Diocesan Music Administrator

Closing date: 30th October

Salary: £19,200 | Location: Cathedral House, Westminster Bridge Road, London | Hours: Part-time, 21 hours per week | Contract type: Permanent

About the Role
The Archdiocese of Southwark is seeking to appoint a Music Administrator to support the
work of its Music Department and Cathedral Music programme. This is a newly created
role and offers an exciting opportunity to help shape the future of music across the
Archdiocese. Working closely with the Director of Music, the postholder will provide
administrative and operational support for diocesan music activities, assist with the
management of the Choirs of St George's Cathedral, and play a key role in developing the
profile, impact and financial sustainability of music through communications, marketing and
fundraising initiatives. The successful candidate will be highly organised, proactive and
personable, with excellent administrative skills and a genuine enthusiasm for supporting
music in the Church. As the first person to hold this post, the successful candidate will have
the opportunity to help shape administrative systems, communications and development
initiatives across the Music Department.

The Music Department
The Diocesan Music Department consists of the St George’s Cathedral Choirs, the
Southwark Singing Programme, and the Diocesan Music Forum. The Cathedral has five
choirs for children and young people up to the age of 18, including provision for babies and
toddlers through the Small Sounds group. Choral music is sung at all major Masses including
the two principal Sunday Masses. Eight professional lay clerks form the ‘back row’ of the
choir, with soprano lay clerks joining the choir on Solemnities. The Southwark Singing
Programme is the Diocesan music education and evangelisation programme, part of the
National Schools Singing Programme. Diocesan Choral Directors visit schools every week
and coordinate recordings, concerts and massed singing events for the thousand or so
pupils who are involved. The Diocesan Music Forum organises workshops, training and
events to support parish music leaders and teachers across the diocese.

The Archdiocese of Southwark

The Archdiocese of Southwark is a diverse, vibrant diocese covering South London and
Kent. As part of the Called to Bear Fruit renewal, we are seeking a Diocesan Music
Administrator who will help support and develop music as a vital part of the Church’s
mission. Music has a unique capacity to draw people into an encounter with Christ,
strengthen parish communities, and nurture the faith of children, young people and adults.
This newly created role will contribute to the Archbishop's vision of vibrant, missionary
parishes by supporting the growth of diocesan music programmes, fostering collaboration
between parishes, schools and the Cathedral, and helping to ensure that the gifts of sacred
music continue to bear fruit in the life of the Church.

Key Responsibilities
Music Department Administration
• Provide administrative and operational support to the Director of Music and the
wider Music Department.
• Coordinate departmental schedules, calendars, registers and records.
• Act as the primary administrative point of contact for the Music Department,
overseeing departmental communications and ensuring enquiries are monitored and
responded to in a timely manner throughout the week.
• Manage the diocesan music mailing list, produce newsletters and assist in the
production of the diocesan music planner.
• Maintain departmental databases, records and filing systems.
• Assist with the administration of the Southwark Singing Programme, part of the
National Schools Singing Programme, working closely with the Diocesan Choral
Directors.
• Assist with the organisation and administration of Diocesan Music Forum events.
• Take minutes and provide administrative support for Music Management Committee
meetings.
• Undertake other administrative duties appropriate to the role.

Cathedral Choir Administration
• Administer choir invoices, payments and related records.
• Coordinate the booking and onboarding of deputies, additional singers and
instrumentalists.
• Support the planning and logistics of choir trips and special events.
• Maintain the choir music library, ordering scores and other materials as required.
• Act as the principal point of contact for chorister parents and guardians.
• Prepare term dates, music lists, attendance registers and related documentation.
• Coordinate auditions for choristers, lay clerks, choral scholars and other choir
members.
• Liaise with Human Resources and the Safeguarding Office regarding the onboarding
of new music staff.

Communications, Marketing and Fundraising
• Promote the work of the Music Department through social media, newsletters,
digital communications and other promotional activities.
• Assist in developing the profile of music across the Archdiocese and Cathedral,
fostering links with other musical and religious organisations where appropriate.
• Identify grant opportunities, trusts and funding sources that may support music
initiatives.
• Coordinate and support fundraising campaigns and events for music projects and
programmes.
• Help prepare funding applications, reports and supporting documentation.
Financial Administration
• Provide administrative support in the preparation and monitoring of departmental
budgets.
• Liaise with the Finance Office regarding invoices, budgets and financial reporting.
• Assist in maintaining accurate financial records for music-related activities and
projects.

Person Specification

Essential
• Experience in an administrative, office management or coordination role.
• Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and confidence communicating with a wide range of
stakeholders.
• Excellent written communication skills, with the ability to draft professional
correspondence, newsletters and promotional materials.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously.
• Competent in Microsoft Office and standard database systems.
• Ability to work independently and use initiative.
• Sympathy with the mission and values of the Roman Catholic Church.
Desirable
• Experience working in an arts, music, education, charity or ecclesiastical setting.
• Knowledge of choral music, church music or cathedral music programmes.
• Experience managing social media and digital communications.
• Experience of fundraising, grant applications and supporter engagement.
• Familiarity with music library systems or music administration.

Closing date: Friday 30th October

To submit your application, please send your CV and Cover letter to recruitment@rcaos.org.uk