Director of Music

Posted June 25, 2025

Washington National Cathedral seeks a visionary leader who is emotionally intelligent and artistically excellent to lead one of the most visible and important music ministries in the Anglican Communion. This senior leadership role oversees the Cathedral’s expansive and evolving music program—spanning world-class liturgical offerings, chorister training, community outreach, concerts, recordings, and national ceremonies. The Director of Music will serve as the Cathedral’s principal choral conductor, artistic strategist, spiritual leader through music, and a collaborative institutional partner.

Rooted in the rich Episcopal/Anglican choral tradition and open to innovation, the Director of Music will craft musical experiences that reflect the Cathedral’s mission as a house of prayer for all people, a sacred civic space, and a spiritual home for worship, formation, and public life. This individual will lead a multi-faceted team of professionals and students and will serve as a public ambassador for the Cathedral’s musical and spiritual life.

Recruitment Packet

Download the recruitment packet for full details.

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

Exceptional musical ability and choral conducting expertise across age groups and styles;
Proven capacity to lead and inspire others—staff, choristers, musicians, clergy, and audiences alike;
Deep knowledge of sacred music within Episcopal/ Anglican liturgical tradition;
Openness to integrating works from other liturgical and cultural origins to reflect the diversity and inclusivity of the Cathedral community.
A warm and approachable leadership style marked by humility, emotional intelligence, and collaboration;
Strategic thinking and administrative acumen, with the ability to manage complex schedules, budgets, and partnerships;
A passion for using music as a tool for formation, ministry, and outreach.

The Director of Music works to steward and expand a program that is spiritually resonant, artistically excellent, and mission aligned. Responsibilities include conducting the Cathedral Choirs and ensembles, planning and executing all musical elements of worship and civic services, managing personnel and budgets, supporting and growing the chorister program, cultivating donors, and supporting the growth and wellbeing of the Cathedral’s vibrant music community.

duties and responsibilities

Musical & Liturgical Responsibilities

Serve as the artistic and musical leader of the Cathedral, upholding and evolving its Anglican musical tradition while embracing a diversity of musical styles.
Direct and conduct the Cathedral Choirs, Choristers (boys and girls), resident musicians, and contemporary ensembles in worship services, concerts, and tours, in close collaboration with Music Department staff.
Serve as principal conductor for all major services (Christmas, Easter, Holy Week, national events), balancing excellence, pastoral sensitivity, and spiritual presence.
Collaborate with Canon for Worship and Worship Department on music selection and arrangement for all liturgical services, ensuring alignment with theological themes, preaching, and liturgical seasons.
Support a robust chorister rehearsal schedule by directing rehearsals and overseeing chorister training in coordination with the chorister program team.
Develop and introduce inspiring repertoire, balancing classical, contemporary, and diverse traditions.
Collaborate with Associate Directors and staff or guest musicians to ensure high musical standards and cohesion.
Collaborate with the Bishop and the Diocesan Liturgist to support Diocesan services.

Leadership & Team Culture

Provide visionary and collaborative leadership for a multi-faceted department that includes professional musicians, full and part-time staff, and students.
Foster an emotionally intelligent and relational culture within the music department—build trust, resolve conflict, and celebrate the gifts of others.
Serve as a mentor and coach, especially for younger staff and choristers; build a pipeline of future leaders and musicians.
Model servant leadership, humility, and approachability—valuing feedback, encouraging honest dialogue, and maintaining a calm, supportive presence.
Build a team culture that is balanced, kind, disciplined, and fun—trusted by staff and cherished by children.
Integrate the music team fully into Cathedral life, operations, and mission.

Strategic and Administrative Responsibilities

Oversee all staffing, hiring, evaluation, and management of the music department—including professional singers, accompanists, teaching artists, and administrative support.
Serve as a strategic partner to the Dean, COO/ Chief of Staff, Worship, Development, and Marketing and Communications teams, aligning musical programming with the Cathedral’s annual goals and calendar.
Plan, oversee, and manage the music program budget, including personnel, concerts, guest artists, licensing, and production expenses in close collaboration with the Director of Music Operations.
Maintain close partnerships with parents and school leadership.

