Assistant Music Director – First Presbyterian Church of Palo Alto
Location: Palo Alto, CA Job Type: Permanent, Part-Time (~7 hours/week) Compensation: $25,000/year Schedule: Thursday evenings + Sunday mornings
About Us
First Presbyterian Church of Palo Alto is a theologically and socially progressive congregation. We are LGBTQ+ affirming, committed to anti-racism, and have a long tradition of engagement in social justice. We are looking for a musician who shares these values and wants to help us deepen and diversify the musical life of our community.
Position Summary
The Assistant Music Director is an instrumentalist and song leader who works with our Music Director to increase the diversity of musical offerings in Sunday worship. This includes leading the congregation in 1–2 songs each Sunday and serving as a section leader in the choir.
Responsibilities
- Lead 1–2 congregational songs per Sunday, accompanying yourself on guitar or another instrument
- Serve as a section leader in the choir
- Collaborate with the Music Director on song selection for worship services
- Substitute as music leader for choir rehearsals and worship services as needed
- Support Thursday evening choir rehearsals (September through May)
- Provide approximately 2 hours per week of logistical and administrative support to the Music Director
Qualifications
- Strong, confident singer
- Experience leading a choir or vocal ensemble
- Comfortable leading songs in front of a congregation
- Proficiency on guitar or other instrument
- Progressive theological values
- Personable, friendly, and collaborative
- Punctual and dependable
- Able to take direction and work well as part of a team
Compensation & Benefits
- Salary: $25,000/year
- Vacation: 4 weeks (up to 4 Sundays per year)
- Sick leave: Yes
- Retirement: 8.5% employer match after one year of employment
- Health insurance: Not included
Additional Information
All offers are contingent on a background check clearance. The selected candidate will also be required to complete the San Jose Presbytery’s online sexual misconduct prevention and mandated reporter training. This is an at-will position per California law.
First Presbyterian Church of Palo Alto is an equal opportunity employer
Please send resume, cover letter, and audio/video samples to jobs@fpcpaloalto.org
