Worship Coordinator (Part-Time)
The Riverside Church in the City of New York
Hours: 19 hours per week
Status: Part-Time, Non-Exempt
Pay Range: $49,000 to $52,000
Reports to: Senior Minister (or designated clergy supervisor)
Position Summary
The Riverside Church seeks a collaborative, organized, and spiritually grounded Part-Time Worship Coordinator to support the planning, coordination, and execution of worship services and congregational life events. Working closely with clergy, staff, volunteers, and ministry partners, the Worship Coordinator helps ensure that worship experiences are welcoming, meaningful, and seamlessly executed.
This position is ideal for an individual who thrives in dynamic ministry settings, enjoys coordinating multiple moving parts, and brings a calm, pastoral presence amid the complexities of church life. The Worship Coordinator serves as a key partner in supporting both traditional and innovative worship offerings, helping clergy and volunteers create worship experiences that reflect Riverside's commitment to spiritual depth, hospitality, justice, and excellence.
Essential Responsibilities
Worship Planning and Coordination
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Provide worship support for weekly services and special services, including baptisms, communion, and other congregational worship events.
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Coordinate the many moving pieces across church departments required for weekly worship as well as major seasonal programs including Advent, Christmas, Lent, Holy Week, Easter, Candlelight, Hope and Consolation, and other special observances.
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Develop and maintain planning timelines, communication plans, and logistical systems to ensure worship services are well organized and executed.
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Troubleshoot worship logistics and serve as a reliable point of coordination among clergy, staff, volunteers, musicians, and congregants.
Baptism Ministry Coordination
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Organize and coordinate baptisms from initial scheduling through orientation, preparation, communication, and day-of logistics.
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Serve as the primary staff contact for baptism candidates and families, ensuring a welcoming and supportive experience.
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Coordinate clergy, volunteers, administrative needs, and worship preparations related to baptism services.
Volunteer Support and Engagement
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Support worship volunteers as needed.
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Assist in training and orienting volunteers to ensure a high-quality and hospitable worship experience.
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Foster positive relationships with volunteers and help create a culture of service, excellence, and care.
Fresh Start Worship Leadership
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Produce, facilitate, coordinate, and preach (as needed) the weekly Fresh Start worship service.
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Develop and nurture a preaching partnership with Union Theological Seminary students and other emerging ministry leaders.
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Support innovative worship practices that engage diverse participants and encourage spiritual growth.
Space for Grace
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Produce, facilitate, and coordinate nine monthly Space for Grace services.
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Collaborate with ministry leaders, musicians, volunteers, and participants to ensure thoughtful and meaningful worship experiences.
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Manage communications, worship flow, and logistical needs for these gatherings.
Digital and Congregational Ministries
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Contribute to online ministries such as Bible in a Minute and Short Circles.
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Support Bible Study, Dinner Church, and other congregational formation opportunities as ministry needs and workload allow.
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Assist with communication and coordination related to worship ministries.
Pastoral Presence and Collaborative Leadership
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Seek to be a steady and supportive presence among clergy, staff, volunteers, and congregants.
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Create calm amid complexity and help ensure that worship experiences are thoughtful, organized, and welcoming.
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Participate in worship meetings, staff meetings, and planning conversations as appropriate.
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Perform other duties as assigned in support of the ministry and mission of The Riverside Church.
Qualifications
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Master of Divinity degree required.
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Demonstrated commitment to Christian ministry and the mission of The Riverside Church.
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Experience coordinating worship services, church programs, events, or volunteer-based ministries.
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Strong organizational, project management, and communication skills.
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Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced ministry environment.
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Comfortable working collaboratively across departments and with diverse stakeholders.
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Experience leading worship, facilitating groups, or preaching preferred.
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Familiarity with liturgical traditions and the rhythms of the Christian church year preferred.
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Experience working with seminarians, ministry interns, or volunteer leaders is a plus.
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Proficiency with standard office technology and virtual communication platforms.
Compensation
This position requires worship leadership, preaching, event coordination, volunteer management, and cross-department collaboration at 19 hours per week. For a candidate with significant preaching experience, seminary training, and extensive worship leadership expertise, Riverside could reasonably consider a range of $49,000 to $52,000 annually.
The Riverside Church in the City of New York is committed to building a diverse and inclusive community and encourages applications from candidates of all backgrounds who are inspired by its mission and ministry.
