Choir Director

Good Shepherd Lutheran Church & Preschool - Irvine, CA; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 44,000 - 48,000; Part time

Job summary

The Choir Director at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church & Preschool in Irvine leads the Chancel Choir for weekly rehearsals and Traditional Worship, recruiting vocalists and guiding repertoire in line with Lutheran liturgy and the pastor's message.

This part-time, non-exempt role collaborates with the Senior Pastor, Worship Planning Team, Organist/Pianist, and Tech Team to deliver a cohesive worship experience, while maintaining the music library and coordinating seasonal services.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years of choral experience, ideally in a church setting.
• Experience recruiting and leading vocalists.
• Organized and administratively inclined.
• Confident communicator and collaborative team player.
• Proactive, teachable, and servant-hearted leader.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with worship leaders and Servant Leaders.
• Dependable, punctual, and well-prepared.
• Heart for worship and alignment with the mission of the church.

Responsibilities

• Direct the Chancel Choir during weekly rehearsals and Traditional Worship Services.
• Coordinate hymn and anthem selection with the Senior Pastor in alignment with the sermon focus.
• Recruit and assimilate new Chancel Choir members.
• Maintain and organize the music library and database.
• Collaborate with the Worship Planning Team on Christmas and Holy Week services.
• Coordinate with the Tech Team to support a cohesive and transformative worship experience.
• Provide leadership weekly for Sunday Morning Worship and Thursday Evening Choir Rehearsals.
• Attend All Staff Meetings on the first Tuesday of each month.
• Attend Thursday afternoon Worship Alignment Meetings (open to discussion based on availability).
• Coordinate with the Worship Planning Team regarding planned absences.
• Collaborate to ensure coverage is arranged when unavailable.
• Support with Holy Week, Christmas Eve Services, and the occasional Saturday Memorial Service.
• Work closely with the Senior Pastor and Organist/Piano Accompanist.
• Collaborates with the Senior Pastor and Creative Director as needed.

Skills

Choral leadership

Recruiting vocalists

Administrative skills

Communication

Team collaboration

Job description

• Part-time, Hourly, Non-Exempt Position
• $32-35/hour, up to 8 hours per week

Job Description

The Choir Director provides weekly direction to the Good Shepherd Servant Leader (volunteer) Chancel Choir in support of our Traditional Worship Service. This role is responsible for recruiting and developing choir members, selecting music that aligns with a worship settingand the Pastor's message, and creating a worshipful, well-organized choral program. The Choir Director works closely with the Senior Pastor and Worship Planning Team to deliver a meaningful and transformative Traditional Worship experience.

• Direct the Chancel Choir during weekly rehearsals and Traditional Worship Services
• Coordinate hymn and anthem selection with the Senior Pastor in alignment with the sermon focus
• Recruit and assimilate new Chancel Choir members
• Maintain and organize the music library and database
• Collaborate with the Worship Planning Team on Christmas and Holy Week services
• Coordinate with the Tech Team to support a cohesive and transformative worship experience

Worship & Music Collaboration

• Coordinate hymn selection with the Senior Pastor and Organist/Piano Accompanist
• Develop music direction in alignment with Lutheran traditions and liturgy
• Select anthems that align with the sermon focus or create a worshipful environment for the congregation
• Support the design of Christmas and Holy Week Traditional Worship Services alongside the Worship Planning Team

Servant Leader Recruitment & Care

• Actively recruit new Chancel Choir members and conduct auditions
• Guide new recruits through an assimilation period to set them up for success
• Communicate regularly with and schedule Chancel Choir members as needed
• Coordinate two social events per year to encourage community among the choir

Worship Development

• Coach and guide Chancel Choir members during weekly rehearsals
• Identify and develop vocalists as needs arise
• Receive and apply coaching from the Worship Planning Team and Leadership Team

Worship Administration

• Ensure each Chancel Choir member has printed music as needed
• Maintain and organize the music library and database
• Prepare rehearsal space with seating arrangements, music, and teaching aids
• Submit annual budget requirements for the music program
• Collaborate with the Tech Team to create a cohesive worship experience

Scheduling & Availability

• Provide leadership weekly for Sunday Morning Worship and Thursday Evening Choir Rehearsals
• Attend All Staff Meetings on the first Tuesday of each month(open to discussion based on availability)
• Attend Thursday afternoon Worship Alignment Meetings (open to discussion based on availability)
• Coordinate with the Worship Planning Teamregarding planned absences
• Collaborate to ensure coverage is arranged when unavailable
• Support with Holy Week, Christmas Eve Services, and the occasional Saturday Memorial Service

Organizational Structure

• Works closely with the Senior Pastor and Organist/Piano Accompanist
• Collaborates with the Senior Pastor and Creative Director as needed
• Supports the broader worship ministry of Good Shepherd

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years of choral experience, ideally in a church setting of 200+ congregants
• Experienced in recruiting and leading vocalists
• Organized and administratively inclined
• Confident communicator and collaborative team player
• Proactive, teachable, and servant-hearted leader
• Ability to collaborate effectively with worship leaders and Servant Leaders
• Dependable, punctual, and well-prepared
• Heart for worship and alignment with the mission of the church

Additional Information

All Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Staff:

• Love Jesus and call themselves Christians.
• Display Christ-like attitudes and behavior through personal conduct and lifestyle.
• Are Coachable and open to feedback and growth.
• Are Do Whatever It Takes to serve the mission of the church and support the team.
• Are actively Growing in Christ through their personal faith and participation in the life of the church.
• Create a Warm and Inviting environment for everyone who walks through our doors.
• Show accountability in their role and on the team.
• Exhibit a passion to build God's Kingdom.