The successful candidate for this position will be a 1099 contractor with Music Ministry International and be responsible for the following:
1. Title.
Protestant Music Director for the Seymour Johnson AFB Protestant Service herein called “Music Director.” Consults and coordinates with the Chaplain/Protestant Pastor assigned to the Music Director herein called “Chaplain.”
2. Scope of Responsibilities.
Serves as the Protestant Music Director providing and leading the music activities for the Seymour Johnson AFB Community. The Music Director shall provide labor and management to support the responsibilities outlined within this PWS. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, playing musical instruments, leading volunteers in the playing of instruments and singing, leading worship, training, scheduling, recruiting, and processing music for worship services of the Seymour Johnson Protestant Service Chaplain/Protestant Pastor.
2.1 This is a non-personal service contract to perform duties as a Protestant Music Director. The US Government shall neither supervise nor control the method by which the Music Director performs required tasks herein. It shall be the responsibility of the Music Director to guard against any actions that are of the nature of personal services or give the perception of personal services.
2.2 Music Director shall provide Direction and Accompaniment shall be required for rehearsals, services, and special services.
2.2.1. Special services include but are not limited to: Memorial services, Funeral services, combined services, faith specific holidays, and occasional support for special events.
3. Education and Experience. The contracted Music Director shall:
3.1. Have a Bachelor’s Degree in music (or related field) and/or five (5) or more years of experience in church music ministry, or equivalent academic credentials in a chapel/church setting.
3.2. Skillfully play the piano/keyboard, executing written music accurately with the correct notes and at the appropriate tempo required for professional accompaniment.
3.3. Sight read, arrange, play, and score music applicable to the instrument they are playing.
3.4. Conduct the leadership and musical skills to lead the choir/worship team during rehearsals and live services, covering for minor errors, and adapting the music to the team's skill level without disruption.
3.5. Play music in keeping with a Protestant style and service. The Music Director must possess the required skill level to fully and fluidly play the core, integral components of Protestant worship (e.g., traditional hymns, contemporary praise and worship music, preludes, postludes, and the Doxology/Gloria Patri).
3.6. The Music Director must be fluent in reading, writing, and speaking English, to effectively communicate program requirements, coordinate with chapel staff, and perform all tasks outlined in this PWS. The music director shall perform all duties in a professional manner, respecting the pluralistic, interfaith nature of the military chapel environment
3.7. Prior to assigning the role of Protestant Music Director, the music director will provide references validating favorable past performance in music ministry or direction of that particular individual as well as qualify through demonstration (see Paragraph 3.8).
3.8. Technical Evaluation Requirement: To be considered technically acceptable for this contract, the music director shall be required to pass a recorded technical evaluation (audition) satisfactory to the assigned Chaplain(s). This evaluation shall require the music director to successfully demonstrate their ability to accurately play standard parts of the Protestant worship service—specifically a mix of traditional hymns and contemporary worship choruses—at the correct tempo, without interrupting the simulated flow of the service, while simultaneously demonstrating basic choir/worship team direction skills.
4. General Responsibilities. Music Director shall:
4.1. Lead worship through directing the Protestant music program and providing musical support for a minimum of one (1) rehearsal and one (1) worship service each week.
4.2. Arrive at least fifty (50) minutes prior to the worship service in order to meet with the Chaplain in charge to review the order of worship, lead the choir/worship team during warm-up, set up and take down equipment, and ensure any other musical needs are met (including a sound check of microphones).
4.3. Direct music rehearsals. Rehearsals will be at least one (1) hour in duration but no more than three (3) hours.
4.4. Encourage active participation and support among current congregation members to sustain the Protestant music ministry.
4.5. Select, sequence, and rehearse the music with the choir and cantors for special seasonal presentations, such as Christmas and Easter programs or services outside the normal Sunday Service.
4.6. Coordinate all support requirements with the Chaplain/Protestant Pastor or their designated representative, ensuring compliance with all applicable Air Force Instructions (52 series) and Wing Chapel Operating Instructions.
