Director of Music
3/21/2024
Director of Music
Position Description
Position Summary:
Oconee Street United Methodist Church, a congregation with a long history of musically-inspiring worship, is seeking a Director of Music. This must be an individual who possesses proven musical ability, leadership experience in church settings, and is committed to helping others grow in the Christian faith. The Director of Music must be a leader of worship, prayer, and people; a listener and team player; one committed to creating and leading faithful Christian worship. A qualified candidate should share this congregation’s vision of inclusive, intergenerational discipleship and demonstrate a willingness to participate faithfully in the life and ministry of the Church.
Status: Part-time (averaging approximately 10 hours per week throughout the year)
Salary: $16,000
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Plan, coordinate and advocate for a church music program that enhances the faith life of the congregation, including leading the choir or another group of musicians in a weekly anthem and/or other selections, as well as engaging the congregation in musical expression
- Lead and direct the choir and schedule regular rehearsals, as needed; recruit and develop the talents of choir members and musicians of all ages from the congregation for creative expressions of faith
- Collaborate with the pastor, worship committee, other staff and volunteers when determining musical selections to provide a cohesive service to support the worship theme, including special services in the Christian year
- Supervise and conduct annual evaluations of accompanist in coordination with pastor and Leadership Team
- Develop and oversee the music budget, including the ordering of new music within budget guidelines
- Write and submit music details for the weekly church bulletin
- Secure contract musicians and guest artists for special services, according to budget guidelines
- Attend monthly Worship Committee meetings and other meetings, as appropriate
- Organize and coordinate the music library and choir room/supplies
- Ensure church instruments and equipment are maintained on a regular schedule
- Ensure the music program supports the vision and goals of the church
- Assume other duties as assigned that are consistent with the purpose and scope of this position
Minimum Qualifications: A bachelor’s degree in music or related field from an accredited college or university; one year choral leadership experience.
Preferred Qualifications: At least five years active participation in a church setting, ideally in the United Methodist tradition.
Skills Required:
- Outstanding musicianship, including proficiency in conducting
- Ability to motivate, teach and lead musicians across varied skill levels
- Sensitivity to the spiritual and musical needs of the congregation
- Knowledge of the Christian year as observed in the UMC tradition
- Familiarity with UMC worship resources
- Competency with a broad repertoire of sacred music styles with sensitivity to theology, inclusivity and cultural considerations
- Exceptional organizational skills
- A commitment to working collaboratively to create faithful Christian worship
Supervisor: This position is supervised by the pastor and is accountable to the Leadership Team.
Benefits: Four weeks of paid vacation (from rehearsals and worship services) excluding significant church holidays. Weddings, wedding rehearsals and funerals will be by special arrangement with the family and should include an honorarium, to be paid by the family.
*Note regarding Church Accompanist (Organist-Pianist) Position:
Oconee Street United Methodist Church will also be seeking a Church Accompanist (organist-pianist). Applications which meet the qualifications listed on
both the Director of Music and the Church Accompanist job descriptions would be considered for a combined position. If such an applicant were identified as the top candidate for the position, salary would be commensurate with the added responsibilities. The Director of Music position is being listed first, as an interim accompanist is in place. The Church Accompanist job description is available upon request.
All Oconee Street UMC employees are responsible for following all policies and procedures of both the church and the UMC, including Safe Sanctuaries guidelines.
To learn more about Oconee Street UMC, including our vision and welcome statements, visit oconeestreetumc.org.
To apply, please send a cover letter, résumé, and a list of three references to Thomas Drewry <tdrewry77@gmail.com>.
This position will remain posted until filled.
Contact: Tom Drewry
Address:
P.O. Box 6707 Athens GA 30604
Email: Click to email
Website:
https://oconeestreetumc.org/