The Interfaith Families Project (IFFP) of Greater Washington, DC, is seeking a part-time musical director to support our community in Sunday ‘Gatherings’ and to provide music instruction in our Sunday School classrooms. The successful candidate is a well-rounded musician, ideally with a knowledge of Jewish/Hebrew, Christian and secular music, or willingness to learn. This position will attend IFFP Gatherings each Sunday that we meet during the school year (usually 3 Sundays per month), about 26 per year, plus High Holy Day Services and Christmas Eve Service.
How to Apply: Interested candidates should submit a resume, cover letter, and two references to info@iffp.org. Please include “Music Director Application” in the subject line.
Responsibilities
- Prepare selections of music for Sunday Gatherings and special holiday events (Christmas Eve, Nativity Play)
- Meet monthly with clergy to discuss, find and confirm music for Gatherings (typically 3 – 4 songs per Gathering), including a mix of Jewish/Hebrew and Christian psalms, religious music, folk, modern music, etc.
- Lead the congregation in song by performing, preferably singing and playing an instrument (keyboard or guitar)
- Encouraging and recruiting volunteer musicians, of a variety of ages, from the congregation to occasionally play (or play alongside you) at Gatherings and other events
- Send selected music to musicians/singers to practice and put song lyrics into ‘Gathering’ slides.
- Lead the volunteer Holiday Choir that performs at Nativity Play and Christmas Eve
- Work with Rabbi and Cantor in planning High Holy Day Services
- Lead a small ensemble during the High Holy Day Services
- Look for opportunities to engage the volunteer choir on a more regular basis
- Visit all the Sunday School classes and provide musical instruction, teaching select age-appropriate songs from Jewish and Christian traditions
Qualifications
- Comfort and familiarity with Jewish/Christian/Secular music preferred; willingness to learn and seek out new music is a must
- Minimum 1 year of experience as a musical director
- Minimum 1 year of experience performing music in a public setting, in a religious community is a plus
- Experience working with non-professional musician volunteers (guitar, drums, keyboard, choir)
- A team-player and open-minded person, who enjoys being creative and nurturing a community of people of diverse backgrounds and spiritualities
- Fluency in English
Hours & Compensation
This is a part-time position with an average of 5 hours per week
Attend Gathering and Sunday School 9:15 – 12:15 pm on Sundays that we meet
Expected preparation for weeks with a Gathering (on their own pace): 1-3 hours
Planning meeting with clergy: 1 hour per month
Sunday School: 1 hour
Salary commensurate with experience with an expected hourly rate of $40 or $5800 per year
Background Check and Equal Opportunity Employment: IFFP is committed to maintaining a safe and inclusive environment. As part of our hiring process, successful candidates for the Musical Director position will be required to undergo a background check. This check may include criminal history, reference checks, and other relevant screenings.
The Interfaith Families Project is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law. We encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, fostering diversity and inclusivity within our community.