New Providence Presbyterian Church (NPPC) is seeking a musically skilled and relationally gifted individual to direct NPPC's adult and handbell choirs for traditional worship services, in close collaboration with our Traditional Worship Accompanist and pastoral staff, especially on aligning worship music with sermon/teaching themes. This role leads rehearsals, directs Sunday and special worship services, and helps guide the congregation in glorifying God through music, enabling us to pursue our mission to Know, Love, and Follow Jesus and to Share Him with others.
NOTE:
NPPC is open to filling this position as an interim or permanent position based on candidate interest and availability. We are also open to this role combining with the Traditional Worship Accompanist (Organ & Piano) position for a candidate with experience and interest in both areas. REPORTING/WORKING HOURSThis position reports directly to the Senior Pastor / Head of Staff. This is a part-time, non-exempt, hourly position. Hourly pay is $35–$45/hour, based on experience. This position is estimated at approximately 10 –15 hours total/week, including weekly choir rehearsal (Thursday evenings) and handbell rehearsal (Wednesday evenings), Sunday worship direction, and music preparation. Availability for Sunday traditional worship services, Christmas Eve, Easter, and other special worship services is required. If a candidate is placed on an interim basis, the role is intended to bridge the traditional worship ministry through the conclusion of NPPC's broader worship staffing search, targeted for completion in Q1 2027; NPPC will also consider qualified candidates for this role on a permanent basis.
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS:
This position is not eligible for health, dental, or life insurance, or paid time off. As a part-time position, it is eligible to participate in NPPC's retirement plan (non-matching).QUALIFICATIONSFaith Commitment: Has a personal relationship with Christ and a passion to honor and glorify God through worship and music, leading a congregation to do the same. We are seeking someone who shares NPPC's core beliefs and is committed to living in alignment with our denomination's (ECO) Essential Tenets and NPPC's Statement of Faith and lifestyle expectations — we'll discuss these in more detail during the interview process. Willing to be an active part of the NPPC church community or another Christian community, when not leading worship, highly preferred. Proven experience directing adult choir and/or handbell ensembles in a worship or comparable choral setting. Skilled in a mix of new, current, traditional and classical choral and handbell literature. Proficient in choral and/or handbell conducting technique; able to read and arrange vocal and handbell music. Exceptional interpersonal skills with a strong service orientation and ability to foster positive relationships with volunteers, pastoral staff, and the Accompanist. Outstanding organizational skills and attention to detail in planning rehearsals and music preparation. Skilled in volunteer development, including recruiting, training, and maintaining active involvement of choir and handbell members. Familiarity with Planning Center and ProPresenter, or willingness to be trained. Educational background: Associate's degree in music or equivalent experience directing choral/handbell ensembles preferred. Experience working in a not-for-profit or church setting is highly desirable.
PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIESChoir & Handbell Direction:
Primary responsibility is to lead the choir, which sings in worship every Sunday. Our handbell choir rehearses weekly during the school year and rings occasionally in worship, depending on ringer availability. We are willing to provide basic handbell training if needed to a candidate who otherwise meets all requirements. Lead weekly choir rehearsal (Thursday evenings) and handbell rehearsal (Wednesday evenings), September through June. Direct choir and handbells during Sunday traditional worship services and pre-service rehearsals. Select and develop anthems, special music, and handbell literature for Sunday services and special services. Grow the musical ability of the choir and handbell ensembles.
Volunteer Development:
Nurture choir and handbell volunteers in their roles; communicate regularly regarding music, schedules, and call times. Arrange for your own substitute direction when unavailable.
Worship Planning & Coordination:
Collaborate with pastoral staff on aligning Sunday music with sermon/teaching themes.
Collaborate with the Traditional Worship Accompanist on hymn, song, and anthem selection and overall worship order.
Enter choir- and handbell-related service elements into Planning Center; input lyrics/texts for hymns and choir anthems into ProPresenter.
HOW TO APPLY:
We appreciate your interest in our Interim/Permanent Traditional Worship Director (Choir & Handbells) position and ask that you provide the following: Cover letter and resume with applicable experience A video of you directing a choir (rehearsal or performance footage is acceptable) Please email to HRTeam@thecornernj.comFinalists for this position will be asked to complete a live audition. References may be requested during the final hiring stages. CURIOUS AND WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT NPPC?Access our Church Information Form (CIF) to learn all about us! Visit our website! NPPC Website Listen to past sermons on our website NPPC Sermons Join us on Sunday morning at 9:30 AM ET for our on-line traditional service. NPPC Worship Services Our socials: Facebook InstagramYouTuberecblid qeszekhkah4rrafc1og2yfer4gobqk
