Director of Music

First Congregational United Church of Christ • Madison, WI

22h • Onsite

About The Position

The Director of Music Ministries oversees the music program at the First Congregational Church of Christ and is responsible for conducting all vocal and handbell choirs. This role involves close collaboration with the Staff Worship Team to plan music for worship that is relevant and ministering to a diverse, progressive, open and affirming, and inter-generational congregation. The position is a 70% role, with potential to combine with a 30% organ/keyboard position or be less than 70% if handbells are under a separate director. The church has a well-maintained Holtkamp organ and a Steinway grand piano, as well as a five-octave Whitechaple handbell set.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in music.
• Sufficient keyboard skills to lead rehearsals, if needed.
• Training in conducting.
• Appreciation of the wide range of sacred music.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in the area of sacred music preferred.

Responsibilities

• Conducting all vocal and handbell choirs.
• Collaborating with the Staff Worship Team and selecting music for all worship services.
• Submitting music for worship services to the office in a timely fashion.
• Developing plans, goals, and leading all choir rehearsals/performances.
• Coordinating with the Facilities Manager for any needed setups.
• Hiring and managing choir section leaders as required.
• Planning and contracting for guest musicians.
• Selecting and planning choral literature and instrumental music for each choir and all worship services.
• Overseeing the Children & Youth music programming in close collaboration with the Director of Christian Education.
• Engaging in the life of the Church to identify and invite members and friends into musical opportunities.
• Attending weekly staff meetings.
• Overseeing the administration of Section Leaders.
• Preparing budget requests with the Board of Deacons.
• Overseeing the music budget.
• Filing and maintaining the music library.
• Writing newsletter articles and notes as needed.
• Planning for the maintenance of all musical instruments.
• Planning and executing workshops to enhance the experience of musicians.
• Serving as staff liaison to the Board of Deacons.
• Purchasing, monitoring, and logging licensing requirements for all music.
• Supervising organists/accompanists on staff.

Benefits

• Vacation: 2 weeks per year (responsible for finding coverage; to be approved by and coordinated with the Senior Pastor and Staffing Team).
• Professional Organizations: Approved membership in music organizations will be paid by the Church (e.g., United Church of Christ Musicians Association).
• Continuing education: 1 week per year.
• Sabbatical leave: After each 5 years of employment, 1 month’s paid sabbatical leave in addition to annual vacation (must be approved by the Senior Minister and Executive Council at least one year before beginning the sabbatical).

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Mid Level