Director of Music

St. John's Ivyland, A United Methodist Congregation; Pennsylvania; On-site; USD 30,000 - 35,000; Part time

Job summary

St. John’s Ivyland United Methodist Church in Ivyland, PA, seeks a part-time Director of Music to lead worship and nurture volunteers. The role collaborates with the Pastor and staff to create meaningful worship across liturgical seasons and to direct choirs and hand bells.

The position is approximately 20 hours per week, including Sunday mornings and rehearsals, with Advent/Lent duties. Salary ranges from $30,000 to $35,000 with no benefits; background checks and Safe Sanctuaries training are

Qualifications

• Proven experience directing church or community choirs.
• Strong musicianship with sight-reading and rehearsal leadership.
• Keyboard ability (piano/organ) preferred.
• Familiarity with traditional hymns and diverse worship styles.
• Collaborative and pastor-friendly leadership.
• PA background checks and Safe Sanctuaries training required.
• Passion for United Methodist mission and values.
• Degree in music or equivalent experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Select and lead music for Sunday worship and special services.
• Direct Adult Choir and Hand Bell Choirs.
• Coordinate with Pastor, staff, and AV team.
• Manage music library and budget.
• Recruit and develop volunteer musicians.
• Attend staff meetings.
• Plan Advent, Christmas Eve, Lent, Holy Week, Easter.

Skills

Choral direction

Sight-reading

Rehearsal leadership

Keyboard skills

Collaboration

Volunteer leadership

Flexibility

Humor/warmth

Education

Music degree

Job description

Director of Music … JOB POSTING:

St. John’s Ivyland United Methodist Church, Ivyland, PA (Bucks County)
Part-Time | Start date: January 2027.

About Us

St. John’s Ivyland is a warm, welcoming United Methodist congregation where music has been central to our worship for generations. For more than 30 years, our music ministry has been led by Roy Nelson, who’s retiring in January 2027 after a remarkable 53-year career in music direction. We’re looking for a gifted, faith-centered musician to honor that legacy and lead our music ministry into its next chapter.

The Role

The Director of Music plans, prepares, and leads music for Sunday worship and special services throughout the church year. You’ll collaborate closely with our Pastor and staff to create meaningful worship that draws people closer to God. You’ll also nurture the musicians, singers, and volunteers who make it happen. This is a perfect part-time gig, in a venue that happens to be your passion. Almost like “… a match made in heaven (pun intended)!”

Key Responsibilities

• Select and lead music for Sunday worship (our traditional 10:30 a.m. service) in coordination with the Pastor and the liturgical calendar.
• Direct the Adult Choir, including weekly rehearsals.
• Direct Two Adult Hand Bell Choirs
• Reestablish our Youth Choir
• Direct or coordinate youth/children’s handbells, children’s choir
• Coordinate worship services with Praise Band Director, Keyboard Accompanist, and Church Organist
• Plan and lead music for special seasons and services, including Advent, Christmas Eve, Lent, Holy Week, and Easter
• Coordinate with our accompanist/organist, or serve as accompanist, based on keyboard ability.
• Recruit, encourage, and develop volunteer musicians of all ages and skill levels.
• Collaborate with our AV team on sound and livestream needs.
• Maintain the music library and manage the music budget.
• Attend staff meetings as scheduled.

Qualifications

• Proven experience directing church or community choirs and ensembles.
• Strong musicianship, including sight-reading and rehearsal leadership.
• Keyboard ability (piano/organ) preferred.
• Familiarity with traditional hymns and openness to a variety of worship styles
• A warm, encouraging leadership style with volunteers.
• Ability to collaborate with clergy and staff.
• Supportive of the mission and values of the United Methodist Church
• Degree in music, sacred music, or related field preferred, or equivalent experience
• Must complete all PA-required background checks and Safe Sanctuaries training.
• A joyful heart and a good sense of humor. Our staff genuinely loves coming to work (yes, really, even on Monday mornings).

Schedule

Part-time, approximately 20 hours per week, including Sunday mornings, weekly rehearsals, and added time during Advent/Christmas and Lent/Easter.

Compensation

$30K to $35K, based on directing experience. This is a part-time position without benefits.

St. John’s Ivyland UMC is an equal opportunity employer.

Street Address: 820 Almshouse Road

Zip Code/Postal Code: 18974

Phone: [phone]