STAFF SPECIALIST

Occupational Summary

Established in 2015, the organ scholar program at Duke University Chapel provides an immersive and supportive environment for promising students of organ and church music to develop vocational skills through liturgical planning and leadership, extensive choral accompaniment, continuo playing, choral rehearsal and conducting, and other activities that support the wide-ranging ministries of a vibrant University chapel.

The successful candidate will have access to the exceptional organs in Duke University Chapel, Duke Divinity School, a new Bösendorfer grand piano, as well as several harpsichords and practice instruments in the Department of Music. Although the position is akin to a paid internship, the Organ Scholar serves as an integral member of the Chapel Music staff and is expected to maintain the highest level of performance and professional standards in music making, communication, and other responsibilities.

Responsibilities

Primary (required) responsibilities include:

• Attend all services, regular rehearsals, and special rehearsals or sectionals of the Chapel Choir, Schola Cantorum, and Evensong Singers
• Serve as principal accompanist for the Evensong Singers including anthems, psalmody, and hymnody
• In rotation with the University Organist and Chapel Organist, prepare and play preludes, postludes, and other service music, as well as assist with weekly organ demonstrations featuring the Aeolian, Flentrop, and Brombaugh instruments in the Chapel
• Play 15 weddings (included in salary and not compensated separately)
• Maintain a regular schedule of individual practice using available instruments in the Chapel, Divinity School, and Department of Music
• Research and write music notes for Evensong bulletins and other special services
• Attend monthly all-staff meetings, and manage administrative tasks through weekly meetings with the Chapel Organist, weekly meetings with the conductor of the Evensong Singers, and occasional meetings of the Chapel’s ministry staff

Depending on the candidate’s strength and experience, secondary responsibilities may include:

• Learn and perform continuo accompaniments for the Chapel’s Bach cantata series, the annual performance of Handel’s Messiah, and the annual Chorworks program
• Plan and lead choral music for special projects such as Compline services during Lent or other collaborations with the Anglican Episcopal House of Studies at Duke Divinity School
• Serve as organist for funerals, academic ceremonies, and other special events (compensated separately)
• Lead sectionals or rehearsals for various choral ensembles

Finally, as a means of developing vocational skills, the Organ Scholar may pursue these and similar opportunities during their appointment:

• Develop a program of study for service playing, choral accompaniment, improvisation, conducting, continuo realization, or other areas of interest with members of the Chapel music staff
• Present a full-length recital, hymn festival, program, or special project akin to a degree recital
• Under guidance of the Chapel Organist or University Organist, prepare for and complete a professional certification (e.g. AGO examinations)

Qualifications

Candidates for the position of Organ Scholar must:

• Have a degree (BA, BM, MA, MM, or DMA) in organ performance or equivalent certifications from the American Guild of Organists or Royal College of Organists
• Exhibit commitment to continued professional work as a church musician
• Demonstrate previous experience in choral accompaniment and conducting
• Possess advanced proficiency in public performance of organ repertoire

The following skills will also be considered in evaluation of candidates:

• Sight-reading proficiency
• Exceptional oral and written communication skills
• Strong interpersonal skills

Application Instructions

To apply, please complete the application process through Duke Careers and be prepared to upload (.pdf) or paste the following when prompted:

• A one-page cover letter describing your past qualifications and future interests as they pertain to this role
• Curriculum vitae and repertoire list
• A document or list containing URL links for no more than five (5) recordings that demonstrate proficiency in any of the following areas: (a) performances of significant organ repertoire including a major work by J. S. Bach; (b) leadership of congregational singing; (c) proficiency in choral accompaniment or continuo playing
• Contact information for three (3) references

Duke University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual’s age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status.

Anticipated Pay Range:

Duke University provides an annual base salary range for thisposition as USD $18.00 to USD $25.04. Duke University considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position; candidate's work experience, education/training, and key skills; internal peer equity; as well as market and organizational considerations when extending an offer.

Your total compensation goes beyond the dollars on your paycheck. Duke provides comprehensive and competitive medical and dental care programs, generous retirement benefits, and a wide array of family-friendly and cultural programs to eligible team members. Learn more at:https: //hr.duke.edu/benefits/

Essential Physical Job Functions: Certain jobs at Duke University and Duke University Health System may include essential job functions that require specific physical and/or mental abilities. Additional information and provision for requests for reasonable accommodation will be provided by each hiring department.

Education

Work requires knowledge of basic mathematical, research and communications principles normally acquired thro ugh two years of postsecondary education.

Experience

Work generally requires two years of clerical or research experience to acquire skills in administrative or project research responsibilities as well as accepted office organization,communications and research practices .A bachelor's degree in a field of study directly related to the specific position may be substituted for the education and experience requirement OR AN EQUIVALENT COMBINATION OF RELEVANT EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE.

Duke is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status.

Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas—an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.

Essential Physical Job Functions: Certain jobs at Duke University and Duke University Health System may include essentialjob functions that require specific physical and/or mental abilities. Additional information and provision for requests for reasonable accommodation will be provided by each hiring department.