Associate Director of Music

Position Summary

The Associate Director of Music is responsible for emboldening First Presbyterian Church of Dallas’ commitment to comprehensive faith development and spiritual enrichment through music-making. The Associate Director of Music will oversee music in the FPC children’s music ministry program (K–6^th grade), lead the FPC Dallas Developmental Day School music classes (infant–age 6), and will assist in musical and worship leadership of the church at large.

Functions

The primary responsibility of the Associate Director of Music is to develop high-quality, spirited, welcoming and inclusive music opportunities for children of varied musical backgrounds and skill levels, consistent with FPC’s overall music and worship ministry.

Church Music Ministry:

• Work with church program staff to develop a dynamic and inviting children’s music ministry; teach and proclaim the good news to children through music.
• Plan and lead weekly children’s choir rehearsals and musical activities with children (Sunday mornings, academic year); develop a worship leadership schedule for children’s music ensembles; direct children in presenting musical offerings in Sunday worship and special services, typically offering music leadership in worship monthly during the academic year. 
• Direct and coordinate Jam Camp, a week long afternoon music camp for children that accompanies Vacation Bible School (VBS).
• Recruit, train, and oversee volunteers and paid music teachers for leading and assisting with the children’s music ministry program.
• Develop and foster relationships with parents of children in the music ministry; communicate regularly with parents of children in the church music ministry.
• Assist the Director of Music with both the administrative and creative work of the music ministry.
• Leadership in church worship services is required, particularly around Advent, Christmas, and Easter; other music events throughout the year may include music concerts, recitals, and community events related to church programming.
• Depending on the qualifications and interests of the candidate, the Associate Director of Music will be assigned additional duties that match their skills and experience; duties may include conducting or directing established or new music ensembles, singing in the chancel choir, or accompanying choirs or congregational song with instruments, etc.

Developmental Day School:

• Prepare and teach age appropriate music for assigned dayschool classes, infants through age 6; promote and advance the cognitive, emotional, social and physical well-being of the students through music (typically two days per week, additional time required for concerts).
• Provide a range of instructional, management, and assessment strategies to meet the different needs of students.
• Plan and direct children in presenting music for dayschool events, specifically a Christmas and spring concert, and music for the graduation ceremony.

Other:

• Attend regular planning meetings with the Director of Music, dayschool and church staff.
• Maintain the children’s music classroom in a clean, attractive and functional manner.
• Oversee the maintenance of children’s instruments and robes; maintain the children’s music library.
• Uphold and abide by the Child Protection Policies of FPC.

Core Competencies

Musical Expertise: Acquires and demonstrates the musical skills required to proficiently execute the essential functions of the job; understands which skills are lacking and seeks to develop those skills; has some keyboard proficiency and choral conducting abilities; proficiency on guitar, percussion, or other classroom instruments is required.

Compassion and Care: Exudes and natural sense of care for the well-being of others; maintains a loving spirit and demeanor; responds with empathy to the life circumstances of others; communicates a sense of support with their very presence; has a strong sense of humility; demonstrates appropriate and boundaried expressions of care.

Teaching: Designs effective lesson plans and facilitates musical experiences in both small and large group settings; embodies an invitational and celebratory teaching style; selects music and curriculum topics that are relevant, formative, and that lead towards inclusive and expansive understanding of scripture and spiritual practice; uses a variety of methods to generate interest and connection.

Interpersonal Skills: Establishes good working relationships with all others who are relevant to the completion of work; works well with both church members and staff; builds appropriate rapport; considers the impact of their actions on others; uses diplomacy and tact; is approachable; desires to work collaboratively with staff and church members.

Terms of Employment

Salary, benefits, and other terms of employment will be administered in accordance with the policies contained in the First Presbyterian Church of Dallas Employee Handbook, a copy of which is provided to each employee.

Note   

This description contains the information and facts considered necessary to describe and evaluate the duties of this position fairly and equitably. It should not be considered an exhaustive description of all the work requirements to be performed, but indicates the kinds of duties and levels of responsibility required by the position. The Director of Music may add or remove responsibilities as occasion may require.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Music or Bachelor of Music Education required.
• Church experience and/or theological education preferred.
• Orff certification is preferred.
• Computer literacy and proficiency with Microsoft Suite.