Rosedale United Church in Toronto seeks a Director of Music as of September 2022 for 25 hours/week, paid at the Royal Canadian College of Organists (RCCO) scale. If you are an experienced choral conductor and organist wishing to partner with our ministry team to create an exciting new music program with diverse offerings, then Rosedale may be the place for you.
Our church has a strong history of music as ministry and is expanding our focus to offer programming to those outside our membership, in support of our goal of becoming a Centre for Human Flourishing and a Community Hub. This opens the door to develop a music program that will engage more volunteers in the congregation and the community, including programs for children, youth and seniors, as well as expanding the existing choir, establishing instrumental groups, and offering concerts. The possibilities are endless and will be determined by the Director of Music in collaboration with the ministry team with support from our very engaged Worship and Music Committee. There is potential for the number of paid hours to increase as programming is expanded.
About us
RUC is an Affirming Ministries congregation celebrating the gifts of all of God’s creation. We embrace and welcome all persons of every race, ethnicity, gender, gender identity/expression, sexuality, marital status, physical and mental ability and economic status. We are explicit in our affirmation of those in the LGBTQ+ community in the church.
We are a congregation of about 300 households, founded in 1867, and have been located in the heart of a residential Toronto neighbourhood since 1913. Our sanctuary is renovated, open, airy, and full of light with a seating capacity of 450. We have a pipe organ (Casavant Frères Organ Company 1904, Rebuilt 1994) and a grand piano. Our choir includes a core of lead singers and volunteers.
Deadline for Applications
April 21, 2022
ROLE DESCRIPTION
The Director of Music will be a key member of the Rosedale United Church team, working to attract children, youth and adults from the congregation and the community to participate in the joy that music brings into our lives.
Qualifications/Experience
- A superb music leader who sees “music as a ministry”, as a way that people connect with the Divine.
- A creative mind and open heart to develop new programming in collaboration with the Lead Minister, Worship and Music Committee, members of the choir, congregation and community.
- An accomplished organist and choral conductor with at least five years of experience, working with mixed professional/amateur choirs.
- Bachelor of Music degree, and preferably a Master of Music degree, or equivalent certifications from the RCCO.
- Ability to lead and teach congregational singing.
- Experience with children and youth engagement.
- Well versed in traditional church music and a wide variety of musical styles which could range from gospel to Broadway to popular to folk.
- A collaborative individual who works well with ministerial and administrative staff and with volunteers and members of the congregation and community – a team player.
- Someone who engenders a relationship of respect and support among volunteer and paid members of musical groups and supports the contribution of all participants.
- Someone who fosters leadership within the choir to take on other responsibilities, which could include organizing special musical events or leading music programming.
- Computer literacy and social media skills to be able to record and post services.
- Strong planning, organizational skills.
- Financial and budgeting skills.
- Knowledge and understanding of United Church practices a definite asset.
Responsibilities
- Reporting to the Lead Minister, you will partner with the ministry team to provide the inspiration and direction for an exceptional music ministry.
- Develop vibrant music program opportunities to encourage involvement in music for all ages.
- Assist in developing RUC’s role as a Centre for Human Flourishing and a Community Hub.
- In consultation with the ministerial staff, develop music programs/events designed to reach out into the community and to encourage community engagement with the church.
- Recruit and direct the adult choir, including lead singers and volunteer choristers, and foster community amongst the members.
- Play the organ and piano in weekly services or organize for other musicians to play.
- Engage the services of outside musicians as appropriate.
- Meet with the Lead Minister to prepare services.
- Attend meetings of the Worship and Music Committee.
- Provide music for weddings and funerals for which additional compensation will be paid.
- Develop, manage and monitor the annual music budget in consultation with the Worship and Music Committee and Lead Minister.
- Oversee the maintenance and tuning of the organ and piano.
- Maintain the music library and purchase music as needed.
- Provide expertise on sanctuary and online sound quality.
Salary and Benefits
- Annual salary to be calculated based on the RCCO scale, commensurate with experience.
- Provision for a professional development allowance.
- Paid vacation meets or exceeds United Church of Canada vacation policy, with a minimum of four weeks paid vacation in the summer.
- Benefit coverage available through the United Church of Canada.
- Weddings, funerals, organ lessons, and certain concert activities are remunerated separately.
Application Process
Please apply by email to RosedaleDOM@gmail.com with the words “Director of Music” in the subject headline. In your cover letter, please explain your rationale in applying for this position and include a CV/resumé. Any questions may also be sent to this email address.
You may receive an email inviting you to provide links to recordings (video preferable) that demonstrate your organ skills as a soloist and accompanist, and as a choral conductor. References may also be requested.
Rosedale United Church is committed to having a workplace that is reflective of the diversity of the City of Toronto and strongly encourages applicants from all equity-seeking groups, especially those with lived experience from racialized or marginalized communities.
We thank all of those who apply, however, only those chosen for an interview will be contacted.
Our highest priority is the safety of the community. As a result, we request a police-check and proof of full vaccination against Covid 19 as a condition of employment.
Deadline for applications: April 21, 2022, with interviews in late April/early May. Start date: September 2022 (negotiable).