4.7. Provide chapel staff with thirty (30) days’ advance notice of activities for publication and community awareness. Ensure the Facility Request Form is filled out at least seven (7) calendar days in advance for all programs and activities.
4.8. Request in writing all necessary chapel and equipment support needed at least 14 days prior to an event to the Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge (NCOIC) of Chapel Operations or appointee. Any facility, equipment, or supply needed will be submitted in written form using established chapel procedures (e.g., AF IMT 1297, Temporary Issue Receipt).
4.9. Assist the Chaplain/Protestant Pastor in developing the annual calendar of events, Chapel Tithes and Offerings fund budget, Appropriated Fund budget, and core volunteer training requirements by providing recommendations. The Director will utilize the Christian Copyright Licensing International (CCLI) membership for music copyright compliance.
4.10. As required and upon request by the wing chaplain, play piano/lead music for memorial services of fallen Department of Defense (DoD) music directors, civilians, active duty, or retired service members as determined by the Wing Chaplain.
4.11. Provide a replacement director/accompanist as necessary to ensure 100% coverage for all responsibilities. The replacement shall meet or exceed the qualifications of the previous Music Director. This shall be coordinated with the Chaplain and approved by the Contracting Officer’s at least fourteen (14) days prior to the start of performance.
5. Specific Responsibilities. Music Director shall:
5.1. Provide musical program recommendations and status updates to the Protestant Advisory Council as requested by the Protestant Chaplain
5.2. Lead all worship songs and hymns for congregational singing, and lead the choir/worship team during the worship service.
5.3. Play instrumentals and special music elements as needed during the service. Play assigned music from a religious music, ecclesiastical, or suitable type publication resource consistent with the nature of the Protestant Services. The music must serve the worship experience and not detract from it; the Music Director shall not interrupt the flow of the service, but must maintain the appropriate musical pacing and structure of the worship service.
5.4. Arrange, improve upon, and score such music as appropriate for compatibility with the type of worship service or other functions of the Chaplain’s program. This includes the ability to adapt and arrange pre-written music to match the abilities of the choir/worship team.
5.5. Coordinate with the Protestant Chaplain for special or seasonal music selections.
5.6. Be accountable for the security and cleanliness of all facilities utilized in conjunction with Music Director programs. Ensure chapel facilities are secure, clean, and religiously neutral after use. Ensure all music equipment is properly maintained, stowed, and accounted for after use.
5.7. Maintain a professional attitude and environment to include hygiene and appearance. Attend any meetings identified by the COR or his or her designee.
6. Criminal History Background Check.
6.1. Upon engagement music director shall submit to a completed background check application.
7. Duty Hours.
7.1. The Music Director shall be required to be present for all rehearsals, services, and special events. Schedule requirements will vary per season/month and will be established by the Chaplain/Protestant Pastor.
7.2. Estimated Hours: The estimated hours for the Protestant Music Director is up to 10 hours per week for each service. This is generally broken down as: Monday – Friday, five (5) hours of preparation time; Thursday/Friday, three (3) hours of rehearsal time; and Sunday, two (2) hours of performance for the service.
7.3. For any anticipated absences, the music director shall provide a replacement as necessary to ensure 100% coverage. Absences due to illness or family emergency require immediate notification to the Chaplain. Replacements provided by the music director will follow the guidance in PWS section 4.11.
7.4 Rehearsals shall be held at a scheduled time coordinated with and approved by the Chaplain to allow for maximum participation of the chapel community. Pre-performance rehearsals/warm-ups shall be held at least 50 minutes prior to the beginning of worship services and special services.
Interested Candidates are requested to forward their resume together with three references from individuals who can attest to the candidate’s good work and steadiness. Candidates who do not possess the specific attributes/qualifications in "Education and Experience" above need not apply. This is a part-time position with compensation based on budget and the successful candidate’s experience and qualifications.
Apply online at this job board or you may apply directly at: https://music-ministry.jobsoid.com (scroll down to “Seymour Johnson”). Your application must include three (3) references including one priest or pastor who can attest to your abilities as they relate to this job posting. References must include: name, title, organization, relationship to you, email address (necessary field) and phone number.