Director of Music

Director of Music, St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, Santa Monica, CAPart-time: 10-20 Hours per week, varying as church calendar necessitates, one-year renewable contract, no benefits includedSalary range: $32,000 – $45,000 commensurate with education and experienceStart: January 2027About St. Paul’s.St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church of Santa Monica, founded in 1926, The word “evangelical” in both the name of our congregation and of our denomination means that we are centered in the Good News of Jesus Christ, crucified and risen. St. Paul’s is an inclusive and intergenerational Christian community in which faith relationships with God are nurtured and deepened.We are also a Reconciling in Christ congregation within the ELCA since 2001. “Reconciling in Christ” means that St. Paul’s Lutheran Church has adopted an affirmation of welcome for all people, but particularly those who might not feel welcome in other faith communities. We are intentional in our embrace and inclusion of lesbians, gays, bisexuals, and transgender individuals. Worship services and music videos can be viewed on the church’s You Tube Channel at Overview of the PositionWorship is at the heart of all we do. Worship sends us forth to live as God’s people in our families, workplaces, schools, and neighborhoods. The role of the Director of Music is to ensure that God is glorified, and the gospel proclaimed through the musical life of the congregation. The Director of Music is responsible for leading the musical expression of the people – the assembly, choral groups, solos singers and instrumentalists – among whom organists have been especially important for Lutherans. The congregation has an Abbott & Sieker 17 rank tracker organ installed in 1974 as well as a 1917 Steinway piano. In 2026, the piano hammers were replaced and action regulated, and the organ was extensively rebuilt. The Director of Music works together in ministry with the pastor and people of St. Paul’s to involve the worshiping community in making high-quality, beautiful music together to the glory of God.Job QualificationsBachelor’s degree in music, church music, or other related degree or experience.Demonstrated skill and competency at the pipe organ and piano, and a working knowledge of inclusion of other instruments.Demonstrated skill and competency directing volunteer ensembles, both vocal and instrumental, to serve in worship as a choir or small group.Interest in and willingness to work with children to develop and encourage their participation in the worship and music of the church.Interest in and willingness to engage in congregational life to recruit and involve people in making music as individuals and in ensembles.An understanding of and commitment to the extension of the ministry of St. Paul’s into the community, offering the treasures of worship and music as a means of communicating the love of Christ for all people.Knowledge of and embracing Lutheran heritage and liturgical practices, including familiarity with liturgical seasons, lectionary, hymnody, and appropriate choral music.Excellence in communication and organizational skills.Desire to participate in a collaborative work environment, embracing and mindful of liturgical tradition, while bringing creativity and innovation to the communication of the Gospel.Key Responsibilities and DutiesSupport congregational song through musical leadership and accompaniment on the pipe organ and piano for weekly worship on Sunday mornings, special services appropriate to the liturgical calendar including Advent/Christmas, Lent/Holy Week/Easter, and other designated worship opportunities for the congregation.Participate in worship planning with the pastor. Select hymns, choral music,…