Director of Congregational Music & Cantorial Soloist at St. Louis synagogue

Director of Congregational Music & Cantorial Soloist (Full Time + Benefits)

We are seeking a full-time Director of Congregational Music & Cantorial Soloist to serve as a central spiritual, musical, and relational leader of our congregation. This role includes full benefits and is designed for someone who will partner deeply with our clergy, staff, volunteers, and community to elevate worship, strengthen relationships, and nurture musical and spiritual growth.

Who you are:
• Warm, grounded, approachable, and spiritually attuned
• Skilled in vocal and instrumental music with comfort in Hebrew and liturgy
• Able to inspire participatory prayer through both traditional and contemporary styles
• Invested in building community, mentoring learners, and developing choirs and ensembles
• Flexible, organized, forward-thinking, and excited to help the congregation grow
• A true collaborator: kind, accessible, and supportive of colleagues and volunteers

Primary Responsibilities

Worship Leadership
• Co-lead Shabbat, Festival, and High Holy Day services; lead solo when needed
• Create uplifting, participatory, spiritually meaningful worship experiences
• Introduce new melodies and maintain musical diversity
• Partner with choirs, instrumentalists, and occasional guest musicians
• Cultivate kavanah and ruach; develop creative worship offerings throughout the year

Lifecycle Support
• Provide support to students on their b’nai mitzvah day
• When requested, co-lead weddings, funerals, baby namings, Consecration, Confirmation, and other ritual moments

Education & Youth Engagement
• Co-supervise music and t’filah in the K–12 school
• Build rapport with youth; foster inclusive musical and spiritual learning environments
• Develop youth choirs or ensembles
• Coordinate with the ECC music teacher to connect music across age groups

Musical Programming & Innovation
• Create and direct musical programs beyond worship (concerts, workshops, community sing-alongs)
• Lead volunteer choirs and manage rehearsals
• Collaborate with instrumentalists and guest artists
• Mentor congregants in leading prayer or musical participation
• Align musical programming with holidays and communal milestones

Community Presence
• Be a visible, relationally engaged presence at synagogue events
• Participate in membership engagement initiatives
• Support congregants through life-cycle moments with empathy and presence
• Represent the congregation in broader Jewish and local community settings

Administrative & Collaborative Responsibilities
• Work closely with clergy, educators, and professional staff
• Attend staff meetings; participate in strategic planning
• Support relevant board and committee work
• Assist with music and worship budgeting
• Manage logistics for services, music programs, and lifecycle coordination
• Adapt to evolving congregational needs across departments

Qualifications & Competencies

Musical & Liturgical Skills
• Strong vocal ability; instrumental proficiency preferred
• Comfort with Hebrew literacy and Reform liturgy; HHD leadership experience
• Knowledge of both traditional and contemporary repertoire; familiarity with nusach
• Ability to read music; knowledge of notation/recording software a plus

Educational Ability
• Enjoys teaching all ages; able to design engaging learning experiences
• Background in Jewish education (formal or informal) preferred

Interpersonal & Professional Traits
• Warm, approachable, emotionally intelligent
• Collaborative, supportive, good teammate
• Organized, reliable, communicative, and adaptable
• Creative, solutions-oriented, calm under pressure

Values & Identity
• Leads with prayerfulness rather than performance
• Committed to inclusivity, diversity, and welcoming all
• Passionate about Jewish music, learning, and community
• Comfortable within contemporary Reform practice