Music Director

Universalist Unitarian Church of Haverhill

Position: Music Director

Location: Haverhill, Mass.

Reports to: Minister

Hours: Part-time, 15 hours/week during the church year, Sept. through June (32 weeks), with the opportunity for additional per diem Sundays as an accompanist

Who We Are

The Universalist Unitarian Church of Haverhill is a vibrant, progressive religious community of 130 members. We enjoy traditional church music, but we are also eager for musical variety, including folk, contemporary, and more. With the recent relocation of our choir director, we seek an enthusiastic and positive leader with vision and experience to shape the musical side of our worship, foster a strong, inclusive music ministry, and attract newcomers. Through music, the director will guide our congregation to deeper spirituality and stronger connections.

Position Overview

The Music Director would manage all aspects of music in the worship of the church. This position assumes a level of musical ability and a familiarity with church music in general and the UU tradition in particular. The music director should appreciate a range of music, from traditional sacred music to more contemporary genres. The position requires someone with good interpersonal and communication skills who is comfortable working with a wide range of individuals in diverse settings. Finally, it requires a person who understands that to work for a church asks a commitment not only to one’s own personal and professional growth, but also to serving the congregation and the greater good.

Key Responsibilities

1. Music Performance/Accompaniment

• is the primary musician for Sunday services, playing piano approximately three times a month for the church year, which runs from September until June; approximately 32 Sundays plus Christmas Eve. Ability to play organ a plus

• helps the congregation to learn new songs, and leads congregation in singing rounds, chants, etc.

• has the option of playing for services during July and August at a separate per diem rate

• has right of first refusal for other services: weddings, funerals, memorials, etc.

2. Choir Leadership

• selects music for the choir, with input from the minister

• rehearses and directs the adult choir

• if there is interest, develops and conducts a children/youth choir

3. Music Program Oversight

• works with the minister and members of the Worship Committee to develop a shared vision for the role of music in the worship life of the congregation

• arranges musical support for services during off weeks, both during the church year and during the summer, soliciting volunteers from the congregation and/or scheduling guest musicians

• informs the minister in a timely manner when unable to play on scheduled Sundays and helps to find a replacement if necessary

• encourages and invites musical participation from congregation members in worship

4. Music Administration

• attends regular worship planning meetings and works to coordinate music with themes of the liturgical year

• reports to and is supervised by the minister, meeting regularly as agreed upon by the music director and minister

• meets with the Worship Committee occasionally, as requested

• oversees the church music library and the maintenance of the organ and pianos

Qualifications

• A Bachelor’s degree in Music, or equivalent experience, with expertise in choral direction and piano performance.

• Must be able to pass a CORI background check.

Compensation and Benefits

Salary: $30 per hour/15 hours per week/32 weeks per year

Stipend: $1000 for professional development.

Additional available: Sunday accompaniment on off-weeks, including summer, at a per diem rate

How to Apply

To apply, please send a resume, letter of interest, and, if desired, a video or audio recording of your work to:

frank@uuhaverhill.org

The anticipated start date is April 28.

The Universalist Unitarian Church of Haverhill encourages applicants from historically marginalized communities, and is open to people of any race, color, or national origin; gender or sexual orientation; age, or disability. Applicants should be comfortable with Unitarian Universalist theological diversity, but may be of any (or no) religion themselves.

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: $30.00 per hour

Expected hours: 15 per week

Benefits:

• Professional development assistance

Schedule:

• Weekends as needed

Experience:

• music: 4 years (Preferred)

Ability to Commute:

• Haverhill, MA 01830 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Haverhill, MA 01830: Relocate before starting work (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $1,000