Director of Music

Description

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.

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.

• 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.

• 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,…