Development, Public Engagement, and Outreach

Serve as a visible ambassador for the Cathedral’s music program—able to clearly articulate its value, theology, and spiritual power to audiences, donors, and external partners.
Collaborate closely with the Development Department on cultivation, briefings, and special donor experiences; attend solicitation meetings and help steward major gifts and endowments.
Design and implement an annual music calendar that supports both worship and outreach, including concerts, collaborations, tours, and recordings.
Engage with outside musical organizations, civic partners, interfaith coalitions, and schools to extend the Cathedral’s reach and deepen its community role.
Embrace digital innovation—using recording, livestream, and content creation to expand music’s reach and evangelism.
Design accessible and inspiring musical experiences for Cathedral visitors and broader audiences, not only the congregation.

Institutional Collaboration and Vision

Serve as a core member of Cathedral leadership, contributing to strategic vision, mission alignment, and long-range planning.
Ensure that music aligns with the Cathedral’s theological and spiritual identity, rooted in the Gospel and the Episcopal tradition.
Champion diversity in musical style, repertoire, personnel, and guest artists; actively work to bridge cultural, racial, and musical divides.
Be a public-facing artist and spiritual leader, who can represent the Cathedral at high-profile events and national moments of worship.
Think creatively about how the Cathedral’s spaces and platforms can be used for artistic and spiritual impact throughout the year.

Perform other duties as assigned.

minimum qualifications

Master’s degree in music, (e.g. choral conducting, sacred music, organ performance) or a closely related discipline.
Minimum 5–7 years of progressively responsible experience in a cathedral, large church, or institutional sacred music setting.
Demonstrated excellence in conducting choirs and ensembles of varied ages and abilities, including professional musicians and choristers.
Proven ability to program, rehearse, and lead both traditional Anglican choral repertoire and contemporary sacred music styles, especially children’s and chorister ensembles.
Minimum of 5 years’ experience working in a collaborative, multi-disciplinary team environment that includes clergy, staff, educators, and lay leadership.
Minimum 5 years’ experience managing diverse and varied teams.
Strong keyboard skills (piano and/or organ), with the ability to lead rehearsals and accompany as needed.
Experience working with children and youth in a musical and pastoral setting.
Demonstrated ability to manage a team, delegate effectively, and navigate complex scheduling and budgeting needs.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to speak about the role of sacred music to both internal and public audiences.
High emotional intelligence, with a track record of relationship-building, mentoring, and navigating team dynamics with humility and professionalism.

preferred qualifications

Doctorate in music, sacred music, or a related field.
An organist of FRCO (Fellow of the Royal College of Organists) or FAGO (Fellow of the American Guild of Organists) standard.
Significant experience working in a prominent Episcopal or Anglican cathedral or church, with a deep understanding of its liturgical, musical, and theological traditions.
Demonstrated success leading a chorister program, including recruitment, pastoral care, and collaboration with schools and families.
Ability to curate a diverse and inclusive music program that incorporates Anglican choral tradition alongside gospel, jazz, global sacred music, and contemporary expressions.
Demonstrated success in working with donors and fundraising partners, including participation in cultivation, briefings, and public engagement.
Experience managing complex budgets, production schedules, and cross-departmental programming.
Public speaking and ambassadorial experience—comfortable serving as the public face of a music program in both sacred and civic contexts.
Strong network of professional musicians, composers, and collaborators; experience commissioning and premiering new works.

knowledge, skills, and abilities

Musical Expertise

Exceptional conducting skills and musical leadership across choral and instrumental ensembles.
Strong keyboard proficiency (piano and/or organ), with the ability to lead rehearsals, accompany as needed, and support a variety of musical formats.
In-depth knowledge of Episcopal/Anglican liturgical traditions and sacred music repertoire, including both classical and contemporary expressions.
Ability to select, arrange, and prepare music that aligns with the theological and liturgical themes of Cathedral worship.
Experience commissioning new works, developing diverse musical programs, and integrating spiritual meaning with musical artistry.

