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The Director of Chapel Music serves as the principal artistic and liturgical leader for the musical life at Candler School of Theology. In collaboration with the Associate Dean of Worship and Spiritual Formation, the Director of Chapel Music provides artistic and administrative leadership for all aspects of chapel worship, sacred music initiatives, ensemble development, and student formation through the music arts. This role is essential for shaping the spiritual life of the school, supporting both academic and worship programs.

 

The duties of the Director of Chapel Music include, but are not limited to:

 

Music and Liturgical Leadership

• Develop and articulate a comprehensive vision for chapel music and sacred arts formation within the Candler community.
• Direct the ongoing development of the chapel music program, broadening the program to include new perspectives and opportunities while respecting time-honored traditions at Candler.
• Plan, direct, and execute music for weekly chapel services, special events, institutional ceremonies, and liturgical seasons.
• Ensure that all worship music reflects theological depth, liturgical integrity, cultural breadth, and musical excellence.
• Lead congregational singing and serve as principal musical leader for chapel worship as needed.
• Collaborate closely with the student worship planning teams, faculty and guest preachers, and team leadership in the creation of meaningful worship experiences.
• Curate music that reflects the diversity of the global church, including hymnody, gospel, spirituals, global song, contemporary sacred music, and historically rooted liturgical traditions.
• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of the music program through regular evaluation of the program and gathering feedback and data to inform future planning and improvements.
• Maintain high-level skill in musical leadership through personal rehearsal time and professional development.

Ensemble Development and Choral Leadership

• Provide artistic leadership and long-term strategic development for all chapel music ensembles.
• Coordinate and lead the various music groups of the school, including Candler Singers, Candler Voices of Imani, Candler Global Ensemble, Faculty and Staff Choir, and other smaller ensembles. Lead rehearsals, contract appropriate directors as necessary, and ensure effective preparation for ministry and performances.
• Develop and oversee audition processes, ensemble leadership structures, rehearsal schedules, and performance expectations for participating ensembles.
• Direct at least on principal ensemble for weekly worship leadership and institutional performances.
• Recruit, mentor, and manage a talented and dedicated music team through rehearsals, workshops, and collaborative formation opportunities.
• Contract and supervise additional guest conductors, accompanists, instrumentalists, and ensemble leaders as necessary.
• Plan and oversee concerts, choir tours, conference appearances, recordings, and external engagements that strengthen the public presence of chapel music at Candler.
• Collaborate with the University Organist, and other university music groups as seen fit.
• Establish strategic partnerships with churches, universities, denominational bodies, and sacred music organizations to expand recruitment and institutional visibility.

Student Formation and Mentorship

• Foster a lively musical program of volunteer and staff singers and instrumentalists, engaging students in every aspect of the program’s work, and representing the mission and ministry of Candler to various constituencies.
• Provide mentorship for students pursuing interests in worship leadership, sacred music, liturgy, pastoral ministry, and the arts.
• Develop workshops, retreats, clinics, and educational opportunities that strengthen student leadership in worship and music ministry.
• Encourage collaborative and ecumenical approaches to worship leadership that prepare students for diverse ministry contexts.
• Hold office hours for students weekly.

Administrative and Financial Management

• Manage mandated reporting for music licensing.
• Plan and manage the music repertoire for each academic year during the summer.
• Supervise the musicians and student workers assigned to the music program support team.
• Oversee and manage the chapel music budget, including music purchases, equipment, and external musicians.
• Work with the Advancement and Alumni Engagement team, and the Associate Dean of Worship and Spiritual Formation to identify, cultivate, and steward donors to the chapel music program.
• Participate in team reflection meetings and retreats.
• Other duties and special projects may be assigned by the Associate Dean of Worship and Spiritual Formation as needed.

 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• A bachelor's degree in the humanities or liberal arts (Religion, Music, Psychology, Sociology) or a related field and three years of related experience, which includes experience directing a choir and work in religious education or ministry.
• The ability to identify voice parts is required.
• The ability to play the piano or keyboard is preferred.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Must be innovative and collaborative, skilled in the management of people and resources, kind, reasonable, energetic, and demanding as well as understanding.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate, inspire, and empower others.
• Proven ability to lead, perform, and inspire excellence across diverse styles of worship music, fostering a dynamic and inclusive worship experience.
• Demonstrated excellence in musicianship with the proven ability to direct, arrange, and perform at a high level, ensuring musical integrity and leadership in worship settings.
• Formal musical training and/or experience with leading musicians and choirs.
• Familiarity with music programs with the spiritual life of theological edu

NOTE: Position tasks are generally required to be performed in-person at an Emory University location.  Remote work from home day options may be granted at department discretion. Emory reserves the right to change remote work status with notice to employee.

 

 

 

Emory is an equal opportunity employer, and qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by state or federal law. Emory University does not discriminate in admissions, educational programs, or employment, including recruitment, hiring, promotions, transfers, discipline, terminations, wage and salary administration, benefits, and training. Students, faculty, and staff are assured of participation in university programs and in the use of facilities without such discrimination. Emory University complies with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Vietnam Era Veteran's Readjustment Assistance Act, and applicable executive orders, federal and state regulations regarding nondiscrimination, equal opportunity, and affirmative action (for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities). Inquiries regarding this policy should be directed to the Emory University Department of Equity and Civil Rights Compliance, 201 Dowman Drive, Administration Building, Atlanta, GA 30322. Telephone: 404-727-9867 (V) | 404-712-2049 (TDD).

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