Description

Peachtree Road United Methodist Church (PRUMC) seeks a Director of Music to lead one of the nation’s most distinguished church music programs. Reporting to the Senior Minister, the Director of Music serves as both artistic leader and spiritual guide, stewarding a music ministry that is central to worship, spiritual formation, and congregational life.

The Director provides vision and leadership for all aspects of PRUMC’s Music & Arts program, including worship planning, choral and instrumental music, concerts, special services, and festivals. Core responsibilities include directing the renowned Chancel Choir and affiliated ensembles, collaborating closely with clergy and staff on liturgy, and serving as principal organist as needed. The role also oversees a professional music staff, manages budgets and resources, supports volunteer musicians, and cultivates strong relationships with donors, guest artists, and the wider music community.

This position requires exceptional choral conducting skills, strong organ proficiency, deep knowledge of traditional sacred and liturgical music, and the ability to inspire volunteers with warmth, pastoral sensitivity, and excellence. The Director of Music is called to build upon PRUMC’s legacy of musical distinction while shaping a vibrant, faithful future for a large and engaged congregation.

Requirements

Ideal Qualifications
The most interesting prospects will offer a compelling mix of the following traits and experiences:

Musical Excellence

• Exceptional choral conducting skills with proven ability to develop vocal technique and ensemble sound
• Experience developing and leading volunteer choirs supplemented by professional staff singers
• Strong organ performance abilities, including hymn playing, liturgical improvisation, and advanced repertoire
• Deep knowledge of traditional sacred music repertoire across historical periods and styles
• Sophisticated understanding of liturgical planning and the role of music in worship
• A personal record of progression in musical leadership and reputation

Professional Experience

• Progressive growth within church contexts that mirror PRUMC’s commitment to excellence
• Demonstrated success leading music programs at churches of significant size and complexity—or the clear potential to do so
• Proven comfort working with multiple choirs, staff and volunteers
• Experience with and commitment to relevant liturgical traditions (United Methodist, Presbyterian,
• Episcopalian/Anglican, Lutheran or similar).

Interpersonal Excellence

• A collaborative, inviting spirit; a leader with the interpersonal gifts to inspire, teach, and build community through music
• Emotional intelligence and sensitivity to volunteer dynamics
• Pastoral presence that connects music to spiritual formation
• Artistic confidence conveyed with a spirit of humility
• A gracious team player who values others' contributions

Educational Background

• Bachelor’s degree in choral conducting, organ performance, church music, or sacred music
• Spiritual & Theological Grounding
• Deep personal faith and commitment to Christian ministry
• Understanding of music as theology—doxology, proclamation, and formation
• Ability to articulate the spiritual purpose of music in worship
• Comfort with traditional United Methodist (or similar mainline Protestant) theology and practice
• Passion for helping people encounter God through music

Administrative & Management Capabilities

• Stellar organizational and communications skills and attention to detail
• Ability to recruit, develop, and manage multiple choirs, staff, and programs
• Assets that could be additive
• Advanced degrees in choral conducting, church music, sacred music, organ performance or ancillary fields that would support PRUMC’s aspirations
• Experience supporting (if not actually leading) children's, youth, or handbell choirs as part of a fully dynamic music program
• Skills in strategic planning and budgeting
• Connections in the church music world that would contribute to guest artist recruitment
• Active involvement in professional organizations (e.g., AAM, ACDA, AGO)