Organist​/Choirmaster

St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Doylestown, PA

Position

Description:

Organist/Choirmaster (Part Time)

Reports to:

Rector

Status:
Part-Time (approximately 12–15 hours per week on average, see Time Commitment)

Compensation:
Salary range of $30,000–35,000 annually (based on experience/credentials), four (4) weeks paid vacation, annual allowance for continuing education.

The Organist/Choirmaster is responsible for providing musical leadership for the worship life of the parish, supporting the liturgy of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church through thoughtful music selection, skilled organ playing, and effective choir direction. The person in this position collaborates closely with the Rector to enhance worship, foster congregational singing, and develop/maintain a vibrant choral program appropriate to St. Paul’s.

• Worship Leadership
  • Serve as principal organist for the weekly Sunday worship service and designated special services, including but not limited to:
    • Major feast days (e.g., Christmas, Holy Week, Easter, Pentecost)
    • Occasional weddings, funerals, and diocesan or parish events (compensated separately/additionally)
  • Select hymns, service music, psalm chants, anthems, and motets that align with the liturgical calendar, lectionary, and theological emphasis of each service
  • Collaborate with the Rector in planning music that supports liturgical themes, seasonal tone, and congregational participation
• Adult Choir Direction
  • Prepare, rehearse, and conduct weekly choir rehearsals
  • Prepare anthems for each Sunday
  • Prepare/conduct additional rehearsals as needed for special seasons/services (e.g., Holy Week, Evensong)
  • Direct the choir during Sunday services and special liturgies
  • Build and maintain a welcoming, supportive choir environment that encourages musical growth, spiritual engagement, and fellowship
  • Recruit, mentor, and retain volunteer choristers
  • Recruit, retain and support up to four (4) staff singers/section leaders
  • Select choral repertoire appropriate to the choir’s abilities, ranging from traditional Anglican/Episcopal works to broader sacred choral literature
• Organ Playing
  • Select, prepare, and play an organ prelude and postlude for each service
  • Accompany congregational singing and choral ensemble for hymns, service music, psalms, and anthems as appropriate
  • Play improvisational interludes to support the flow/continuity of the worship service
• Musical Administration
  • Plan music in advance by liturgical season, maintaining an organized schedule for rehearsals, services, and seasonal needs
  • Maintain the parish music library, including organization, cataloging, and acquisition of new music as budget allows
  • Recruit and coordinate with guest musicians, soloists, or instrumentalists when appropriate, and ensure high musical standards are met
  • Communicate clearly and regularly with Rector, clergy, staff (e.g., parish administrator), and choir members regarding schedules, expectations, and musical plans
  • Submit details in timely fashion for weekly production of service bulletin
  • Supervise staff singers, including administering attendance and working with the parish financial administrator to ensure payment via payroll system
• Instrument & Facilities Care
  • Work with parish staff and vestry liaisons to monitor the condition of the organ, pianos, and other instruments and musical resources
  • Coordinate tuning, routine maintenance, and recommended repairs with approved vendors
  • Advise on music-related purchases and budget priorities

• Proficiency in organ performance, with experience accompanying congregational singing and choral ensembles, and improvisation to support flow/continuity of worship services
• Keyboard proficiency, with excellent sight‑reading skills
• Demonstrated experience directing a church choir, preferably in an Episcopal or Anglican tradition; able to maximize the choir’s potential based on available personnel
• Strong knowledge of Episcopal liturgy, hymnody, and the liturgical calendar
• Effective interpersonal and communication skills; collaborative, pastoral approach to leadership
• Bachelor’s degree in music or equivalent experience preferred; advanced or specialized music degree a plus

• Fl…