

● The MD will have access to the sanctuary, choir room, and copier during regular office hours as well as other times during the week as needed.

MINIMAL REQUIREMENTS:

The MD is expected to show superior competence as an pianist/organist and choirmaster. The ideal candidate will have competency in traditional Church music as well as classical and diverse musical styles (including World Music), seasons of the Christian year and be able to connect the music with the Scriptural texts for the day/season. He/she must be amenable to taking additional training at the direction of the Senior Minister and/or Staff Parish Relations Committee. A minimum of 3+ years of experience as a church musician is recommended.

COMPENSATION:

The MD will be paid an annual salary based upon experience to be negotiated at the time of hire with the Senior Minister and Staff Parish Relations Committee.

The MD is to contact the Senior Minister immediately if he/she is sick and unable to work at a time when expected. The earliest notification possible is expected. The MD is responsible for finding a replacement for all missed services; the exception being if he/she is too ill to contract a replacement.

WEDDINGS AND FUNERALS:

The MD will provide music at all weddings requiring organ music held within the Church’s premises. The fee for this service will be paid by the wedding couple and agreed upon ahead of time. If the MD is not available, he/she will assist in hiring a substitute musician. Any party wishing to bring in an organist other than the MD must request approval from the MD, and if this request is approved, the MD will receive their customary fee in full as if they were playing the service.

The MD will provide music for funeral services held within the Church premises if available at the time of the funeral. Additional compensation will be paid for this service provided by the bereaving family. If the MD is not available, he/she will assist in hiring a substitute musician. It shall be the obligation of the Church to secure said fee.

ORGAN:

In 1971 Park Avenue had the Schantz Organ Company build a new organ for the church. The result became our current organ, model Opus 1022 (1971). Featuring electro-pneumatic key, stop and combination action the Opus 1022 has three manuals, 45 stops, 41 ranks and 2,392 pipes.

More information about the Schantz Organ at PAUMC can be found at: http://paumcnyc.org/a-history-of-our-organ/

HOW TO APPLY:

Please submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae, contact information for three (3) professional references and 3-5 links to audio/video samples of the applicant’s playing and choral conducting to music@paumcnyc.orgwith the subject header PAUMC Interim Music Director Application

Due to the large number of applicants only those asked to interview will be contacted regarding their status.

ALL CHURCH EMPLOYEES WILL BE SUBJECT TO A BACKGROUND CHECK PRIOR TO EMPLOYMENT.

ALL CHURCH EMPLOYEES WILL READ, SIGN AND ABIDE BY THE PARK AVENUE SEXUAL ETHICS, SAFE SANCTUARIES AND ETHICS POLICIES.

Organization: Park Avenue United Methodist Church

Contact: Maureen Donohue

Phone: 2124275421

Closing Date: 09/29/2024

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