Music Director
BenefitsPulled from the full job description
- Flexible schedule
- Paid holidays
- Paid time off
Full job description
Music Director
First Congregational United Church of Christ, Salem, Oregon
www.uccsalem.org
We are a Just, Peace, Open and Affirming Congregation of the UCC. This church welcomes everyone without regard to race, gender identity and expression, age, sexual orientation, ethnicity, economic class, marital status or physical/mental abilities and encourages all to share in the life of leadership of the congregation.
*LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC candidates are encouraged to apply!
Title: Music Director
Supervisor: Pastor
Status: Contract/Salaried
Salary: $10,000 to $12,000 Annually; can be pro-rated over 12 months
Hours: Part-time employees will be granted up to two weeks of vacation in proportion to the time worked. The annual vacation accrual for this position will be two Sundays during the 10-month work period. The sick/compassionate leave is also two days. Teaching privileges can be negotiated as well as student recitals.
Who We Are
First Congregational United Church of Christ (FCCUCC) of Salem, OR is proud to be an Open and Affirming, Just Peace member congregation of the United Church of Christ. We embrace and proclaim the saying, “No matter who you are, or where you are on your life’s journey, you are welcome here.” We are a traditional congregation with a progressive theology, that believes each individual is made in the image of God. We believe that, in order to embody the fulness of this statement, we must embrace diversity in our worship as well as engage in service to our community. Our music strives to reflect these core values and is an important part of who we are.
Our Covenant states:
We covenant to be a progressive Christian community, that values inclusivity and embraces diversity. We Endeavor to be a congregation of extravagant welcome, that respects the spiritual life and journey of each person. We Listen to the “Still Speaking God” who emboldens us to Seek Justice, Love Kindness, and Walk Humbly with our God. (Micah 6:8)
Position Description
The Music Director (MD) is someone who is eager to bring a fresh approach to Christian worship experiences in our traditional sanctuary. The MD possess the skills, knowledge, and passion to support the musical and artistic expressions of FCCUCC, seeking to enhance our worship and witness with a music program that can grow with us as we discover the path God is calling us to take into the uncharted future. We welcome someone who is ready to enhance the experience of our individual and collective ability to connect with the Spirit, providing oversight and coordination of the musical elements of Sunday and seasonal worship.
We are fed by music from a wide range of genres and styles, enjoying traditional sacred music as well as gospel, jazz, blues, praise, and other contemporary musical genres. We have hand bells, a drum set and various hand drums, 2 grand pianos, a rehearsal/music room, an extensive library of music, and several members who play different instruments – flutes, harp, guitar, piano, cello, voice, etc.
The MD is an essential part of our staff team and works in collaboration with the Pastor, Organist, Worship and Arts Team, and musical volunteers. The MD works under the supervision of the pastor. The specific areas of responsibility include:
Worship Planning
The MD helps the congregation live into its vision for worship music by:
- Offering a variety of musical styles,
- Creating a vibrant, diverse, and thriving music program,
- Encouraging musicians of all ages and abilities,
- Seeking out music that reflects the congregation’s inclusive, progressive theology, and social justice commitments.
Music Leadership
The MD provides oversight, leadership and coordination for all church music and music events including but not limited to, the following:
- Rehearse vocal and bell choirs in preparation for Sunday and special and seasonal services
- Arrange for bands, ensembles, instrumentalists, and soloists for special Sunday events
- Discover, develop, coordinate and recruit the vocal and music talents of the congregation for worship and church life
- Enhance the congregation’s participation in and enjoyment of congregational singing
Music Administration
The MD supports the administrative needs of the church as it relates to Music by attending to the following:
- Provide a short article quarterly for the newsletter about the music program,
- Provide the Church Administrator and/or office volunteers information needed for the Sunday bulletin by Wednesday noon of each week, or in the Worship Planning Spreadsheet,
- Report required information to CCLI and OneLicense monthly,
- With volunteer support, maintain the church’s music and instrument library,
- Prepare an annual detailed choral music budget,
- In coordination with pastor and Church Administrator, arrange for a substitute Music Director, when necessary,
- Attend Worship and Arts Team meetings and quarterly Worship and Spiritual Development Circle meetings as needed, monthly staff meetings and regular meetings with the pastor,
Qualifications
The skills needed for the MD to be successful at FCCUCC are:
- Bachelor’s degree in music or related field and three years’ experience in directing volunteer choirs of all ages and abilities. Additional education may substitute for the experience requirement on a year-for-year basis, to a maximum of two years.
- Proven ability to coordinate a comprehensive music program; initiating choirs, arranging rehearsals, inviting guest musicians, arranging substitutes, etc.
- The ability to offer accompaniment, when appropriate, based on the instrument played.
- A positive and friendly attitude with strong interpersonal skills, demonstrating compassion and caring for all people, with a particular sensitivity for those with special needs.
- The ability to work collaboratively and creatively as a team member or a team leader.
- Demonstrated planning, organizing, communication, and problem-solving skills.
- Knowledge of and experience with a wide range of choral and instrumental music.
- Ability to organize solo and ensemble musicians.
- Ability to attend seasonal planning meetings, monthly Staff meeting, Worship and Arts Team meetings as requested, and regular planning meetings with the Pastor.
- Understanding of and commitment to the congregation’s Just Peace and Open and Affirming statements.
- Ability to pass background check and conform to FCCUCC Safe Church Policy.
Job Types: Part-time, Contract
Pay: $10,000.00 - $12,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Flexible schedule
- Paid time off
Schedule:
- Holidays
People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply
Work Location: In person