Ecumenical Music Director and Musician Pianist Keyboardist

The successful candidate for this position will be a 1099 contractor with Music Ministry International and be responsible for the following:

1. DESCRIPTION OF SERVICES: The music director shall provide all personnel, labor, materials, and transportation to provide non-personal service in support of the Dover Air Force Base Chapel for all Sunday Catholic Masses (hereafter called “Masses”) and Protestant worship services Director of Music Ministries contract. The music director is responsible to provide one music director and one music accompanist each for two Masses and one Protestant worship service. The program is multi-faceted and requires a high degree of coordination and cooperation with military and civilian activities and authorities. The Chapel will provide all music materials and facilities necessary to perform their duties. The music director must demonstrate an understanding of the religiously pluralistic and sensitive arena of numerous faith groups and denominational traditions. The music director accomplishes the terms of the contract in compliance with the mission requirements and standards set forth and defined by the Department of the Air Force and the Air Force Chaplain Corps. Activities and behavior to the contrary are viewed as grounds for contract termination.

2. PURPOSE: The purpose of this Performance Work Statement (PWS) is to cover faith specific duties related to the Director of Music Ministries contract.

3. WORK HOURS:

3.1. Director of Catholic Music: The position will be paid per unit. One unit equals 1 rehearsal (1 per rehearsal from music director and 1 per rehearsal from musician), 1 mass performances, (1 per mass from both music director and 1 per rehearsal from musician) or as needed (1 rehearsal and 1 performance) for special events to include special Holidays (Advent/Christmas and Lent/Holy Week/Easter), Memorial Services and Funerals. The length of the rehearsals shall be a minimum of (1) hour, not to exceed three (2) hours. Any time spent immediately prior to the mass or event is considered part of the worship service, and not a separate rehearsal. This PWS covers six (6) units per week at fifty two (52) weeks per annum with the option for seventy-two (72) additional special services units fulfilled annually for a maximum of three hundred eighty four (384) units annually.

3.2. Director of Protestant Music: One unit equals 1 rehearsal (1 per service from music director and musician), 1 worship service performance (1 per service from music director and musician) or as needed (1 rehearsal and 1 performance) for special events to include special Holidays (Advent/Christmas and Lent/Holy Week/Easter), Memorial Services and Funerals. The length of the rehearsals shall be a minimum of (1) hour, not to exceed (2) hours. Any time spent immediately prior to the service or event is considered part of the worship service, and not a separate rehearsal. This PWS covers four (4) units per week at fifty (52) weeks per annum with the option for (24) additional special services units fulfilled annually for a maximum of (232) units annually.

3.3. Changes to the core hours must be coordinated through the Chaplain and contracting officer and accomplished via a modification prior to any changes taking place. Hours worked each week will be submitted through iRAPT/WAWF for payment on a monthly basis.

4. QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENT:

4.1 At least a (2) year degree in music and/or certification by appropriate professional organizations is required. BA degree in Music or related fields preferred.

4.2 Knowledge of the theology, flow, and parts of various forms of Catholic Mass and other liturgical activities is preferred.

4.3 Knowledge of the theology, flow, and parts of various forms of Protestant worship services and other liturgical activities is preferred.

4.4 Participate in a qualifying audition and follow-up interview. Submit a three minute recorded video audition demonstrating the ability to lead and perform Protestant musical worship to the wing chaplain via YouTube or other acceptable digital medium to qualify for follow-up interview. At follow-up interview, perform set pieces as required by subject matter experts, discuss personal experience, philosophy of worship music, responsibilities outlined in the PWS, and vision, mission and strategy for obtaining an effective program.

4.5 Minimum of (3) years’ experience accompanying choirs, vocals, and instrumentalists; a minimum of (3) years’ experience playing an instrument i.e. organ, piano, electric keyboard, guitar (determined by audition).

4.6 Ability to demonstrate proficiency in reading and interpretation of vocal and instrumental scores (determined by audition).

4.7 Furnish a resume with a minimum of (3) references. Documentation of the following is required: a minimum of (2) years’ experience as a Catholic Church musician at a military installation preferred or civilian church and/or at least (2) years’ experience as a volunteer in a Catholic Church choir at a military installation preferred or civilian church. Documentation of the following is required: a minimum of (2) years’ experience as a Protestant worship service musician at a military installation preferred or civilian church and/or at least (2) years’ experience as a volunteer in a Protestant worship service at a military installation preferred or civilian church.

5. GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES: The music director shall:

5.1. Submit to Criminal History Background Check and an Installation Records Check (IRC)* as described in DoDI 1402.05. Criminal History Background Checks on Individuals In Child Care Services. The music director will acquire all guidance required to complete the background check and/or IRC from the chapel administrative office upon contract awarding date. Upon favorable completion of IRC, music director may provide services under line of sight supervision until the background check is completed (if required). If the music director has previously received a background check from another military installation proof of the check must be provided or obtain a new one. The music director has the right to obtain a copy of the background check report and must make contact with the chapel administrative office to obtain it. If the IRC or background check comes back with unfavorable results, the music director has the right to challenge the accuracy and completeness of the information in the report. Final decision on whether to continue contract or use unfavorable result as a basis for termination of contract lies with Wing Chaplain in coordination with Contracting Officer. *This paragraph applies to music directors working with youth below 18 years of age unsupervised or music directors that manage volunteers that work with youth below 18 years of age unsupervised.

5.2. Ensure that all permanent volunteers working with youth below 18 years of age without line of sight supervision receive a background check and an IRC as described in above paragraph. Ensure that one time volunteers under line of sight supervision complete an IRC.

5.3. Work in close coordination with the assigned Chaplain over the Catholic Mass and Protestant worship services.

5.4. Attend Catholic Mass, Protestant worship services, and any special worship services or programs as coordinated with the Chaplain.

5.5. Attend all weekly meetings with Chaplain (as required) and monthly Parish Advisory Council (PAC) meetings, reporting on past activities, coming events, budget concerns, and musical support to the overall ministry.

5.6. Maintain good rapport and work constructively with the Chaplain, service members, volunteers, and the Parish Advisory Council (PAC). Resolve all conflicts at the lowest possible level starting with the Contracting Officer or their designee.

5.7. Dress in a professional and appropriate manner for events while providing services.

5.8. Be able to communicate in fluent English with chapel staff, volunteers and customers.

6. SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES: The music director shall:

6.1. Recruit members, rehearse, and provide one director and one musician for each Catholic Mass and Protestant worship service and additional services at other times and locations as requested by the Chaplain

6.2. Recruit, train, and supervise, volunteers to form a vibrant and musical worship team. Work with volunteer program manager to ensure all required volunteer requirements are met.

6.3. Be prepared to attend at least one weekly rehearsal for each worship service. Weekly rehearsals are determined by music director in coordination with Chaplain. A rehearsal constitutes a minimum of one-hour practice with choir members.

6.4. Arrive at least 30 minutes prior to the worship service start time so that equipment will be set up and prepared in a timely manner.

6.5. Coordinate set up and tear down of music equipment and preparation of the worship space for each rehearsal and each worship service. Ensure the sanctuary and/or rehearsal area is secured and returned to its standard condition after use in accordance with Operating Instructions.

6.4. Collaborate with the Chaplain to plan the music and singing according to the themes and direction provided.

6.5. Monitor chapel musical instruments of any needed repair, preventative maintenance, or replacement.

6.6. Upon request by the assigned Chaplain perform during special services such as funerals, memorial services, specific religious observances, cantatas, and other special programs.

6.7. Comply with all Chapel Air Force Instructions and Chapel Operating Instructions, specifically those regarding facility usage, resource protection, fire protection, and funds utilization.  

6.8. Personally perform the services described above or coordinate performance by a substitute of equal or higher proficiency who has been approved in advance by the Chaplain. Submit the names and qualifications of proposed submusic directors to the Chaplain for approval at least 14 days prior to the proposed absence. Submusic directors must meet the requirements for the position as outlined in the PWS. Music director is responsible for payment of substitute.

7. CONFERENCES/WORKSHOPS: If necessary the Wing Chaplain may provide funds for attendance at professional training workshops/classes, retreats and conferences.

8. TAXES: The music director will be responsible for filing any applicable social security, local, state and federal taxes. The music director will also obtain any applicable business licenses and registrations and otherwise compliance with local, state and federal law.

9. GOVERNMENT FURNISHED PROPERTY: The Chapel will provide all music materials and facilities necessary to perform their duties.

Interested Candidates are requested to forward their resume together with three references from individuals who can attest to the candidate’s good work and steadiness.  Candidates who do not possess the specific attributes/qualifications in "4. QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENT" above need not apply. This is a part-time position with compensation based on budget and the successful candidate’s experience and qualifications..   

Apply directly at: https://music-ministry.jobsoid.com (scroll down to “Dover”).  Your application must include three (3) references including one priest or pastor who can attest to your abilities as they relate to this job posting.  References must include: name, title, organization, relationship to you, email address (necessary field) and phone number. Depending on security software, candidates are requested to monitor spam folders for further application communications from MMI.