Director of Chapel Music

This is a full-time, permanent position, subject to a probationary period.

Established in 1789, the University of King’s College is Canada’s oldest chartered university and is associated with Dalhousie University. A small and extraordinarily lively academic community located in Halifax (Kjipuktuk), Nova Scotia, King’s is known nationally and internationally for its highly acclaimed interdisciplinary programs in the humanities, including its renowned Foundation Year Program, its professional programs in journalism and its fine arts programs in creative writing. King’s is a community where students, faculty, alumni and staff work to bring greater understanding, creativity and compassion to the world.

The University of King’s College is looking for a Director of Chapel Music to sustain and develop a rich tradition of choral singing. This tradition includes several choirs on campus, including especially the Chapel Choir, which sings two services each week in term to a very high standard in the tradition of Oxbridge colleges, and the King’s Chorus, a community choir for singers of widely different skill levels from across the University and beyond. The position demands not only exceptional musical and teaching skills, but also imagination and readiness to seek out and respond to opportunities to support the University’s educational mission and outreach to the wider community. The Director of Chapel Music reports to the Chaplain.

Specific Duties/Accountabilities:

• Direct the Chapel Choir, providing choral music for Choral Evensong each Wednesday in term and Solemn eucharist each Thursday in term.
• Recruit students for the Choir.
• Direct The King’s Chorus, a student-run choral society (and assist with budgeting, fundraising, concert logistics, singer recruitment and all other aspects of administering a choral society).
• Conduct weekly rehearsals for both the Choir and the Chorus.
• Develop programming, including during the summer months, geared toward Community Outreach and Collaboration with Halifax-area Choirs, other music initiatives and learning opportunities.
• Provide music for the University Matriculation Service, the College Christmas Service of Lessons and Carols, Holy Week worship (including Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and the great vigil of Easter) and Encaenia.
• Coordinate organ and choral music for Sunday mornings in term, and choral leadership of the weekday sung Compline service in term.
• Oversee the regular maintenance of the organ and supervise the work of the Organ Scholar(s).
• Acquire and catalogue sheet music.
• Establish the music program budget, in consultation with the Chaplain.
• Manage the music program budget, in consultation with the Chaplain.

The above accountabilities are not intended to be an all-inclusive list of the duties and responsibilities of the position described.

Education, Experience and Key Attributes:

The successful candidate will have:

• Extensive experience in Choir direction in an ecclesiastical and/or university setting;
• Organ proficiency;
• Experience and deep appreciation of the choral tradition associated with Oxbridge college chapels;
• Recognized qualifications in music performance, or in sacred music leadership;
• A record of successful participation in the choral music scene in the city of residence;
• Demonstrated leadership skills working with young people;
• Experience managing program budgets (incl. financial statements, cheque requisitions, etc.);
• Graduate study in music an asset.

Key Skills and Aptitudes:

• A strong sense of community spirit.
• Excellent interpersonal skills (including patience, clarity of purpose, and effective communication).
• A commitment to the College’s equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility initiatives.
• Ability to inspire and motivate young people (challenging and supportive).
• A commitment to outreach and collaboration.

Closing Date: Applications will be reviewed on October 15, 2024 and continue until the position is filled.

Salary will be commensurate with level of education and experience. The starting salary range is $73,921 to $86,496 annually.  A comprehensive group benefits package is offered including membership in the Nova Scotia Public Service Superannuation Plan (PSSP).

Preferred Start Date: January 1, 2025 or sooner

To apply for this position, please forward resume and covering letter to:

Pethrona Russell
Human Resources Manager
University of King’s College
6350 Coburg Road
Halifax, Nova Scotia B3H 2A1

pethrona.russell@ukings.ca

We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

 The University of King’s College is committed to diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion. We encourage and welcome applications from Indigenous persons (especially Mi’kmaq), persons with a disability, racialized persons, including persons of Black/African descent (especially African Nova Scotians), women, persons of a minority sexual orientation and/or gender identity, and all candidates who would contribute to the diversification of our community.