Music Director – Position Description
Location: St. Lukes Lutheran Church, Reno, NV
Reports To: Pastor
Classification: Full-time, salaried, exempt
POSITION OVERVIEW
The Music Director is responsible for leading and developing music programs to provide for a meaningful worship experience at St. Lukes Lutheran Church. This role is responsible for music at both modern and traditional worship services on Sundays as well as seasonal and special services including Advent, Lent, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, and other services planned by pastoral leadership.
The Music Director designs and facilitates engaging, Christ-centered music integrated into worship experiences that align with theology and doctrine of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod (LCMS) and support the ministry vision of St. Lukes. Working collaboratively with the pastor, musicians, and volunteers, this role integrates service development, musical expression, creative planning, and technical oversight.
CORE RESPONSIBILITIES
Music Planning & Leadership
- Lead and oversee all aspects of musical production for the Modern Worship Team, Adult Choir, Bell Choir, Youth Choir (not currently active), organists, and invited musicians.
- Select music and creative elements aligned with Scripture, sermon themes, liturgical seasons, and LCMS doctrine.
- Recruit musical talent (voices and instruments) for each group and special musical performances.
- Conduct rehearsals, workshops, and training
- Coordinate with the production team to ensure integrated production of video, sound, and projected slides.
- Recruit and lead special music for services such as Easter and Christmas, in coordination with the Pastor.
- Provide instrument and/or vocal accompaniment (e.g., piano, guitar, organ, voice, etc.) for music groups as abilities allow.
- Plan, schedule, and integrate music into all worship services collaboratively with the pastor(s), musicians, and volunteer worship teams.
- Recruit, train, schedule, and mentor volunteer musicians and vocalists.
- Collaborate with the Pastor to develop long-range worship plans at least 90+ days in advance.
- Maintain working knowledge of instruments’ technical systems and ensure equipment care, maintenance, tuning, and upgrades as needed.
Creative Arts, Media & Production
- Provide creative input on visual, media, and Chancel design.
- Provide input for the preparation of projection slides.
- Provide input to audio, video, lighting, and livestream production teams to ensure quality production of visual and sound production.
- Familiarity with production software including Proclaim, Canva, BoxCast, and other relevant programs to help ensure high-quality audio and video for in-house and streamed services.
Administration & Collaboration
- Manage music ministry budgets within approved limits.
- Develop music plans and maintain schedules in Planning Center.
- Coordinate music ministries with other ministries and the church calendar.
- Oversee copyright compliance for all music and media used in worship.
- Participate in staff meetings and church-wide events.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree in music is preferred or equivalent experience, including familiarity with LCMS theology and worship styles.
- Mature Christian faith and knowledge/commitment to LCMS theology, doctrine, and worship traditions.
- Proven musical leadership experience, musical proficiency, ability to lead/direct vocal and instrumental musicians, and ability to play one or more instruments.
- Excellent organizational, verbal, and written communication skills.
- Strong interpersonal skills, adaptability, and problem-solving capabilities.
- Proficiency or strong familiarity with relevant software and tools (e.g., Planning Center, Proclaim, Canva, Adobe Photoshop, GarageBand, or similar).