General Job description:

The Chancel Choir Director is responsible for leading the adult choir of 40-50 volunteer members, a professional organist, and a paid professional quartet of section leaders in a weekly rehearsal and Sunday morning service, plus seasonal worship services. The Chancel Choir Director works in cooperation with the Pastors, the Music Committee and the Executive and Artistic Directors of Music to create weekly worship services which reflect the spiritual and liturgical purpose of Portland’s First United Methodist Church.

Major Job Duties:

1.       Conduct the Chancel Choir in weekly evening rehearsal and Sunday morning worship from the first week of September through the second week of June. The Summer Choir responsibility substitutes a shorter Sunday morning rehearsal, and a Sunday morning worship service. Four weeks paid vacation.

2.       In collaboration with the Pastors and Directors of Music, plan year-round selection and preparation of Chancel Choir music to coordinate with the service liturgy and worship themes for all regular and special services including: Advent, Christmas, Lent, Easter, major works, and special events.

3.       Attend meetings of the full music staff and Music Committee when called by the Executive and Artistic Directors of Music.

4.       Plan and coordinate rehearsals for a Chancel Choir retreat in the fall.

5.       Choose and recommend the purchase of music in accordance with the budget.

Preference given to those applicants who have:

1.       Masters Degree in Choral Conducting

2.       Minimum of five years of choral conducting experience

3.       Experience with conducting many styles, genres, and historical eras of sacred choral music to enhance the worship experience.

Salary Range – $24,000 – $27,000 annually

10 hours per week

1.       Resume including contact information for references.

2.       2 videos of recent performances.