Assistant Director of Music search

St. James Cathedral in Chicago seeks a full-time Assistant Director of Music to begin in summer 2025. The Assistant Director of Music will assist Canon Director of Music Stephen Buzard in running the cathedral’s multi-faceted music program. The ideal candidate has strong skills playing the organ and conducting, enthusiasm for working with children, a healthy work ethic, and a firm commitment to ministry. Previous experience working within the Episcopal Church is preferred but not required. The Assistant is compensated $67,000 per annum with a generous benefit package including health care, retirement benefits, continuing education, and four weeks of paid vacation.

About the Cathedral

St. James Cathedral is a growing and progressive Episcopal congregation in the heart of downtown Chicago. St. James has a deep history of excellence in church music, and previous organists have included Dudley Buck, Clarence Dickinson, and Leo Sowerby. The Cathedral Choir comprises 34 adult voices, including 12 staff singers, and sings Choral Eucharist at 11am weekly and Evensong monthly, in addition to other special services. The Cathedral Choir School forms young singers in the RSCM model and provides music for the 9am service and weekly Wednesday Evensongs. Additionally, the Cathedral hosts dozens of concerts throughout the year, notably our popular Rush Hour summer series.

Duties and Responsibilities

  • Playing for Cathedral and Diocesan liturgies, alongside the Canon Director of Music
  • Accompanying the choirs in rehearsals and services
  • Conducting the choirs, especially in the absence of the Canon Director of Music
  • Playing or conducting for weddings and funerals (with additional compensation)
  • Assisting the Canon Director of Music and the Provost in liturgical planning
  • Creation of weekly service bulletins
  • Creating musical content for Cathedral communications and social media
  • Attending weekly staff meeting
  • Other duties as assigned by the Canon Director of Music

Interested applicants shall provide the following by February 10, 2025:

  • A cover letter
  • A résumé
  • Two references
  • Links to two recordings, one of which should be a choral accompaniment. Video recordings are preferred but not required.

Please send all materials and any questions to Stephen Buzard: sbuzard@saintjamescathedral.org

Finalists will be brought to Chicago in March for a final audition and interview.

Learn more about St. James Episcopal Cathedral: www.saintjamescathedral.org

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