First Baptist Church of Madison, Wisconsin is seeking a part-time Music/Worship Arts Director! Applications are due May 15, 2021 and can be submitted to Personnel@firstbaptistmadison.org.
Introduction: First Baptist Church (FBC) is a progressive American Baptist church, and a welcoming/affirming faith community, open to all. Sunday worship service is currently held at 10:30 a.m. via ZOOM and Facebook until it is determined safe to return in person in the sanctuary. At that time, the Sunday service will most likely continue to be live streamed.
First Baptist Church has had a strong and varied music program throughout its 172-year history, offering traditional and non-traditional music. We have a 15-member adult choir, an experienced bell choir, and offer an annual flute concert to raise funds for the Chinese Orphan Project. Church instruments include a restored Kawaii grand piano and a Reuters pipe organ in the sanctuary, 5 octaves of bells, chimes, plus Orff instruments and several rehearsal pianos. Other music staff include a church organist with extensive repertoire/experience, an experienced handbell director, plus part-time guitar/harp/banjo players.
Position Description: FBC is seeking a part-time Music/Worship Arts Director to start no later than September 1, 2021 or earlier if possible. This part-time position will require approximately 12 hours a week. The Music/Worship Arts Director will coordinate with the Pastor, the Organist, Handbell director and other musicians for all worship music, and will direct the adult choir. Choir rehearsals are usually held on Thursdays 7:30 to 9:00 p.m September through May. Summer worship provides time for other music opportunities. A pianist/organist will be provided for choir rehearsals.
Qualifications, Skills and Requirements:
• Music education background and/or music degree required
• Understanding of all worship arts, including visual and music attributes
• Strong performance skills as a conductor and singer required
• Experienced piano and/or organ player preferred
• Good communication and leadership qualities
• Strong proactive, organizational and team player skills
• Church music skills required, both traditional and contemporary
• Experience with the technology to deliver worship services and music remotely
• Note: Church membership is not required
Functions and Duties:
• Plan and coordinate all worship music with the Pastor and other music staff
• Recruit, train, rehearse with and direct the adult choir (when a return to singing is permitted)
• Work with/supervise other music staff, volunteer accompanists/soloists, and AV/sound staff
• Help to facilitate the congregation’s participation in other musical opportunities such as special
concerts or an occasional drama production
• Oversee the use and care for church pianos, pipe organ, bells and other instruments as well as
the extensive library of sheet/choir music and choir robes (currently not worn)
• Help direct some pieces requiring director on annual flute concert
Music Experience:
Two years’ experience (as worship/praise leader, choir director, etc.) working with church music groups preferred
Knowledge of liturgy, art, and elements of worship
Individuals will be recognized for their own unique musical experiences
Salary/benefits:
$12,000-$14,000 annual salary, depending on qualifications of final candidate
Payroll service deposits monthly pay into staff personal bank accounts automatically
Music office, land line, and laptop computer available for use
Four Sundays per year off (except for liturgical/high holiday Sundays)
Collegial working relationships with other staff
Serving a congregation that appreciates a wide variety of music
Application procedure:
Submit application (including cover letter indicating interest in the position, resume, and three references) electronically to: Personnel@firstbaptistmadison.org or send USPS to:
First Baptist Church, 518 North Franklin Avenue, Madison, WI 53705-3699. Phone: 608-233-1880
Applications are due by May 15, 2021 for full consideration; later applications may be considered
First Baptist Church as an employer:
First Baptist is an inclusive community of faith, meaning we respect, value, and include employees as to their diversity of gender, sexual orientation, race, ethnicities, age, abilities, and backgrounds. We expect all staff members to show commitment to this vision in how they lead in their work and interactions. Our church bulletin says: “All are welcome” and we intend for that to be the case for employees as well as congregants.