Estimated Hours per Week: 25 (with room for increase)

Annual Compensation: $38,000-$42,000 (with room for advancement)

Preferred Start Date: April 6, 2026

General Description

The Director of Music Ministries collaborates with the Pastor, staff and volunteers to guide the musical life of our church in a manner consistent with our inclusive, nurturing and empowering philosophy of Christian faith. The role combines accompaniment (piano and organ) and choral leadership to provide meaningful music — traditional, gospel and contemporary — for Sunday services and special occasions.

Position Requirements

• Support our Mission Statement: “CUMC is an inclusive family of faith, striving to nurture loving, supportive relationships, empowering persons to grow in faith in order to serve the community.”
• Demonstrate personal instrumental ability (piano and organ), and a proven aptitude in choral and instrumental leadership, directing and worship service planning.
• Have strong organizational and communication skills to be able to collaborate with Pastor, staff, congregants, and volunteers.
• Advanced degree in a related area and experience preferred.
• Commitment to ongoing professional growth and personal development.

Position Responsibilities

Direct the Adult Chancel Choir

• Respectfully guide multiple voices of varying abilities to create a cohesive ensemble, with no paid section leaders. Encourage musical growth and fellowship.
• Conduct weekly rehearsals on Thursday evening and additional rehearsals for special seasonal music such as Easter and Christmas, both of which can include hired musicians as the budget allows.
• Lead and accompany the choir in one service every Sunday, except during summer break, and on special occasions such as Good Friday, Easter, and Christmas Eve.
• Collaborate and choose appropriate music for the church calendar, making use of the well-documented inventory of about 1,100 traditional and contemporary pieces (from Bach and Beethoven to John Rutter and Mark Miller).

Coordinate Other Music and Musical Groups

• Serve as an accompanist in the 8:30 a.m. Sunday service year-round. Coordinate or play alternate music when choir is not singing.
• Lead or supervise leader of Adult Hand Bell Choir that rehearses once a week and plays every 4-6 weeks.
• Work with both amateur and professional musicians for special services and to replace or accompany choir on occasion.
• Recruit and supervise the regrowth of our children and youth music ministries in the form of chimes, band and vocal ensembles and classes/camp.
• Create a welcoming music ministry for all in order to cultivate more participation.

Administrative Responsibilities

• Attend staff and committee meetings and communicate regularly with Pastor and relevant staff and volunteers.
• Keep and communicate a monthly or seasonal music plan to choir and other music ensemble leaders.
• Create music ministry budget to be submitted to the Finance Committee and oversee expenditures from this budget.
• Sustain personal growth and participate in an annual evaluation of work.

To Apply:

In addition to a resume, please submit a cover letter describing your philosophy of music ministry and how you support worship and congregational life, along with three professional references. If available, include links to video or audio recordings demonstrating conducting and accompanying. Finalists will be asked to participate in an audition and interview process. Please submit all materials to cumchb@cumchb.org.