American Guild of Organists

815 High Street, Des Moines

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Choir Director

Job Title: Choir Director (Part-Time (0.25 FTE))
Reports To: Dean of the Cathedral, Executive Committee
Collaborates With: Organist, Dean, Section Leaders
Location: St. Paul’s Episcopal Cathedral, Des Moines, Iowa

Position Summary

The Choir Director (0.25 FTE) provides musical leadership for the Cathedral Choir at St. Paul’s Episcopal Cathedral, enriching the Cathedral’s worship life through rehearsals, Sunday services, and Principal Feasts. The Choir Director prepares and leads the choir in sacred choral music, both ancient and modern, rooted in the Anglican/Episcopal tradition. This role includes the direction of section leaders , recruitment and development of choir members within a welcoming and spiritually grounded ensemble, and coordination with clergy, Organist and the Cathedral Arts program.

Note: Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. The anticipated start date is August 15, 2025. This is a standalone position that may be held independently or in combination with the Organist position if qualifications and interest align

Key Responsibilities

Worship & Music Leadership

Conduct the Cathedral Choir for Sunday morning services and Principal Feasts, including Christmas Eve, Holy Week, Easter, Ascension Day, Pentecost, and All Saints’

Lead weekly Thursday evening rehearsals mid-August through mid-June

Collaborate with the Organist and clergy to select music appropriate to the liturgical calendar

Prepare the choir for special services and occasional Cathedral Arts events

Choir Development & Supervision

Support the work of section leaders

Recruit, welcome, and develop new choir members, foster community and musical growth

Encourage an inclusive and spiritually supportive rehearsal environment

Maintain clear communication with the choir regarding schedules, music, and expectations

Collaboration & Communication

Work in close partnership with the Organist to ensure musical excellence and unified leadership

Attend planning meetings and maintain strong relationships with volunteers, clergy and Cathedral staff

Coordinate with clergy and staff on special services, weddings, and funerals (additional compensation as appropriate)

 

Required Qualifications

Experience in choral direction in sacred or classical music contexts

Strong interpersonal skills; ability to work with both volunteers and professionals

Organizational and communication skills appropriate to managing a mixed voice choir with section leaders

A commitment to excellence in music as a ministry of worship and spiritual formation

 

Preferred Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree or higher in Music, Choral Conducting, or a closely related field

Familiarity with Episcopal liturgy

 

Compensation & Work Conditions

Part-time (0.25 FTE) salaried position; commensurate with experience.

Evening and weekend availability required for rehearsals and worship services.

815 High Street, Des Moines

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Organist

Job Title: Organist (Part-Time (0.4 FTE))
Reports To: Dean of the Cathedral, Executive Committee
Collaborates With: Choir Director, Dean
Location: St. Paul’s Episcopal Cathedral, Des Moines, Iowa

Position Summary

The Organist (0.4 FTE) supports the worship and musical life of St. Paul’s Episcopal Cathedral by providing organ music for all Sunday services, Principal Feasts and other special liturgies. The Organist accompanies the Cathedral Choir at rehearsals and services, supports congregational singing, and offers thoughtful musical leadership that uplifts the Anglican/Episcopal liturgical tradition. This role includes oversight of instrument care and coordination with clergy, Choir Director, and the Cathedral Arts program.

Note: Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. The anticipated start date is August 15, 2025. This is a standalone position that may be held independently or in combination with the Choir Director position if qualifications and interest align.

Key Responsibilities

Worship & Musical Leadership

Provide organ music for Sunday morning services, including hymns, service music, preludes, and postludes

Play for Principal Feasts, Diocesan services, Weddings and Funerals

Accompany the Cathedral Choir at Thursday evening rehearsals and all choral liturgies

Prepare solo organ repertoire that complements the liturgical season and Cathedral tone

Collaboration & Planning

Collaborate with the Choir Director on music selection and rehearsal planning

Coordinate with clergy and staff on special services, weddings, and funerals (additional compensation as appropriate)

Support the Cathedral Arts program through occasional participation in concerts or events

Instrument Care

Monitor the condition of the Cathedral’s organ, carillon, practice carillon, and pianos

Coordinate tuning, maintenance, and long-term instrument planning as needed

Required Qualifications

Advanced proficiency in organ performance, hymn playing, and accompaniment

Strong sight-reading and rehearsal skills

Ability to collaborate with clergy, musicians, and volunteers in a team-oriented setting

Pastoral sensitivity and musical creativity in service of worship

 

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with carillon playing, or desire to learn

Experience in Episcopal/Anglican or other liturgical worship contexts preferred

 

Compensation & Work Conditions

Part-time (0.4 FTE) salaried position; commensurate with experience.
Evening and weekend availability required for rehearsals and worship services.
Additional compensation provided for weddings, funerals, and services beyond the regular schedule.

