Advertising Guidelines

Attending to the following details will make the review process smoother and spark a more animated response from potential applicants:

• Spend an hour with a practicing church musician to learn about current standards and expectations, or invite a practicing church musician to be an ex officio part of the hiring committee
• Refer to a salary grid, either from your denomination or the RCCO
• When determining the required time commitment of a position, keep in mind that preparation and presentation take equal amounts of time
  
• Ensure your application deadline is realistic and try to avoid advertising during busy seasons like Christmas and Holy Week
• Ensure your start date is realistic. (Many church musicians have a 90-day notification clause in their current contract, and may not be available to start immediately.)

Important Information to Include in Your Advertisement

• The denomination, town and province of the position
• Duties and working relationships, with an approximate time investment linked to each duty. (Part-time employees often have more than one position and will need to assess their availability.)
• Instruments the appointee will be expected to play, including manufacturer’s name, date of origin and condition
• Choral group(s) and their expectations, including reference to SATB or SSA, junior choir, hand-bell teams, etc.
• Line of accountability, to a personnel committee or to clergy staff
• Confidentiality
• Website link for further details about the congregation
• Email or telephone contact

Sample Advertisement

The Community Church of Maplefield, NB seeks a creative and technically competent person to assume choral and keyboard music leadership in their faith family. The congregation is vibrant and growing. The sanctuary has a well-maintained 1975 Casavant Pipe Organ (3-manuals) and a heritage Bluethner grand piano. The Chancel Choir (singing weekly) has 22 SATB voices, the Youth Choir (ages 8-17; singing once a month) has 17 voices. With two rehearsals a week and one Sunday service, in addition to weekly meetings with clergy leaders and monthly with the Worship Committee Chairperson, it is estimated that this part-time position will demand 15-17 hours a week. The appointee will be expected to meet annually with representatives of the Church Council to evaluate past achievements and explore a vision for the future. Continuing education funds are available, vacation is provided, and a benefits package is optional. Remuneration will be commensurate with experience and qualifications as described in the RCCO Salary Guidelines. Applications (which will be treated in strictest confidence) will be received until June 30 or until the post is filled. Please direct inquiries or applications to office[at]thecommunitychurch.ca. Our congregation’s profile is available at www.thecommunitychurch.org.

Placing a Job Listing

• Listings on the Positions Available webpage will appear publicly for a two-month period for a fee of $75 CAD. Current listings will also appear by name only in each quarterly issue of Organ Canada.
• To place an advertisement, contact us at info[at]rcco.ca or 416-929-6400.
  
• Display advertising in Organ Canada/Orgue Canada is also available. Please contact us to learn more.
• All advertisements are reviewed by the Professional Support Committee. Please note that the RCCO reserves the right to refuse to publish advertising.