Director Music, ...

About the role

The Director of Music, Faith Formation, and Communications provides strategic vision, leadership, and operational management by weaving together the artistic, educational, and storytelling life of the church. This multifaceted role cultivates a vibrant worship environment, designs a holistic strategy for lifelong Christian education, and shapes the church’s voice and brand identity. Operating within the theological vision of the United Church of Christ (UCC) Congregational in Yankton, SD, the Director fosters an inclusive, intergenerational community where people of all ages can know what is happening, get involved, and grow in their faith.

Responsibilities

Music Ministry (50%)

• Collaborate closely with the Senior Pastor and Church staff to select weekly congregational songs, anthems, and special music; design music services that reflect a blended worship style—balancing traditional hymnody and contemporary worship elements to support liturgical themes.
• Manage music software (e.g., Planning Center), build musical worship schedules, prep charts, and report song usage to CCLI, OneLicense, and other licensing agencies as necessary.
• Plan, direct, and conduct primary musical ensembles (e.g., Chancel Choir, praise band, handbells, youth groups); lead regular rehearsals to technically and spiritually prepare musicians for weekly worship, special liturgical seasons (e.g., Advent, Holy Week, Easter), and milestone events (weddings, funerals).
• Recruit, audition, and mentor vocalists and instrumentalists from within and outside the congregation; discover and integrate children and youth into the musical life of worship.
• Coordinate AV staff and volunteers to ensure flawless sound reinforcement, lighting, and livestream execution; manage maintenance of church instruments (organ, pianos, sound systems) and catalog the physical and digital music library.

Faith Formation (40%)

• Design and launch intentional learning experiences where children, youth, young adults, and seniors pray and grow together; evaluate and select curriculum accessible to multi-generational settings for all-church events, Sunday School, VBS, Confirmation (with Senior Pastor), seasonal workshops (e.g., Advent, Lent), and special events.
• Create welcoming, low-barrier environments for young families to connect (e.g., praygrounds, playgroups, small groups); equip and resource parents to practice faith at home and advocate for family-friendly spaces and scheduling within church leadership.
• Integrate faith formation milestones (e.g., blessing of the backpacks, first Bibles, life milestones) into the life of the wider congregation.
• Recruit, background-check, and train volunteers to serve as teachers, small group facilitators, and mentors; strictly enforce Child Youth and Protection policies (e.g., Safe Sanctuaries) to ensure safe, nurturing environments.
• Maintain accurate participation records, registration data, and volunteer schedules.

Social Media Communications (10%)

• Develop and execute an annual communications strategy aligned with the church’s calendar and provides for aligned communication channels (e.g., verbal and written announcements); protect the church’s brand identity to ensure a cohesive, professional representation across all ministry areas.
• Manage a consistent posting schedule for Sunday service updates, midweek encouragement, and seasonal announcements; produce engaging graphics, photos, and short-form video clips to highlight weekly sermons, devotionals, and events.
• Create efficient workflows and systems to prioritize concurrent projects, including copywriting, print materials, and digital media production.
• Create content, schedule posts, and build community across platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube; promote church events and foster connection between church members and the wider local community.
• Track and measure engagement across digital channels to ensure tactics are effective and reaching the intended audiences.

Develop, track, and manage the annual budgets for the Music, Faith Formation, and Social Media Communications departments (including materials, music purchases, curriculum, and guest musicians). Participate in staff meetings, collaborative planning sessions, and professional development.

Required Qualifications & Skills

• Education & Experience: Bachelor’s degree in Music, Christian Education, Theology, Communications, or a related field preferred (or an equivalent blend of ministry experience); prefer leadership experience in a congregational or ministerial setting, with experience managing volunteers and navigating multi-faceted job responsibilities.
• Core Competencies:
  • Musical proficiency with the ability to navigate, execute, perform, appreciate, and promote both traditional hymnody/choral music and contemporary worship genres.
  • Develop understanding of post-pandemic trends in faith formation.
  • Functional computer and social media platforms literacy.
  • Professional and positive interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills to manage schedules, organize large groups, and effectively delegate tasks.
  • Active Christian faith and a theological outlook that aligns with the progressive, inclusive covenantal traditions, doctrine, and mission of the United Church of Christ (UCC).