Oceanside First Presbyterian Church and Preschool
Oceanside, CA
Part-Time | Non-Exempt
Position Overview
Oceanside First Presbyterian Church and Preschool is seeking a skilled and dedicated Choir Director/Organist to lead our Chancel Choir and support the traditional musical life of our worshiping community.
Our Chancel Choir is a committed group of approximately 40 singers who rehearse weekly and lead worship on Sunday mornings. This role is ideal for an active Christian choral musician who values traditional worship, sacred music, and the development of volunteer singers.
The Choir Director/Organist works closely with the Pastor, church staff, and worship leaders to plan and prepare music that supports the worship themes, liturgical seasons, and spiritual life of the congregation.
Key Responsibilities
- Direct the Chancel Choir for Sunday worship and special services
- Plan and lead weekly Thursday evening rehearsals
- Select hymns, anthems, and choral music in collaboration with the Pastor
- Develop the choir’s vocal quality, blend, confidence, and worship leadership
- Communicate with church staff regarding bulletins, schedules, and worship planning
- Provide traditional musical leadership for Christmas Eve, Holy Week, Easter, memorial services, and other special worship gatherings
- Help organize periodic (quarterly) concerts and special music events
- Coordinate guest soloists, instrumentalists, and community musicians when appropriate
- Maintain and organize the choral music library with choir support
- Support music licensing and reporting requirements
- Assist in developing the annual worship music budget
- Serve as an a musical advisor to the Worship Ministry Team
- Support use of ProPresenter or other worship planning tools as needed
- Serve as Organist for Sunday worship and Special Services
Schedule and Hours
This is a part-time position with hours that may vary by season. (8-12 hours weekly)
Typical weekly expectations include:
- Sunday mornings: approximately 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
- Thursday rehearsals: approximately 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
- Additional preparation: music selection, score study, planning, communication, and coordination
- Special services: Christmas Eve, Holy Week, Easter, and other assigned services
- Concerts/events: periodic concerts and special music programs throughout the year
Qualifications
- Prior experience directing choirs preferred
- Church, sacred music, or worship leadership experience strongly preferred
- Bachelor’s degree in Music, Music Education, Sacred Music, Choral Conducting, or a related field preferred
- Strong conducting, rehearsal, and vocal leadership skills
- Familiarity with traditional worship, hymnody, sacred choral repertoire, and the Christian liturgical year
- Ability to lead volunteer singers with clarity, warmth, and professionalism
- Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills
- Experience coordinating soloists, instrumentalists, concerts, or special music events preferred
- Familiarity with ProPresenter, music notation software, worship planning tools, Google Drive, or Google Docs preferred
- Commitment to Christian worship, professional boundaries, confidentiality, and respectful collaboration
- Must provide proof of identity and right to work in the United States
- Background check may be required in accordance with church policy
Compensation
$28,000–$35,000 annually, commensurate with experience and qualifications.
Pay: $28,000.00 - $35,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Employee discount
- Paid time off
Work Location: In person
