Interim Music Director

Minister, Elders and Deacons of the Reformed Protestant Dutc • New York, NY

1d • Onsite

About The Position

West End Church is seeking a full-time, in-person Interim Director of Music Ministry for a 10-week contract running from November 9, 2026, through January 14, 2027. The role provides continuity and care for the church’s music program during a festive and celebratory period in the church year. The program includes Advent and Christmas offerings, a Christmas Eve concert or extended prelude with full orchestra and choir, the West End Community Chorus, and music for a holiday pageant and carol sing-along, along with other opportunities developed collaboratively.

The Interim Director will lead music as a ministry, supporting worship and community life through musical performance, choral conducting, collaboration, and pastoral presence. The position works with paid and volunteer singers and instrumentalists, nurtures participation by musicians of all ages, and coordinates music across worship services and other church programs. The director will also collaborate with the Senior Minister and Worship Committee to assess the needs and job description for the permanent Director of Music Ministry; the interim may apply for that permanent position.

The role reports to the Senior Minister and is scheduled for 40 hours per week, in person, on the church’s Sunday-through-Thursday workweek. Compensation will be discussed in the offer letter and will include housing, cash compensation, and airfare.

Requirements

• Person of faith who recognizes the role of music in Christian tradition and its contribution to spiritual growth and community.
• Steady pastoral presence and understanding that music and worship are ministry, not simply performance.
• Advanced musical training and/or equivalent professional experience as a choral director, organist, pianist, and collaborative musician.
• Knowledge of sacred music and hymnody traditions.
• Clear communication and collaboration skills for working with staff and volunteers on artistic, administrative, strategic, and worship matters.
• Organizational ability to administer a music program, musicians, and faculty across the week.
• Technological skills and media literacy to access artists and collaborators, communicate online, and develop music programs.

Nice To Haves

• Interest in inviting guest artists to broaden musical and cultural experiences.
• Enthusiasm for nurturing music participation among musicians of all ages, especially youth and children.
• Ability to create a cohesive program that expands musical horizons while preserving the emotional and spiritual resonance of familiar songs.
• Strategic thinking and interest in collaborating with the Senior Minister and Worship Committee on the permanent Director of Music Ministry role.

Responsibilities

• Report to the Senior Minister and collaborate with staff and congregational leaders to plan and prepare music for weekly worship and special services, attending to the faith traditions and cultures represented in the congregation and community.
• Design a music program that uses the director’s performance strengths and identifies programs that may benefit from additional performance support or teaching faculty.
• Conduct the Sanctuary Choir and coordinate the West End Community Choir, music for the Tuesday Table food program, the monthly jazz brunch, and other useful ensembles.
• Invite and integrate the artistic gifts and talents of congregants into worship and community life.
• Provide music or referrals for funerals, weddings, and special services as scheduled by the Senior Minister.
• Administer the music budget and choir payroll, maintain the church’s musical instruments, and attend weekly staff and leadership meetings as required.
• Work with the Senior Minister and Worship Committee to assess the need for and job description of the permanent Director of Music Ministry.
• Collaborate with staff and volunteers on artistic, administrative, strategic, and worship matters.
• Build relationships with other musicians and invite guest artists to broaden the congregation’s musical and cultural experiences.
• Support the paid and volunteer singers and instrumentalists, with attention to musicianship and morale during the transition.
• Nurture participation in music by professional and volunteer musicians of all ages, especially youth and children.
• Organize and administer the music program and its musicians and faculty across the week.

Benefits

• Compensation package includes housing, cash compensation, and airfare; details to be discussed in the offer letter.
• Reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: No Education Listed