Director of Music, First Congregational Church (UCC), Burlington VT

JOB OPENING FALL 2021:

Director of Music
First Congregational Church (UCC) of Burlington, Vermont

JOB SUMMARY:

We seek a creative and spirit-filled Music Director to lead a vibrant music program that contributes to the ministry and growth of our church. With a strong foundation in classical sacred music, our congregation now hopes to evolve our music program to include a greater diversity of musical expression. The successful applicant will be skilled at creating sacred space through music, cultivating the musical gifts of our congregation, inviting participation from the wider community, and collaborating as a full member of the ministerial team.

In leading congregational singing, conducting our choir, incorporating instrumental music, and playing the organ, piano or other musical accompaniment, the Music Director sets the tone and creates the mood in which people’s experience of God is enhanced through music. We believe God is calling us to be a “big tent” that welcomes and accepts people no matter where they are on their faith journey, and to be open to new possibilities for worship and service.

Located in the heart of downtown Burlington, Vermont, First Congregational Church is an open and affirming congregation of the United Church of Christ with about 300 members. Burlington is an active college town on the beautiful shores of Lake Champlain with a creative, entrepreneurial spirit and progressive ideals.

RESPONSIBILITIES may include but are not limited to:

• Provide leadership and joy in a ministry of music that honors our faith tradition while looking to its future, including both traditional and modern music
• Provide music for weekly Sunday worship (i.e., organ, piano, and/or other instruments)
• Hire guest musicians to provide additional music as needed
• Manage a music staff that might also include children’s, youth, and bell choir directors
• Direct and grow the 15+ member choir
• Cultivate congregational singing as an essential component of faith expression
• Work collaboratively on a ministerial team that also includes Lead Minister, Director of Creative Ministries, Faith Formation Director, and administrative staff
• Work with the A/V team to ensure good quality sound and visuals both in the sanctuary and online (livestreaming)
• Manage a budget for new music acquisitions and hiring guest musicians
• Maintain and expand the church's music library
• Coordinate maintenance and repair of the church's musical instruments (Estes electro-mechanical organ, 6 pianos, drums, hand bells)

ATTRIBUTES and TALENTS:

• Excellent interpersonal skills and a sense of humor
• Knowledge and appreciation of music from a variety of genres and generations
• Substantial experience as musician (organ, piano, and/or other instruments)
• Ability to lead and conduct choral groups. Ability to lead and conduct handbell groups and children's/youth choirs is optional
• Ability to work collegially with professional and volunteer singers and musicians, to invite participation from musicians of varied abilities, and to encourage congregational singing

SALARY and HOURS:

Salary range is from $25-38K annually, roughly 12-20 hours weekly, depending on skills, experience, and the final structure of the position. The First Congregational Church Music Director has traditionally been both a choral director and organist, in which case salary and hours would be within the top end of the range. But we are open to creative possibilities such as a split position, sharing duties between a keyboard player and a choral director, in which case salary and hours would be within the bottom end of the range.

Reports to: Lead Minister
Status: Part-time special
Salary and Hours: See above
Benefits: Vacation, sick leave, holidays
Fair Labor and Standards Act (FLSA): Exempt

FOR INQUIRIES or TO APPLY:

Submit a cover letter, resume, and optional musical curriculum vitae to:   FCCBMusicSearch@firstchurchburlington.org

or mail to:

Music Director Search

First Congregational Church of Burlington, United Church of Christ

38 S Winooski Ave

Burlington, VT 05401

Posted August 15, open until filled * Interviews beginning early September