600 Sixth Avenue, Des Moines

                                               

POSITION SUMMARY

The Associate Music Director supports the music ministry at St. John’s Lutheran Church by leading the Brass and Handbell Choirs and assisting in the direction of the Cathedral Choir. Reporting to the Director of Worship and Music, and working closely with the pastoral and administrative staff, this role furthers the church’s mission by promoting musical excellence and fostering a positive, inclusive community among volunteers, staff, and the congregation.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Ensemble Leadership: Brass and Handbells

· Select and prepare appropriate repertoire.

· Lead rehearsals twice weekly (Wednesday evenings and Sunday mornings).

· Coach musicians to enhance their skills and ensemble sound.

· Recruit, welcome, and mentor new members.

· Assist with physical setup for rehearsals and worship (e.g., music stands, chairs).

Choral Support

· Assist the Director of Worship in rehearsals and worship leadership for the Cathedral Choir.

· Serve as a backup conductor when needed.

· Participate actively by singing in rehearsals and services.

Worship Music Planning

· Collaborate on long-term liturgical music planning (up to a year in advance).

· Ensure repertoire aligns with the church calendar and theological themes.

· Maintain consistency and quality in worship music throughout the year.

Volunteer Communication & Scheduling

· Provide clear, timely schedules for rehearsals and performances.

· Coordinate volunteers for consistent participation and special music offerings.

Music Library Oversight

· Organize, catalog, and maintain the church’s sheet music collection for easy access and preservation.

Program Development

· Partner with the Director of Worship to improve rehearsal structure and effectiveness.

· Broaden the ensemble repertoire.

· Encourage engagement and retention of volunteer musicians.

Arts Programming Support

· Assist with concerts and events connected to The Arts at St. John’s by providing logistical and creative support.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required:

· Bachelor’s degree in music, music education, conducting, or equivalent experience

· Demonstrated experience directing instrumental and/or vocal ensembles

· Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

· Strong organizational abilities (scheduling, music library, volunteer coordination)

· Available to work additional services during Advent, Christmas Eve, and Holy Week, as requested

· Familiarity with or willingness to learn the liturgical and musical traditions of the ELCA

· Commitment to inclusivity and equity in a faith-based setting

Preferred:

· Experience in church or worship music leadership

· Ability to arrange or adapt music for various ensembles

· Experience working with and recruiting volunteers

· Knowledge of both traditional and contemporary sacred music

· Interest in contributing to arts programming beyond worship

· Flexible availability, especially evenings and weekends

· Commitment to ongoing professional development

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: Up to $15,336.00 per year

Expected hours: 10 per week

Benefits:

• Paid time off

Schedule:

• Evening shift

• Weekends only

Work Location: In person

Decorah, Iowa 

                                               

 - Play for one service most Sundays (46 Sundays/year including Easter)
      - Play for special services (Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Ash
      Wednesday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Reformation Sunday)
      - Select and prepare organ/piano music for worship (preludes,
      postludes, special music)
      - Accompany hymn singing and liturgy
      - Collaborate with senior pastor and music director on music selection

*Qualifications:*


   - Bachelor's degree in music required
      - Experience in Lutheran or other historic Christian traditions
      - Experience in multicultural and diverse settings is a plus

*Compensation:*


   - $10,375 annually, paid monthly
      - Approximately 6.5 hours per week
      - Six vacation Sundays allowed (excluding Easter and Christmas Eve)
      - Additional compensation for midweek services and rehearsals if
      available

600 Sixth Avenue, Des Moines

                                               

Saturday Organist
(part-time)

