Associate Director of Music and Organist

About Christ Church Cranbrook

Christ Church Cranbrook is a dynamic, thriving Episcopal community experiencing significant growth and transformation. Located in a beautiful suburb of metro Detroit, our two-thousand-member congregation boasts an English gothic cathedral-style church built in the arts and crafts movement. Christ Church originated as part of the Cranbrook Education Community, which includes the Cranbrook Schools, Cranbrook Academy of Art, the Cranbrook Art Museum, the Cranbrook Institute of Science, and the Cranbrook House and Gardens, and later became its own parish church. It is an idyllic setting to carry out our deep commitment to the flourishing of neighboring cities, including Detroit and Pontiac. Our vision is to be a place where all can Meet Jesus, Find Joy, Share Beauty and Serve Others. We are looking for a candidate who values relationships and shares our passion to create a joyful environment for all who enter the church.Christ Church Cranbrook has a history of dedication to the arts. The Christ Church Choir is an auditioned adult choir supported by 14 staff singers that sings for weekly and special services during the program year, including Evensongs, an All Souls Requiem, and several services of Lessons & Carols. Repertoire is drawn largely from the Anglican tradition, but also includes representative selections from all genres. The Choir has completed several tours in the UK, and released multiple albums, including In a Different Voice: Music by Women Composers in 2023. The Cranbrook Choristers is based on the Royal School of Church Music currently for children in grades 3-8. The St. Francis Choir is our choir for children K-2. The Associate Director of Music will serve as a key player in a music staff. The music staff includes the Director of Music and Organist alongside several part-time staff: administrative Music Assistant, St. Francis Choir Director, Handbell Choir director, and Carillonneur. Christ Church Cranbrook is the founder of the Cranbrook Project, a 501(c)3 that bridges cities and suburbs in art, music and education, focusing on jazz.

The church has three organs: a 93-rank E.M. Skinner (1927)/Mander (1997) in the main church, an 11-rank Casavant (2022) mechanical action organ in 1/5 Comma Meantone in the St. Dunstan’s Chapel, and 6-rank George Bozeman chamber organ. The church also has a 1993 Steinway D, a refurbished 1950s Steinway B, a newly refurbished Mason & Hamlin BB, a 50-bell Taylor Foundry (1927) Carillon, and an extensive handbell collection.

Job Description Summary

The Associate Director of Music is a full-time, exempt position, requiring weekend hours and some evenings. This position covers three key areas: organ playing, working with Choristers, and creating and printing the liturgical bulletins. Depending on interest and skill, regular conducting is possible. The Associate Director of Music will work closely and collaboratively with the Liturgy Team, and especially the clergy assigned to Worship.

Essential skills and experience

• Outstanding organ skills: choral accompaniment, Psalm accompaniment, hymn playing, improvisation, and repertoire.
• Love for working with young people in an RSCM-based chorister program.
• Passion for liturgy and choirs within the Anglican tradition.
• An open stance to diverse and changing developments in worship and belonging.
• Knowledge of Adobe InDesign, Google Workspace, and bulletin creation with an eye for detail and beauty.
• Ability to consistently meet deadlines, manage sometimes heavy workloads, prioritize, empathize, and work with a variety of internal and external constituencies.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to be respectful and conscientious in all situations and under pressure, always maintaining confidentiality, discretion, cultural awareness, and sensitivity to others.

Desired skills and experience

• Experience working in an RSCM-based (or similar) chorister program.
• Experience working in an Episcopal or similar church.
• Choral conducting training and experience.
• Teaching ability, including written and spoken, to our congregation and beyond.
• Skills in other styles of church music.
• Knowledge of music notation software, such as Sibelius or Finale.

Compensation

A competitive salary is offered, plus full health and dental insurance, life insurance, and customary contribution to the pension fund. Standard PTO is offered, as well as continuing education. Additional fees are given for weddings and funerals.

The Associate Director of Music reports directly to the Director of Music and Organist, and, like all staff, ultimately to the Rector, and is employed at the Rector’s will.

To Apply

To apply, please email the following to Jonathan Ryan, Director of Music, at jryan (at) christchurchcranbrook (dot) org.

• Cover letter
• Curriculum Vitae
• Links to a recording of at least one Hymn Choral accompaniment Piece of organ solo repertoire
• A recording of a Psalm accompaniment and/or improvisation are also welcomed.

Applications will be reviewed upon receipt. Desired start time is August, 2024.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $50,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan

Ability to Relocate:

• Bloomfield Hills, MI 48304: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person