Assistant Chapel Organist

Duke University; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 44,766 - 71,706; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive medical and dental care

Generous retirement benefits

Family-friendly programs

Cultural programs

Job summary

Duke PF is seeking an experienced Assistant Chapel Organist to join the Duke University Chapel Music staff. This half-time position involves providing musical leadership in about 85 worship services annually, contributing to concerts, and managing the organ demonstration schedule.

The ideal candidate will have a Master’s or Bachelor's degree in sacred music or organ performance, with at least 5 years of relevant experience in music leadership and organ performance.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in sacred music or organ performance preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years relevant work experience required.

Responsibilities

• Provide musical leadership in worship services and concerts.
• Attend bi-monthly Chapel Music staff meetings.
• Manage organ demonstration schedule.

Skills

Hymn playing

Leading congregational song from the keyboard

Organ repertoire appropriate for liturgical contexts

Improvisation

Transposition

Solo and ensemble accompaniment

Education

Master's degree in sacred music or organ performance

Bachelor's degree in sacred music or organ performance

Job description

Position Overview

As a member of the Duke University Chapel Music staff, the Assistant Chapel Organist participates in the musical leadership of Duke Chapel worship services, sacred concerts, and other events. This half‑time, salaried position reports to the Chapel Organist, and shares playing responsibilities with the full‑time Chapel Organist and the Chapel Organ Scholar (a 10‑month intern).

Responsibilities

• Worship leadership – Provide musical leadership in approximately 85 worship services per calendar year, including:
  1. Collaborative leadership of Sunday morning services during fall and spring academic terms, sharing responsibilities with the Chapel Organist and Organ Scholar.
  2. Collaborative leadership of festival and university services such as Christmas Eve, Ash Wednesday, Holy Week, Easter, Baccalaureates, sharing responsibilities with the Chapel Organist.
  3. Primary leadership of at least 5 “recess” Sundays (December; spring break; summer), serving as the sole organist for the service.
  4. Occasional support of bi‑weekly Choral Evensong services during the academic year, sharing responsibilities with the Organ Scholar.
• Concert performances – Contribute to and perform in up to 5 of the 15–20 concerts and recitals presented by Duke Chapel Music each academic year, including rehearsals.
• Organ demonstrations – Manage the schedule of organ demonstrations during fall and spring terms. Demonstrations are performed by the Chapel’s organists and an established roster of guest organists.
• Meetings – Attend bi‑monthly meetings of the Chapel Music staff and regular meetings with the Chapel Organist and other Chapel Music and Ministry staff.
• Perform other related duties incidental to the work described herein.

PART‑TIME POSITION

Required Qualifications

Education/Training: Master’s degree in sacred music or organ performance preferred; bachelor’s degree in sacred music or organ performance required. Required demonstrable proficiencies include hymn playing, leading congregational song from the keyboard, organ repertoire appropriate for liturgical contexts, improvisation, transposition, solo and ensemble accompaniment, and knowledge of varied bodies of repertoire such as hymnody and organ repertoire.

Experience: A significant, documentable work history of at least 5 years in positions relevant or related to the field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Pay and Benefits

Anticipated pay range: USD $44,766.00 to $71,706.00 per year for a full‑time FTE equivalent. The salary is determined based on scope, experience, education, and internal equity. The total compensation includes comprehensive medical and dental care, generous retirement benefits, and family‑friendly and cultural programs. For details, visit (https://hr.duke.edu/benefits/).

Job Code: 00002321 – PROGRAM COORD
Job Level: 10

Location

Nearest Major Market: Durham
Nearest Secondary Market: Raleigh

Essential Physical Job Functions

Certain jobs at Duke University may include essential job functions that require specific physical and/or mental abilities. Additional information and reasonable accommodations can be requested with Duke Access and Accommodations Services (email: [e-mail]; phone: [phone]).

Equal Opportunity Employer

Duke is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy‑related conditions), sexual orientation, or military status.

Affirmative Action and Non‑Discrimination

Read more about Duke’s commitment to affirmative action and nondiscrimination at hr.duke.edu/eeo.