Assistant Organist

St Mary’s Cathedral, Sydney

Permanent, full-time opportunity with supportive for-purpose employer
Based in Sydney CBD
About the Organisation

St Mary’s Cathedral is the spiritual home of Sydney’s Catholic community and is the seat of the Archbishop of Sydney. Not only is St Mary’s Cathedral a great legacy from the past, it is a vital part of the present spiritual and cultural life of the city of Sydney and the nation. St Mary’s Cathedral Precinct (Precinct) is located in Sydney’s CBD and incorporates the Cathedral, Cathedral House, the Crypt, surrounding grounds and associated operations.

St Mary’s Cathedral is currently seeking a candidate to fill the permanent full-time role of Assistant Organist.

About the Role

The Assistant Organist collaborates with the Director of Music and Assistant Director of Music in all aspects of their work, including direction of the Cathedral choir, accompanying and conducting the St Mary’s Singers and playing the organ in the Cathedral.

A key aim of this position is to make it possible for simultaneous separate rehearsals to take place, directed in each case by different members of the music staff.

Responsibilities

The Assistant Organist is accountable to the Director of Music for the following:

- Playing the organ to a high standard for services, including accompanying choirs as required, and selecting and developing imaginative, appropriate and varied organ repertoire
- Deputising for the Assistant Director of Music
- Assisting the Director of Music with the training of the choristers and probationer choristers
- Accompanying choral and cantor-led services during the week
- Accompanying the Cathedral’s volunteer choir, the St Mary’s Singers, under the direction of the Assistant Director of Music, and deputising for him when necessary
- Assisting with the administration of the music department
- Participation in the Cathedral’s organ recital series
- Attending meetings as required
- Other duties as directed by the Director of Music

About you

The ideal candidate should satisfy the following selection criteria:

- A high standard of musicianship, with experience and knowledge of liturgical music
- Experience in conducting choirs and experience in the musical education of children
- Experience of music notation software (e.g. Sibelius) is desirable, but not essential
- Demonstrated commitment to the ethos and values of the Catholic Church
- Demonstrated commitment to service and a willingness to be accountable for their performance
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Attention to detail and a well-ordered approach to work
- Ability to act with discretion and to maintain confidentiality

A full position description can be requested by emailing your request to recruitment@sydneycatholic.org

Applications should be sent in confidence to recruitment@sydneycatholic.org and should include a resume and cover letter. Your cover letter must address how your skills, knowledge, experience and personal attributes align with each of the Key Requirements of the role as outlined above.

Interested candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible as applications will be considered as they received and until the role is filled.

Applications close: 22 July 2024