06/29/2026
Interim Director of Music Job Description
Summary: St. Clare’s Episcopal Church in Ann Arbor, seeks an interim, part-time director of music to provide musical leadership for a vibrant, joyful congregation during a time of transition.
Music is vital to the spiritual life at St. Clare’s; it is a central way in which we find our “spiritual center” in God’s love and in community with each other. Our sanctuary, a space which we share with our partners at Temple Beth Emeth, a Reform Jewish synagogue, is in the round and has wonderful acoustics for singing. Our congregation enjoys a broad diversity of music, drawing from 20 hymnals and other resources. Many of our congregation participate in other musical ensembles in the community, from middle school choir to “senior strings.”
Our previous three music directors have had long tenures, and our most recent music director has been with us for 19 years. We hope to take the months of September through January as a time of listening for what the next iteration of this position might be. We are seeking a musician who can lead us musically through this time of transition with joy, confidence, and curiosity about what we will learn together during a time of transition. The person in this position will be eligible to apply for the permanent position when it is posted, although the permanent position will likely be different from the interim position.
In our search for this Interim Director of Music, we seek a person with
• a demonstrated record of high quality music performance and leadership in a church context (experience in a liturgical church tradition preferred but not required)
• a deep interest in how music connects with our liturgical year and theology
• experience incorporating multiple musical styles and traditions while maintaining the integrity of the worship experience
• good communication and people skills that can be deployed in helping us learn more about our musical traditions,
• an enjoyment in working on a team and valuing collaboration, both with staff and volunteers; and the ability to work together with flexibility, humor and an ultimate respect for our purpose in strengthening and nourishing souls
• a love for Christian community and a strong desire to create a healthy community with musicians and choir members and so enrich our regular services, special services (memorials, weddings, etc.) and special parish events
Necessary Qualifications:
• skilled pianist and/or organist, able to accompany our Sunday 10:30 worship services, as well as occasional holidays and other events like funerals or weddings
• familiarity with Christian musical traditions (eg. Taizé, Spirituals/Gospel; Episcopal and other mainline denominational hymns)
Preferred qualifications:
• comfort with both piano and organ
• fluency with expansive/inclusive language resources
• experience directing a choir of adult volunteers
St. Clare’s celebrates diversity, respects the dignity of every human being, and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.
Position details:
Typical weekly duties include assisting in the selection of music for Sunday morning worship, attending a weekly staff meeting, leading music on Sunday morning, and meeting with the Rector twice a month. We are open to applicants with or without experience directing a choir of adult volunteers or leading musical opportunities for children and youth.
For a position that does include a weekly adult choir rehearsal as well as leading a few musical opportunities for children and youth, we estimate the position would require 15 hours per week, and it would pay $45/hour. Hours and exact duties would be determined in conjunction with the Rector and congregational leadership. The estimated end date of this position could be flexible, but we anticipate making a permanent hire sometime in January.
Background check and safe church training are required, according to St. Clare’s personnel policies.
To Apply: We are currently accepting and reviewing applications. The position will remain open until filled. Applicants should send a resume, cover letter, and a link to a recording of a performance on piano or organ to The Rev. Toby Darrah at [email protected].
