Summary

Honoring our strong traditions and stepping boldly into a new chapter of ministry, Fourth Presbyterian Church seeks a visionary and collaborative Organist and Director of Music. The successful candidate will steward a strong tradition of congregational, choral, and instrumental worship music while also expanding opportunities for diverse musical styles, educational programming, volunteer development, and community engagement. The Organist and Director of Music functions as a senior staff leader who will partner with the Pastor to articulate and implement a strategic vision for Music Ministry. This is a full-time position with competitive compensation, benefits, and opportunities for professional growth within a welcoming, multi-generational faith community.

History

Fourth Presbyterian Church is a progressive and inclusive Presbyterian Church USA congregation located on Chicago’s vibrant Michigan Avenue. The complex of historic and modern buildings welcomes hundreds of people each week, including members, guests, church staff, and others. Programs offer services to those who seek faith and guidance or are active in one of our many community programs or participate in one of our associated mission programs.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership

• Work with the Pastor and clergy staff to plan a vital program of worship music.
• Direct the work of the Music Ministry staff, including Music Manager, Morning Choir members, the Director of Music for Children and Youth, and freelance musicians.
• Rehearse and lead professional ensembles, including choral groups (including the Morning Choir), instrumentalists, and touring ensembles.
• Supervise and develop Music Ministry staff, including the Music Manager and Section Leaders in the Morning Choir.
• Recruit and support volunteer choristers and musicians, maintain a welcoming atmosphere for all backgrounds and skill levels.
• Build and sustain a culture of invitation and welcome that facilitates connections and belonging.
• Cultivate support for Fourth Church’s music program through outreach and fundraising efforts.

Planning and Administration

• Plan and coordinate music for weekly worship services, seasonal liturgies, weddings, funerals, and special occasions in collaboration with the Head of Staff Pastor and other pastoral and ministry staff.
• Oversee all aspects of the Music Ministry, including budget management, music library organization, and maintenance of instruments.
• Regularly provide clear and consistent communication to Music Ministry staff and volunteers.
• Support the work of the church’s Worship, Music, and Arts Committee through regular reporting and discerning the priorities and direction of the Music Ministry.
• Recruit and coordinate a growing team of Music Ministry volunteers.

Community Engagement

• Serve as the face of Fourth Church’s Music Ministry for members and visitors.
• Oversee an annual series of public concerts that features Fourth Church’s Music Ministry as well as outside musicians who rent our space.
• Promote Music Ministry programs and events to the congregation and wider public in collaboration with the Communications team.
• Represent the church in the broader Chicago music community, cultivating partnerships with schools, ensembles, and community organizations as appropriate.
  
  

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in music, Sacred Music, Choral Conducting, or a related field.
• Proven experience as a church organist and choral conductor, with demonstrated leadership in liturgical planning.
• Proficiency in pipe organ and piano.
• Strong vocal coaching and conducting skills; ability to work with both flourishing choirs and diverse vocal/instrumental groups.
• Strong administrative skills, including creating and managing budgets.
• Demonstrated experience coaching and supervising staff, including providing corrective feedback.
• Demonstrated ability to manage time and priorities effectively.
• Excellent communication and collaborative skills; ability to work respectfully across a broad spectrum of musical tastes and faith backgrounds.
• Commitment to inclusivity, diversity, and the mission of Fourth Presbyterian Church.
  
  

Physical Requirements

Work Environment

• The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those employee encounters while performing essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with different abilities to perform essential functions.
• The sanctuary organ is a five-manual electo-pneumatic instrument with approximately 8,343 pipes and 142 ranks. There is a Jardine organ in the east balcony of the sanctuary as well as a grand piano. Additional pianos are located throughout the campus, including in a secondary worship space, Buchanan Chapel.
• Schedule: weekly Sunday worship services; rehearsals, special seasonal services, and special events; occasional evenings and Saturdays; regular weekly office hours and attendance at Church/Chicago Light staff and administrative meetings.
• Resources: Modern facilities, professional-grade acoustics, and robust technology support for live-streaming and multimedia integration.
• One must be able to participate in online virtual communications, including email, video conferencing, and other online tools used to facilitate virtual office culture and work sharing.
• Smoke and drug (illegal or recreational)-free environment.
• Fourth Church/ Chicago Lights aims for accessibility in any off-site location that we control, but some of them may not be fully accessible.
• This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, and scanners. Employees are regularly required to communicate effectively via computer, via phone, and in person.
• Be able to lift 35 pounds.
• Climbing stairs is required to access the sanctuary organ.
• This role requires frequent sitting and standing.
• Fourth Presbyterian Church’s/Chicago Lights office is located in downtown Chicago.
  
  

Compensation

• Salary range: $110,000–$130,000 annual salary plus honoraria for weddings and funerals.
• Medical insurance (church pays 85% of employee monthly premium and 75% of eligible dependents)
• Dental and vision insurance plans
• Generous 17 days of PTO plus 11 paid holidays
• 403(b) retirement plan (3% employer contribution after one year of employment)
• FSA for unreimbursed medical and dependent daycare expenses
• Mass transit and commuter parking benefits
• Life and short-term disability insurance, optional life insurance, and long-term disability plan

EEOC Statement

Fourth Presbyterian Church and Chicago Lights are committed to equal employment opportunity for all qualified applicants and employees, without regard to race, color, citizenship status, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, gender identity and/or expression, age, creed, physical or mental disability, genetic information, marital status or familial status, veteran status, military status, source of income, political affiliation or any other factor protected by law. It is our intention that all qualified applicants are given equal opportunity and that selection decisions be based on job-related factors.

• • To Apply email the following materials to [email protected]:
    
    

    • A cover letter describing your vision for Fourth Presbyterian Church’s music program and how your experience aligns with the role.
    • Résumé or Curriculum Vitae detailing education, professional experience, and notable performances.
    • Four recordings or links to recordings:
    1. A solo organ performance of a Classical or Baroque work demonstrating technical command, contrapuntal complexity, and stylistic integrity (e.g., J.S. Bach, Buxtehude, Muffat)
    2. A solo organ performance of a Romantic or Contemporary work demonstrating expressive playing, tonal capabilities, and musical depth (e.g., Mendelssohn, Rheinberger, Langlais, Gigout, Widor)
    3. A solo organ performance of a hymn or chorale tune with improvisation including:
    An introduction suitable for congregational singing
    One verse with congregational-style accompaniment
    At least one reharmonized or varied verse, demonstrating harmonic imagination while remaining stylistically appropriate and singable
    An improvised section or variation on the hymn tune, which may include modulation, motivic development, or text-driven character
    A final verse that clearly ties the improvisation back into congregational singing, using appropriate registration and texture
    Of note, improvisation should reflect the liturgical function of the hymn and remain appropriate to congregational worship rather than concert performance.
    4. An unedited video of the candidate conducting a choir. The video should demonstrate rehearsal technique and musical preparation, ability to diagnose and address musical issues, clear conducting patterns, and expressive leadership.
    
    
    • Names and contact information for three professional references.
    Application deadline: March 31, 2026
    Anticipated start date: June 1, 2026