Director of Music Ministries

First Congregational Church of Christ

Madison, WI

Job Description:

Time: 70% position, could be combined with 30% organ/keyboard position for appropriate candidates, or less than 70% is the handbells were under a separate director.

Pay: Salary range $40,000-$45,000, depending on level of education and experience

Benefits: Available:

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, i.e. United Church of Christ Musicians Association (UCCMA).

Continuing ed: 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.

Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree or higher in music, experience in the area of sacred music preferred; sufficient keyboard skills to lead rehearsals, if needed, training in conducting; and appreciation of the wide range of sacred music.

Reports to: Senior Pastor

Overall Vision for position:

The Director oversees First Congregational United Church of Christ’s music program and is responsible for conducting all vocal and handbell choirs. The Director works closely and collaboratively with the Staff Worship Team and is responsible for planning music for worship that is relevant and ministering to our diverse, progressive, open and affirming, and inter-generational congregation. Our Sanctuary houses a well-maintained Holtkamp (Opus 1963, 1980). Manuals: 3. Stops: 37. Ranks: 38. Action: Slider chests. Mechanical key action. Electric stop action, and a 9 ft concert grand piano built by the Steinway Piano Company during the 1920s. The Church is also home to a five-octave Whitechaple handbell set, the largest in the area.

Key Responsibilities: The following responsibilities are not an exhaustive list, and there may be other duties as assigned.

Rehearsals and Worship Services:

Collaborate with the Staff Worship Team and select music for all worship services
Submit music for worship services to the office in a timely fashion
Develop plans, goals and lead all choir rehearsals/performances
Coordinate with the Facilities Manager for any needed setups
Hire and manage choir section leaders as required
Plan and contract for guest musicians
Select and plan choral literature and instrumental music for each choir and all worship services
Oversee the Children & Youth music programming in close collaboration with the Director of Christian Education
Engage in the life of the Church in order to identify and invite members and friends of the Congregation into musical opportunities
Choirs are a combination of volunteers and hired section leaders. Rehearsal times are negotiable.

Administrative Functions:

Attend weekly staff meetings
Oversee the administration of Section Leaders
Prepare budget requests with the Board of Deacons
Oversee the music budget
File and maintain music library
Write newsletter articles and notes as needed
Plan for the maintenance of all musical instruments
Plan and execute workshops to enhance the experience of musicians
Staff liaison to Board of Deacons
Purchase, monitor, and log licensing requirements for all music
Supervise organists/accompanists on staff

To apply, send cover letter and resume to Rev. Eldonna Hazen, Senior Minister, ehazen@firstcongmadison.org. Three references should be made available, upon request.

First Congregational United Church of Christ

Director of Music

About the Job