Overview of the Position

• Hours: 20 hours per week
• Compensation – Based on RCCO Guidelines and as agreed between the successful applicant and St John’s Church
• Benefits include a pension and long-term disability insurance, with optional dental and health coverage
•  Reports to – Incumbent and Churchwardens
•  Starting date – To be determined

Technical Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Music
• Experience directing choirs and instrumentalists
• Proficiency in various styles of music for piano and organ
• Broad range of musical knowledge and ability
• Membership in RCCO preferred 

Behavioural Qualifications

• Excellent leadership, teaching, communication, and collaboration skills
• Strong interpersonal and team-building skills and demonstrated ability to work in an open, honest, and approachable manner
• Entrepreneurial approach to the role, seeking to expand and innovate the music ministry

Responsibilities of the Director of Music

• Leads the music program of St John’s Church. The primary focus of this program is music for Sunday worship, for the major festivals of the Christian calendar, and for other liturgical events that require music. This includes:

o    researching musical styles, both traditional and     contemporary, and selecting appropriate anthems, hymns, songs, and psalms for the congregation, cantors, and choir in consultation with the Incumbent
o   conducting the choir and other musicians as required, including trumpets and other instruments, with particular attention to St John’s special relationship with The Strings of St John’s.
o   performing solo pieces on organ and piano
o   encouraging congregational singing and musical participation.

• Works in close consultation with the Incumbent to plan, execute, and implement the musical elements of worship and liturgy.
• Recruits new members of the choir, mentors, teaches and trains the choir, and provides special assistance to choir members as needed.
• Works with the Incumbent and churchwardens to establish the music budget and is responsible for adhering to the budget. This includes the selection and hiring of choral scholars and instrumentalists.
• Ensures that the church has current music copyright licences and reports music usage to conform with licence requirements and ensures that the church also maintains a broadcast licence as required for recordings of copyright protected music that are shared on the website, YouTube, and other broadcast vehicles.
• Is familiar with Anglican liturgy and tradition, liturgical seasons, other musical styles, and also sensitive to the diversity of the congregation.

Application

Please submit your application to the attention of Brian Cameron, Chair of Music Director Selection Committee, at office@stjohnsottawa.ca by September 20, 2024. All applications will be considered with strictest confidence.

The selection process will include a live audition playing the organ and piano, rehearsal with the choir, and an interview with representatives of St John’s Church, Ottawa.

Although the position of Director of Music as described above is preferable, St. John’s would consider splitting the position with a choral director holding the main position and an organist providing accompaniment for rehearsals, services and concerts.

Inquiries about the position are welcome. Please contact St John’s Church at office@stjohnsottawa.ca

For more information about St. John’s mission and ministries, including our music program, please visit our web site HERE.