All Saints' Anglican Church in Waterloo, Ontario, is seeking a dedicated and inspiring Director of Music to enhance our liturgical worship and foster the musical life of our parish. This role involves working creatively to develop and expand our existing choir and parish music program, recruiting choristers, and recognizing music's integral role in our diverse and growing community's spiritual formation and proclamation. 

All Saints' Anglican Church, having moved into our brand new church and community centre, is a welcoming community committed to the principles that "All are Saints, All are Welcome, All are Loved". We offer a vibrant array of ministries for all ages, including Children's, Youth, Adult, and Senior, and are actively involved in the community through initiatives like the SideWalk Community Centre, which opened in 2024 as Waterloo’s only neighbourhood-facing community centre. We provide both in-person and livestreamed services, with worship on Sundays at 8:00 am (Book of Common Prayer) said service and 10:00 am (Book of Alternative Services) sung service.

Our priorities for required skills for the successful candidate are Piano, Choral Conducting and Organ in priority sequence, and they will inspire participation from other musicians and instrumentalists in our common worship and encourage musical partnerships beyond the parish. Through All Saints’ and the SideWalk Community Centre, there is an opportunity for this role to expand in the future, to include the development and direction of community music programming offered by the SideWalk Community Centre. 

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead the sung prayer of the assembly and enhance liturgical worship with music.
  • Plan and select music for liturgies in coordination with the Rector, carefully considering the readings for the week.
  • Cultivate the congregation's musical repertoire.
  • Direct the choir, which meets from September to Pentecost.
  • Teach the choir and congregation new music for liturgies.
  • Play the piano/organ during services and choir practices.
  • Accompany instrumentalists during services.
  • Lead music during special liturgies, such as Christmas, Holy Week, All Saints’ Day, and other occasional services.
  • Be available for weddings and funerals (additional remuneration expected).
  • Be responsible for all aspects of the musical life of the parish.
  • Work co-operatively with other parish staff, lay leaders, and parishioners.
  • Attend monthly staff meetings.

Qualifications and Experience

  • Competence or willingness to learn Anglican liturgy.
  • Leadership and teaching skills.
  • Sensitivity to musical needs and abilities of others.
  • Commitment to professional development and spiritual growth.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Determined, resourceful, and flexible.
  • Must be a Canadian citizen or have permission to work in Canada.

Terms

This is a part-time employee position, 12 hours per week, including weekly choir rehearsals and Sunday liturgies. Additional hours are required for major liturgical seasons and occasional services. The choir breaks after Pentecost till the long weekend in September. Our instruments are: a Young Chan Grand Piano, an electronic organ designed by Gary Schmidt, and a Yamaha practice piano in the music room. 

Supervision and Support

The Director of Music works under the supervision of the Rector and is responsible to the Wardens on matters of contract and employment.

Safe Church Policies

The successful candidate must comply with the Safe Church policies of the Diocese of Huron and complete Safe Church training and background checks every three years.

Application Process

Interested applicants are invited to submit a cover letter and resumé. To apply, please contact the church office directly at contact@allsaintswaterloo.ca or by phone at 519-884-6600.