Introduction and Position Description

St. Clement’s Episcopal Church in Berkeley, California is seeking a half-time Director of Music (20 hours per week). St. Clement’s is a multi-generational, inclusive Christian community that has served as a spiritual home for people of faith for over one hundred years and is located just beside the beautiful Claremont Hills. The church is home to a thriving music program, including a year-round semi-professional adult choir of twenty members. 

The Director of Music is responsible for leading the music program and expanding the ministry of music at St. Clement’s. This position reports directly to the Rector. The ideal candidate will be an experienced organist and choir director with a shared appreciation of St. Clement’s traditional Anglican liturgy and inclusive values. The candidate will be comfortable teaching, directing, and accompanying a wide range of music, including plainchant, early music, Anglican hymnody, and larger works such as the Mozart Requiem. They will be well-organized and a team player with a passion for community-building and working with volunteer singers.

Duties and Responsibilities

  • Provide organ music and direct the choir at the principal Sunday morning service and special seasonal services and performances.
  • Rehearse the choir weekly (currently on Sundays).
  • Hire and oversee vocal section leaders and other professional musicians.
  • Collaborate with the Youth Choir Director to incorporate children meaningfully into the parish’s music program. 
  • Encourage and nurture the parish community in musical participation at all liturgies, embracing a wide range of musical abilities and offerings.
  • Curate the choral music library. 
  • Oversee maintenance of the parish’s musical instruments, including the two-manual, 14-rank Swain & Kates organ, a single-manual John Phillips harpsichord, and several pianos. 
  • Plan the music program and liturgy in coordination with church leadership, including by attending weekly staff meetings.
  • Coordinate and provide music, for an additional stipend, for weddings and funerals of the parish.

Qualifications and Education

  • Bachelor’s Degree
  • Significant experience as a church organist and choral director

Compensation and Benefits  The salary will be $42,000-$50,000 with benefits prescribed by the diocese, including contributions to the Lay Pension Plan and 25% of healthcare premiums for employee and dependents, if applicable.

How to apply 

Please submit an email to the Church Administrator (stclements@stclementsberkeley.org) with the subject line “Director of Music application.” Please include a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three professional references. Recordings of choral conducting and/or organ performance are welcome but not required.