Director of Music and Fine Arts Ministries
Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church seeks a Director of Music and Fine Arts Ministries to lead an exceptional music ministry for our large, diverse urban church. Working collegially with clergy, lay leaders, volunteer and professional musicians, the Director of Music and Fine Arts Ministries will provide (and oversee) music and arts programs that are liturgically fitting, spiritually engaging, and reflective of our congregation’s theological tradition and rich diversity.
Click here for a complete position description.
How to Apply
Candidates should submit a curriculum vitae and a letter of interest (no additional documents) together in one PDF file. References may be requested at a future date. Finalist candidates may be asked to provide a date when the search committee would visit their current setting to observe the candidate's leadership in a service of worship. Finalist candidates may also be asked to conduct the FAPC chancel choir.
All materials should be sent to the attention of April Chapman at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Email applications are strongly encouraged. Hard copies of materials submitted by email are not necessary; we will notify you when your materials have been received.
The application deadline is Friday, Feb. 17, 2012.
FAQ
The following FAQ provides additional information for candidates. If you have other questions, please direct them to April Chapman at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , or 212.247.0490.
When do you hope to fill the position?
We hope to make a final selection by May 2012 with a Summer 2012 start date.
When will you do interviews?
During March and April.
What are the salary and benefits?
Salary and benefits will be competitive and reflect the experience of the final candidate.
How many choirs do you have?
One Adult and one Children's Choir, but we are open and hopeful that this will be expanded.
Do you have paid singers?
Yes—eight. Our Adult Choir is a hybrid of volunteers and professionals. It is currently 30+ voices strong and growing.
Are you looking for a keyboardist or a conductor?
We are open to a) a model in which the Director is our primary keyboardist, or b) a model in which the Director is primarily a choral conductor, and we employ a keyboardist(s) in a part-time position.
What style of music does the church prefer?
The Director of Music and Fine Arts Ministries at FAPC has to be comfortable with (and enjoy) a classic European choral music repertoire. That is, however, only the beginning of the story. This congregation is quite diverse in its musical tastes. There are those who express an interest in gospel music and the possibility of a gospel choir. Our international and racial/ethnic diversity means that there is interest in (and openness to) Christian music from other cultures. The congregation has been exposed to Taizé settings in recent years and has embraced them with open hearts and minds.
What type of experience is required?
Five+ years experience working successfully with a large church music program is highly desired.