St. James Presbyterian – Director of Music
Introduction to our Church:
St. James Presbyterian Church in Stouffville, Ontario is an inclusive congregation looking for a part time Organist and Choir Director. The Role is described as Director of Music.
The congregation of St. James has been praising God and serving the community of Stouffville faithfully for 164 years. We continue to be a family filled with faith, love, and missionary purpose.
“The church lives to praise God. We have no higher calling than to offer the worship that belongs to God, day by day, Sunday by Sunday” “Living Faith 7.3.1”: Our services also seek to strengthen both our relationships with God and with each other, through Christ. Lay people participate in services regularly and sometimes lead worship in the minister’s absence.
At St. James, music is more than just an accompaniment to worship—it's a vital expression of our faith and community. Our minister and choir director collaborate closely, selecting music that deeply resonates with the scriptures and themes of each service. The heart of our music ministry is our enthusiastic choir, made up of adult parishioners who are passionate about sharing the beauty of sacred music. Beyond the sanctuary, St. James is a hub for musical events, from student concerts to Sacred Music Nights, fostering a vibrant connection with the community through the arts.
Job Description:
Director of Music
Part Time of 6-8 hours weekly salaried or contract position, pay commensurate with RCCO pay scale.
Reporting Relationship: Reports directly to the Session of the Church with communication with the Personnel Committee.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Work closely with the Minister to select liturgically appropriate music then rehearse, and direct all music for Sunday worship, namely; hymns, anthems, preludes, postludes, and other service music
- Lead the congregation in the singing of the hymns and other service music by providing musical accompaniment of the piano and organ
- Be open to both traditional and contemporary musical styles
- Be available for all Sunday 10am services, as well as additional seasonal services around Holy Week and Christmas (Good Friday morning, Christmas Eve 7:00pm)
- Train, develop, and grow the SATB by conducting a 1–2-hour weekly rehearsal at a mutually agreeable time
- Oversee the care of the organ and piano and make recommendations to the appropriate authorities regarding maintenance and repair.
- Work with various church committees, and attend a monthly Worship Team Meeting at a mutually agreeable time
- Maintain up-to-date licensing and reporting for music usage with such companies as One-license and/or CCLI
- Prepare and maintain an annual music budget
- The Director of Music shall have right-of-first-refusal for all weddings and funerals in the Church. It is the responsibility of the Church to provide an alternate if the Director of Music is not available.
Vacation Allotment:
A starting minimum vacation of two (2) weeks, up to 4 weeks on negotiation, at a time agreed to in consultation with the Minister. The congregation is responsible for finding a supply organist during vacation periods.
Suggested Qualifications:
- Minimum of Bachelor’s Degree in Music
- Proficiency and Training on Piano
- Experience in Organ Playing
- Experience directing and accompanying choral ensembles
- Strong Communication and Organizational skills
- Working knowledge of Audio/Visual equipment an asset
Application Process:
Please submit your resume and cover letter to Jenna Holloway the Church Administrator, email secretary.st.james.stouffville@gmail.com no later than August 31, 2025. Selected applicants will be called for an in-person interview and subsequent audition with the choir in August.
The desired start time is September 2025; however, applicants may be accepted until the position is filled.
Alternate contact Bernice Field, phone 905-642-5233
