Title of Opportunity: Music Director

Position Summary

The Music Director is a key member of the Worship Team, collaborating with the Minister and Director of Lifespan Faith Formation to select and integrate music into meaningful, thematically cohesive worship services.

Essential Responsibilities

• Provide music, direct, and accompany choirs at weekly Sunday services, two Christmas Eve services and one Tenebrae service
• Collaborate with the Worship Team to select music aligned with each service theme
• Plan and conduct weekly rehearsals for senior choir, youth choir, and support the handbell choir
• Oversee care of church musical instruments with the Office Administrator
• Arrange substitutes for absences

Additional Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the Music Committee at quarterly Music Committee meetings
• Coordinate music purchases and copyright compliance with the Office Administrator
• Recruit and coordinate guest musicians as desired
• Create intergenerational music opportunities
• Communicate music program updates through newsletters, monthly board reports, and the Annual Report
• Uphold congregational policies and the AUUMM Code of Professional Practice

Core Competencies

• Ability to cultivate musical participation across ages and skill levels
• Strong collaborative skills in worship planning
• Ability to conduct and accompany simultaneously
• Strong sight-reading skills
• Knowledge of diverse musical genres
• Comfort working in virtual or hybrid worship settings
• Interest in learning UU history, values, and musical traditions

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in music (preferred) or equivalent experience
• Experience in choral conducting and instrumental leadership
• Proficiency in keyboard accompaniment
• Demonstrated ability to support musical growth in alignment with a congregation’s mission

Compensation & Benefits

• Annual salary of $21,500–$37,100 (commensurate with experience)
• Separate stipend (with right of first refusal) for weddings and funerals
• Professional allowance
• Flexibility in scheduling within role expectations

About First Parish Chelmsford Unitarian Universalist Church

First Parish UU Chelmsford is a vibrant, inclusive, and caring spiritual community. We celebrate diverse beliefs and come together to deepen our faith and make a positive impact in the world.

Commitment to Equity

First Parish UU Chelmsford is committed to building a diverse and talented staff team. We strongly encourage people with disabilities, people of color, Indigenous people, Hispanic/Latinx individuals, and LGBTQIA+ candidates to apply. If you are excited about this role but unsure whether you meet every qualification, we encourage you to apply.

To Apply

Please send a cover letter and résumé with “Music Director” in the subject line to: jobs@uuchelmsford.org

Questions

Contact Tom Coffey, HR Subcommittee Chair: thomascoffey@comcast.net.