Search for New Music Leadership
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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, IowaPosition 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.
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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, IowaPosition 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 QualificationsAdvanced 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.
About St. Paul’s Episcopal Cathedral and Life in Des Moines
St. Paul’s Episcopal Cathedral is a vibrant and historic faith community in the heart of downtown Des Moines, Iowa. As the cathedral of the Episcopal Diocese of Iowa, St. Paul’s serves both a local parish and a diocesan role, offering a place that is Grounded in Worship, Deepening in Faith and Reaching out in Love. With deep roots in civic life and a longstanding commitment to social justice, the Cathedral is home to a diverse congregation engaged in ministries of hospitality, outreach, education, and the arts. Whether through weekly worship, community partnerships, or our growing Cathedral Arts series, St. Paul’s seeks to bear witness to God’s love in a sacred space open to all.
The cathedral is home to a Casavant Frères pipe organ (Opus 3719), one of the largest in Iowa, featuring 3,916 pipes across 68 ranks, including a 500-pound bass pipe. Installed in phases between 1993 and 2008, the organ plays a central role in weekly worship services. Complementing the organ is the Windsor Memorial Carillon, located in the cathedral tower. This unique instrument features 25 bells with a combined weight of over 12,500 pounds, making it the only carillon at a church in Iowa and one of only three in the entire state.
Des Moines is a flourishing capital city with a small-town feel and big-city amenities. Frequently ranked among the best places to live in the U.S., Des Moines offers a thriving arts and culture scene, excellent schools, affordable living, and an ever-growing culinary landscape. From nationally acclaimed farmers markets and bike trails to festivals, theater, and live music, Des Moines is a place where community life thrives year-round. With a welcoming spirit and a strong sense of civic pride, it’s an ideal home for those seeking meaningful work and an enriching quality of life. Learn more: www.dmpartnership.com