Director of Children and Youth Music

GENERAL CONDITIONS

This role is best suited for a musician, educator, and ministry leader who enjoys mentoring young people, building musical excellence, and helping children and youth grow in faith through worship and sacred music.

First Lutheran Church is seeking a gifted and energetic Director of Children and Youth Music to lead and grow a vibrant sacred music ministry for children and students in the heart of downtown Sioux Falls. This role is an opportunity to shape young musicians, cultivate lifelong faith through worship and music, and help children and youth participate meaningfully in the liturgical life of the church.

WHY THIS ROLE MATTERS

Music plays a central role in the worship and formation life of First Lutheran Church. Through choirs, handbells, worship leadership, and music education, children and youth are invited to grow in faith, develop their gifts, and participate actively in the life of the congregation.

The Director of Children and Youth Music helps shape the next generation of worshipers, church musicians, and disciples by creating meaningful musical experiences rooted in Christian community, liturgical worship and artistic excellence.

First Lutheran Church has a long-standing commitment to sacred music and provides extensive resouces to support children and youth music ministry, including graded choirs, handbell ensembles, accompanists, a dedicate piano lab, extensive music libraries, and a strong congregational culture of worship and music.

Primary Responsibilities

• Lead and further develop a graded sacred music curriculum that forms children and youth musically, spiritually and liturgically
• Plan and direct weekly rehearsals for children's choirs, youth choirs, handbell ensembles and the adult handbell choir
• Facilitate the First Lutheran Piano Lab into music education and curriculum development
• Select music and educational resources that support worship, spiritual formation, and musical growth
• help cultivate joyful, engaging, and meaningful participation in sacred music among children and youth

Worship and Liturgical Planning

• Collaborate regularly with pastors, music staff, and worship leaders in planning music for worship services and church seasons
• Prepare vocal and handbell ensembles to participate regularly in worship
• Support worship experiences that are rooted in Lutheran liturgy and shaped by musical excellence
• Plan and coordinate annual choir tours, special usic events, and seasonal worship opportunities

Recruitment and Relationship Building

• Recruit, encourage, and support children, youth, and families in participation within the music ministry
• Foster positive and meaningful relationships with students, parents, volunteers, accompanists, and church staff
• Help create a welcoming and encouraging environment where young musicians can grow in confidence, faith and skill
• Engage with local and regional musical organizations to strengthen and promote children and youth music opportunities at First Lutheran Church.

Administration and Collaboration

• Coordinate schedules, communication, and organizational needs for the children and youth music ministries
• Work collaboratively with the Director of Music, pastoral staff, accompanists, and volunteers
• Maage music ministry resources and purchases within approved budget parameters
• Support the broader mission and ministry of the church through collaboration with staff and ministry leaders.
• Complete other duties as assigned

Qualifications and Experience

• Mature Christian faith with appreciation for Lutheran theology, iturgy, and congregational worship
• Bachelor's degree in music or related field preferred, with demonstrated competency in choral conducting and ensemble leadership
• Experience working with children and youth in music education, church music, or ensemble settings
• Familiarity with vocal pedagogy, handbell techniques, and sacred choral repertoire
• Stong relational and communication skills with the ability to connect well with children, youth, parents, volunteers, and staff
• Ability to collaborate effectively as part of a ministry team
• Organized, dependable, and capable of managing multiple responsibilities and rehearsals
• Comfortable using or learning teachnology platforms that support communication, scheduling, and ministry coordination
• Passion for helping young people grow in faith through worship and music

Church experience and an active Christian faith are stongly preferred. familiarity with Lutheran theology, policy, and rhythums f congregational life is helful, as the role works closely with partoral leadership and supports the inistry of the church.

Position Details

• Benefits: 4 weeks PTO, Health Insurance, 403B retirement, continuing education offered and encouraged
• Reports to Director of Music
• Full-time, salaried
• Compensation $45,000 - 55,000 depending on experience.

Pay: $45,000.00 - $55,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $45,000 - $55,000