POSITION SUMMARY
The Saturday Organist is responsible for playing during our Saturday evening worship service.
Working under the supervision of the Director of Worship and Music, and in concert with St.
John’s Pastor(s) they will further the mission of St. John’s Lutheran Church by providing
musical excellence while encouraging positive, vibrant relationships within the congregation.
MAJOR RESPONSIBLITIES
1. Serve as the primary organist for our Saturday evening worship service
2. Play service music as selected by the Director of Worship and Music
3. Select and play prelude and postlude music based on personal interest and liturgical season
4. Collaborate with St. John’s Pastor(s) to create event-based Saturday worship services, four
times a year, exploring a range of alternate worship formats and musical styles
5. Serve as backup for the Sunday morning Worship Director to play organ, as available
6. Create and encourage a sense of community among the congregation
KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES
 Collaboratively work in a team environment
 Effective writing, organizational, and communication abilities
 Ability to meet deadlines; solicits and shares information in a timely manner 
 Experience successfully coordinating and executing music-based events
 Experience with relevant software, including Microsoft Office
 Knowledge of the faith practices of the ELCA
 A commitment to actively promoting an inclusive and welcoming community and to work
for racial equity and justice
QUALIFICATIONS
 Professional work experience in playing organ and piano, with relevant degree in music
preferred
 Experience working in a church or non-profit environment desirable
REPORTS TO
Director of Worship and Music at St. John's Lutheran Church

6270 Merle Hay Rd, Johnston, IA

                                               

ORGANIST  Full-time preferred, can negotiate part-time

Our 9:30 worship service uses varying liturgies and hymns from Lutheran Service Book

Allen organ

Full  job description available if interested

Contact Cheryl Siebrass: c.siebrass@comcast.net or 217-381-6064

6270 Merle Hay Rd, Johnston, IA

                                               

ORGANIST  Full-time preferred, can negotiate part-time

Our 9:30 worship service uses varying liturgies and hymns from Lutheran Service Book

Allen organ

Full  job description available if interested

Contact Cheryl Siebrass: c.siebrass@comcast.net or 217-381-6064

209 Colorado Ave, Ames

Organist

The organist plays every other Sunday, accompanying hymns and liturgical music, mainly from the Evangelical Lutheran Worship hymnal. They also play a prelude, postlude, and shorter pieces during the offering and communion. Occasionally, they may need to play piano.  This is a paid position.  If you have any students who are looking for experience leading worship, please pass this information along to them. They can contact me (Steve Hoifeldt shoifeldt@standrewsames.org) for more information and to set up an interview/audition.  Thank you so much for any help you can provide!

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5673 NE Berwick Dr, Berwick (NE of Des Moines, between Ankeny and Altoona)

Organist

Current organist is retiring - his last Sunday will be May 3rd, 2025.

The organ is an Allen-there is no choir--and the church has been VERY appreciative of having an organist and would like that situation to continue

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411 3rd Ave, Slater

Organist & Music Director

Position Type: Part-time
Compensation: Negotiable
About Us:
Bethlehem Lutheran Church (BLC) is a vibrant and welcoming community of faith dedicated to
spreading God's love through worship, fellowship, and service. An ELCA community, BLC is
committed to nurturing the spiritual growth of its members while welcoming all people in Jesus’
name.
Position Overview:
The ideal candidate will possess proficiency in both organ and piano, a deep understanding of
liturgical music, and a passion for leading congregational singing. BLC completed a full restoration
of its Wicks tracker organ in 2023. For 2024, BLC remodeled its choir loft with the purchase of a
Baldwin baby grand. This is a congregation that appreciates the gift of music and celebrates it.
Responsibilities:
• Provide musical accompaniment for weekly Sunday worship services, funerals, weddings,
and occasional mid-week services.
• Collaborate with the Pastor and Worship Committee to select appropriate hymns and
musical pieces for BLC services.
• Offer preludes, postludes, and offertory music to enrich the worship experience.
• Rehearse and prepare music independently to ensure proficiency and accuracy.
• Foster a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere within the church community through music.
Qualifications:
• Proficiency in playing both organ and piano.
• A team player with prior experience as a church organist/pianist preferred.
• Familiarity with Evangelical Lutheran Worship is advantageous.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• A passion for worship and a commitment to enhancing the spiritual experience of
congregants through music.
• Flexibility and a willingness to experiment faithfully with liturgical settings and other music.
Application Process:
To apply, visit us online at https://slaterblc.org/serving/join-us-b .
Contact Information:
For more information, contact Bethlehem Lutheran Church at 515-228-3933.