Job Overview
Join our vibrant community as a Church Organist, where your musical talent will inspire and uplift congregations during worship services and special events. This paid position offers a unique opportunity to blend artistry with spiritual service, creating an atmosphere of reverence and celebration. As the key musical contributor, you will bring your passion for music and dedication to enhancing worship experiences through your mastery of the organ and related musical skills.
POSITION DESCRIPTION
First Presbyterian Church, Kalamazoo, Michigan
TITLE: Organist
PURPOSE: The Organist provides accompaniment for the choirs of the church, supports congregational singing, and offers appropriate organ and/or keyboard music for worship services. This role helps shape the musical and spiritual life of worship through thoughtful preparation, collaboration, and musical leadership.
In addition to regular worship responsibilities, the Organist may have opportunities to provide music for weddings, memorial services, and other special services or events.
These services include additional compensation as arranged.
ACCOUNTABILITY: The Organist is accountable to the Head of Staff and Personnel Committee through the Director of Music.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Plan, prepare and play music for each service of worship; i.e. hymns, prelude, liturgical responses, postlude, choir accompaniment, etc.
- Provide accompaniment for weekly choir rehearsals September – May.
- Accompany soloists and instrumentalists as needed.
- Provide musical support for mid-week prayer and 1 - 2 per month Sunday evening services as needed and arranged with other clergy and the Director of Music.
- Provide appropriate music for weddings, funerals and other special worship services. including preparatory consultation with those involved. Organist has right of first refusal for weddings and funerals.
- Provide a qualified substitute organist / pianist for all absences.
- Keep a log of organ maintenance problems. Work with the Director of Music regarding organ maintenance issues. (The church has a Casavant Frères Pipe Organ, Opus 3067 (1970)—three manuals, five divisions, 50 stops, 47 registers, 63 ranks, and a Yamaha C3 Grand Piano in the sanctuary).
- Set a positive tone for worship ministry that inspires others to grow in faith, and strive to build those relationships within the wider community.
- Be a team-player as a cooperative and supportive person on a staff team through regular and effective communication, and enthusiastic and supportive attitude, and willingness to adapt and be flexible in support of the needs of other staff.
RELATIONSHIPS: Work closely with the Director of Music, as well as clergy, in the planning of worship events. The organist also collaborates with the Wedding Coordinators and other office staff as appropriate.
EVALUATION: A performance review will be conducted at least annually by the Head of Staff and the Personnel Committee in consultation with the Director of Music. The Personnel Committee will review annually the adequacy of compensation and make recommendations to the Session.
STATUS / TIME REQUIREMENTS: This is a part-time, exempt, at-will position and therefore is not covered by the overtime provisions of state and federal law and is therefore not eligible for overtime pay. Typical expectation of time to satisfactorily complete responsibility for this position would require approximately a 15 hour work week.
Benefits:
- Flexible spending account
- Paid time off
Work Location: In person
