Title: Musical Outreach Director, St Mary’s Church Redbourn
Term: Three years, part time (initially 0.3 – 12 hours a week), with the expectation to grow and be extended, dependent on outcomes and funding
Closing date: Friday, March 6th, 2026

Background
This new and exciting role has emerged from our Mission Action Plan. We are conscious of the small Junior Choir numbers but also of the success of two ad hoc adult choirs, the 36-hour musical marathon and the long-standing musical tradition of St Mary’s. For several practical reasons, numbers in our Junior Choir have dwindled and we now need someone focussed on growing it again. There is a wonderful culture of singing in the local primary school, but we have not had the personnel to tap into this, a point raised by the headteacher.

The success of the music marathon led people to comment that they were inspired to get their old musical instruments out and play again, and we would like to harness all this to bring the Redbourn Community together musically, and to create a new space in which people can contribute to our worship and hear about God while doing something they enjoy.

There are currently few musical opportunities within the growing village of Redbourn, with people having to travel to Harpenden or St Albans if they wish to sing or play with others. (Redbourn U3A have a ukelele group, and there is a folk afternoon in a local pub). In the past St Mary’s was the instigator of the Redbourn Festival Choir which was put together for the 900th anniversary of St Mary’s, with anyone allowed to join. They continued to gather to perform once or twice a year in St Mary’s, alongside an orchestra, until their conductor moved away. We therefore believe there is a precedent showing that there is interest in having a music group in the village, particularly if it is different to choirs nearby who expect you to audition.

Job Profile
Purpose of the Role
To use music to reach out to the community in Redbourn, tapping into a strong culture of singing at the local primary school and an interest in returning to music for adults.

Initially this will be achieved through engaging with Redbourn Primary School (and others locally) to rejuvenate our Junior Choir using the RSCM Voice for Life framework. We would also seek to explore how we can build on the music marathon and a desire for people to dig out their old instruments and play again.

While it will be a mix of sacred and secular music the aim is for the Junior Choir to be involved in our worship as part of the RSCM system, highlighting the free musical education, medal system and pocket money available for those who take part. They will also join with our existing adult choir at times.

We would also like to engage with adult singers across the village after the quiet enthusiasm of our Teddy Tots and Churches Together choirs last Christmas.

This will require:

• musical experience, creativity and tenacity to engage with those key groups.
• ability to work alongside our existing music team (volunteers) who organise the current musical provision for Sundays and occasional offices.

This role is part of our Mission Action Plan and fully supported by the PCC, and the Diocese of St Albans. We hope that by using music as a form of outreach we can introduce people to the St Mary’s community in new and engaging ways which will not only benefit them creatively but will also encourage them to ask questions and encounter God.

Decision Making and Authority
The post-holder will take responsibility for the day-to day planning and outreach of this ministry, initially focussed on engagement with the local school and possibly others nearby. Key decisions will be taken in consultation with the Incumbent and PCC.

There will be a separate budget for RSCM resources and choir pay, and we already have a good library of music and collection of robes.

Guidance and Direction
The post-holder will receive direction from the Incumbent. They will contribute to strategy and development of music at St Mary’s and have the scope to shape how music is used and delivered based on best practice and the needs of the worshipping community and other village events. Incumbents have overall responsibility for music and liturgy in any church, but it is hoped this will be done in partnership with the post-holder depending on the nature of the music and outreach, and alongside our existing voluntary musicians.

You will have the ability to shape the pattern of work in consultation with the Vicar. Services and events throughout the year include (but not limited to) Advent Carol Service, Candlemas, Ash Wednesday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, All Souls, Nine Lessons and Carols, Christmas Eve (midnight) and Christmas Day in the morning. There are also other occasions where we have Choral Evensong or another form of service.

The postholder will be expected to draw up a plan and set objectives keeping the focus on the growth of our musical provision both to St Mary’s and to the wider village. These objectives will be reviewed with the Incumbent and other musicians at regular intervals.

Key Relationships and Context
The role is a new one which is designed to use music to reach beyond our existing musical provision, to strengthen the provision of music in our worship while creating opportunities for music making with the village. Our current provision is overseen by a team of talented volunteers, including three organists. The post-holder will need to develop strong links with local schools as well as adults as we look to the possibility of music groups and an adult village choir.

Working Environment
This is a creative and relational role requiring the post-holder to combine planning, and delivery with some pastoral sensitivity, working during the week and at weekends to contribute to our worship. There is some flexibility within this, dependent on the best times to gather people to rehearse and learn. The post holder may do some work from home but will largely be based in the church Choir Vestry or the Church Office at times which work around our Parish Administrator. There would be some visits to schools.

Duties and Key Responsibilities

• To develop links across the village (assisted by the Incumbent) with key groups (schools, parents, lapsed musicians).
• To rejuvenate our Junior Choir using the RSCM Voice for Life framework and gradually assist in Sunday worship.
• To work collaboratively with the Incumbent, Ministry Team and Music Team on worship across the community.
• Maintain accurate records and contribute to safeguarding, GDPR and data compliance.

Personal Specification

• Confident musician who can teach and communicate with all ages and abilities
• Someone with confident vocal and conducting skills. Keyboard skills are desirable.
• Ability to lead music within a Christian context
• Strong interpersonal skills and pastorally sensitive
• An ability to be a self-starter, and to organise their time as necessary around engaging with new people, planning, rehearsing and delivering musical performances within worship or other contexts
• Sympathetic to the Christian faith and knowledge of all genres of Church music
• Able to work collaboratively with others, including volunteers
• A working understanding of safeguarding and risk management (training will be given)
• Familiarity with the Church of England, its ethos and worshipping frameworks
• An enhanced DBS check will be required and the relevant safeguarding training undertaken by the successful candidate.

To talk to someone about the role please email the vicar, Reverend Rachel Wakefield vicar@stmarysredbourn.org to arrange a time.

To apply please send your CV and a covering letter explaining why you are applying for the post and how you would approach the role in the early stages, to vicar@stmarysredbourn.org