Leadership and Interpersonal Skills

Demonstrated emotional intelligence, humility, and capacity to lead through collaboration, inspiration, and trust-building.
Skilled at mentoring staff, nurturing young musicians, and cultivating positive team culture across diverse age groups and musical backgrounds.
Ability to communicate effectively with clergy, lay leaders, musicians, parents, and donors—both interpersonally and in public-facing roles.
Servant leadership style grounded in pastoral care, empathy, and mutual accountability.
Ability to unify teams, build trust and team culture, and lead change through respectful, clear, and compassionate communication.

Organizational and Administrative Abilities

Strong organizational, time-management, and delegation skills; able to oversee complex rehearsal schedules, event calendars, and team structures.
Experience in budget creation and oversight, contract management, and strategic planning in alignment with institutional goals.
Ability to manage and communicate within institutional systems—such as scheduling platforms, budget tools, and shared decision-making frameworks.

Technical and Creative Tools

Proficiency with music notation software (e.g., Sibelius, Dorico), sound design tools, and recording technologies.
Comfortable working with multimedia platforms, digital content creation, livestream integration, and music library systems.
Familiarity with sound systems, staging, and technical production for both worship services and concerts.

Cultural and Mission Alignment

Enthusiastic and flexible approach to sacred music, balancing reverence for tradition with openness to innovation and inclusivity.
Deep personal faith and alignment with the mission of Washington National Cathedral as a sacred, civic, and national space.
Ability to speak fluently about the spiritual role of music and its function as ministry, outreach, and formation.
Passion for integrating music into the broader life of the Cathedral—worship, education, development, community engagement, and public witness.

Professional Development

Commitment to ongoing learning and growth as an artist, educator, and leader.
Active engagement with professional music, liturgical, and educational networks; openness to peer consultation and institutional benchmarking.

working conditions

This position requires flexible working hours, including regular evening and weekend commitments, especially during major liturgical seasons (e.g., Christmas, Holy Week, Easter), rehearsals, concerts, recordings, and tours.
Occasional national and international travel is expected for choir tours, conferences, and professional engagements.
Must be able to stand for extended periods during rehearsals and services, as well as perform physical tasks related to music setup and event preparation.
Requires the ability to lift, carry, and move objects such as musical equipment, folders, or instruments weighing up to 25 pounds.
The role involves frequent use of hands for conducting, playing instruments, and operating office or music equipment; tasks may require repetitive hand movement, grasping, and fine motor coordination.
Visual acuity is required for reading music, scores, and administrative materials—both close-range and at a distance.
Acute hearing is essential for evaluating musical pitch, tone, blend, and balance during rehearsals and live performances.
Must be comfortable working in large spaces (e.g., the Cathedral nave, rehearsal halls) and navigating a campus environment that includes stairs and historic facilities.
The position operates in a fast-paced, multi-tasking environment that requires calm, focus, and adaptability under pressure.

Washington National Cathedral is an equal opportunity employer and strives to create a more diverse and inclusive atmosphere for all. Applicants will not be discriminated against because of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or national origin.

We support an inclusive workplace where associates excel based on personal merit, qualifications, experience, ability and job performance.

Washington National Cathedral seeks individuals who are committed to our mission. We appreciate interest from those who will contribute to an atmosphere in which diversity is valued and supported.

The base salary range for this position is $120,000 to $150,000, commensurate with experience, qualifications, and demonstrated skills. A housing benefit is included as part of the total compensation package. Relocation assistance will be provided to support a smooth transition for the selected candidate.

Apply Now

To apply, send a cover letter and resume to [email protected].