Jefferson Unitarian Church
Position Description
Director of Music Ministry
(Full TIme)
Position Summary
At Jefferson Unitarian Church, we nurture religious community in which we deepen spiritually, connect authentically, serve respectfully, and love radically. Music is central to this mission. The music ministry at Jefferson Unitarian Church has at its foundation strong congregational singing, a dedicated music staff, and dozens of members, children, and youth, who sing in choirs, ring handbells, and offer musical gifts. We are seeking a collaborative, creative Director of Music Ministry to lead the church’s music ministry. This position works closely with our ministers and Director of Faith Exploration, as well as the rest of our staff and volunteers to live into our mission and ends through the transformative power of music.
Areas of Responsibility
Music Leadership
- Plan music for all worship services, in collaboration with the Ministry Team and other Music Ministry Staff.
- Direct the JUC Choir and lead in worship (typically twice a month)
- Lead congregational singing 3 times per month
- Engage guest musicians
- Collaborate on music services 2 times per year
- Coordinate with JUC Children’s Music Ministry
- Lead the Handbell Choir
- Participate in weekly Worship Walkthrough with Ministry, Technical, and Communication Staff (currently 11 a.m. to noon on Wednesdays on Zoom)
- Oversee music at memorial services
Supervision
- Supervise Lead Worship Musician
- Supervise Pianist/Accompanist
- Coach the volunteer JUC Ringers Director
- Supervise the Sound Technician and Video Technician
Staff Team
- Participate in weekly staff meetings
- Support staff/volunteer efforts musically (burrito brunch, JUC picnic, I Heart Xmas)
- Write Newsletter articles each month
- Contribute to monthly Ministries Report to the Board
Core Competencies
- Excellent musician: Fluent in reading music and competent in singing and teaching in both the classical and oral tradition. Understanding of vocal technique/production and ability to teach it to others. Ability to lead a rehearsal from the piano is a bonus. Strong piano, or other instrumental skills are a plus. Competency in music notation software may be needed for choral arranging and/or chart creation. Time management, rehearsal excellence, and ability to work with multiple worship or project planners simultaneously is necessary.
- Collegial: Our staff team is highly collaborative, and regular communication with music program staff and church staff is necessary. Regular on-site presence is expected. The candidate will demonstrate interest and skill in team environments: promote organizational goals; create strong morale and team spirit; and strive to create a feeling of belonging and pride in the organization.
- Spiritual understanding and Pastoral presence: Understands the value of music, in worship and for spiritual growth, within the rich context of Unitarian Universalism. Has an understanding of the principles of Unitarian Universalism and can program music that is in alignment with UU values; and uphold those values in all professional interactions with choristers, church staff, and congregants.
- Attentive, empathetic leadership: Enthusiasm for meeting and engaging with people. Empathizes with the communities we serve. Able to put people at ease, especially when there are lines of difference. Listens closely to understand needs or concerns and takes steps based on that input. Gets back to people in a timely manner. Takes pride in providing clear, helpful information.
- Models and inspires accountability: Inspires and motivates others to take action and meet goals. Delegates skillfully. Holds the team accountable and acknowledges growing edges (in self and others).
- Coach and learning mentality: Helps others grow. Uses coaching, training, and feedback to develop others and support problem-solving. Sees mistakes as learning opportunities. Seeks and engages well with feedback.
- Manages a high volume of work with efficiency: Has, or can create, a system for keeping tasks from slipping through the cracks. Able to juggle competing demands and prioritize without sacrificing quality. Plans backwards to make deadlines. Asks for help when needed.
- Clear, precise, compassionate communication: Speaks clearly on behalf of the organization and advocates for/with community members. Communicates well with others, including sharing context and asking questions to understand others’ perspectives.
- Entrepreneurial and resourceful: Consistently overcomes challenges and leverages resources to creatively solve problems. Proposes solutions to issues without much guidance (but isn’t afraid to ask questions). Proactively asks for help, anticipates problems, and course-corrects where needed.
- Attention to detail: Notices and fixes errors that others might overlook. Acknowledges mistakes and turns them into learning opportunities. Has a track record of leaving things better than they found them.
Working Conditions
- The Director of Music Ministry works on-site at least three days a week, including Sundays from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Tuesday from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., Wednesday evenings from 7:30 – 9:00 p.m., plus other rehearsals and in-person meetings as scheduled. Some of the church’s business is conducted virtually, typically on Zoom or by phone.
- Lifting, stairs, and rearranging furniture may be required unless other arrangements are made with the supervisor.
Supervision and Working Relationships
This position reports to and is supervised by the Senior Minister. Interacts with other paid and volunteer music leaders, choir, instrumentalists, office staff and the congregation.
Safety
- All employees are expected to promote a safe and healthy work environment.
- Employment is contingent on passing a background check.
Requirements:
- Related education or (3-5) years experience in a related field
- An understanding of liberal religious values
- Demonstrates ability to interact well with all ages
Hours of Work:
Full time exempt. Must be able to work on Sundays.
Benefits:
Salary: $78,000 – 80,000
Benefits are listed in the Employee Handbook.
Terms of Employment:
Employment by Jefferson Unitarian Church is employment at-will and as such the employment relationship may be terminated by you or by the church at any time with or without cause.
Application
Jefferson Unitarian Church strives to embody diversity, equity, and inclusivity (DEI) commitments in its employment practices, institutional culture, and its relationships within and outside our community. Applicants holding diverse identities and/or life experiences are warmly encouraged to apply.
Interested applicants should send a resume and cover letter to Senior Minister, Rev. Wendy Williams, wendy@jeffersonunitarian.org no later than April 30, 2024. The position start date is August 1, 2024.
