Northlake is currently seeking a part-time Music Director

Job Description

Reports to: Minister

Status: Quarter-time (approximately 10 hrs/wk; varies seasonally)

FLSA: Exempt

 

The Music Program is an integral part of Northlake Unitarian Universalist Church’s (NUUC) congregational ministry, which provides for the spiritual life of the congregation by: evoking experiences of wonder, awe, and connection to the spirit of life and love; nurturing the development of people of all ages and identities as spiritual beings and Unitarian Universalists; welcoming and connecting them in our loving community; sustaining them in times of challenge; and inspiring in them a passion for justice.

 

The Music Director is responsible for directing a Music Program that supports the needs of NUUC by providing opportunities for people of all ages and identities to experience wonder and awe through the creation of music in the context of worship; deepen their understanding of Unitarian Universalism, their UU identities and their commitment to the values, mission and ends of NUUC; and connect deeply in our loving community.

 

During the current time of home isolation in response to a pandemic situation, along with particular restrictions imposed on public/group singing, the Music Director will be required to be adaptive, innovative and creative in order to foster loving community and spiritual deepening through music.  This may include, but not be limited to, creating a virtual choir, using online production systems, providing individual and group coaching and direction, boosting song leaders’ skills, researching and curating online/prerecorded resources,  etc.

 

Essential Functions:

  • Develop and direct a music program that supports the worship life of the congregation, including but not limited to
    • collaborating with minister, staff, lay people and pulpit guests to provide worship that opens the minds, fills the hearts, and transforms the lives of people of all ages 
    • providing music for worship three Sundays per month, on Christmas Eve, and for rites of passage
    • building and maintaining an adult choir, exploring ways to foster this while adhering to public health guidelines and restrictions
    • providing opportunities for musicians outside of the choirs to share their gifts
  • Administer the Music Program, including but not limited to
    • planning and managing the music budget
    • maintaining contact information for music program participants
    • purchasing music and performance licenses in accord with the law
    • overseeing communication with the pianist, keeping them abreast of service plans, rehearsal, choir music, and other music needs
  • Ensure effective integration of the music program into the life of NUUC by participating in monthly staff meetings, music team  and/or worship team meetings, and  in other settings as required or requested by the minister
  • Foster loving community within and beyond the music program
  • Extend the pastoral reach of the minister by providing care, especially to participants in the Music Program, in challenging times

 

Other Responsibilities:

  • Contract for piano maintenance as needed

 

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s Degree in music
  • Experience as a music director in a congregation or similar setting
  • Demonstrated ability to read, teach, play and conduct a wide variety of music
  • Acceptable annual background check
  • Experience and comfort with online music, performance, and conferencing platforms

 

Physical Requirements:

  • Able to communicate effectively
  • Able to play the piano for up to three hours at a time
  • Able to use body movements to conduct a choir

 

Core Competencies:

 

Mission Ownership: Demonstrates understanding and full support of the vision,  values, and mission  of the congregation; prioritizes the needs of NUUC; consistently behaves in a manner congruent with the vision, values, and mission of NUUC; models and teaches those values to others.

 

Musical Expertise: Demonstrates the musical expertise required to execute the essential functions of the job with excellence; shares expertise in order to develop the capacities of others of varying skill levels; keeps abreast of developments in Unitarian Universalist church music and deepens and/or develops proficiency necessary to stay current with the broader UU movement.

 

Worship Leadership: Contributes to  the design and facilitation of relevant and inspiring worship; uses music to promote experiences of the sacred and reinforces a theme or purpose; fosters worship moments that invite participants into an encounter with the divine. 

 

Collaboration: Works effectively with others at all levels of the organization, while prioritizing collaboration with the minister and staff team; contributes professional expertise, presence, a can-do spirit, and a willingness to shoulder appropriate responsibility to get the job done; is aware of group dynamics, and participates effectively in group decision-making.

 

Informing Others: Provides the information people need to know to do their jobs well; helps people understand the information and knowledge and its relevance to the work at hand; is timely and transparent in the sharing of information; is proactive in discussing plans, needs, and concerns with supervisor.

 

Self-Differentiation: Demonstrates strong and appropriate personal boundaries in relationships; has a healthy appreciation of self; is emotionally mature; can maintain a non-anxious presence in the midst of turmoil; not overly dependent upon outside affirmation; works to build a strong personal support system outside of the church.

 

Interpersonal skills: Establishes good working relationships with all others who are relevant to completion of work, including singers of varying skill levels; works well with people at all levels of the congregation; builds appropriate rapport; considers the impact of actions on others; uses diplomacy and tact; is approachable.

 

Integrity: Embodies, models, and leads in a manner consistent with Unitarian Universalist values; practices direct, honest and transparent communication; admits mistakes; responds to situations with constancy and reliability.

 

This position is exempt, 10-hours per week, $830-$1,250 per month based on experience, not eligible for benefits.  Northlake is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment. People from all walks of life are welcome to apply to help us live our mission, vision, and values.
To apply, send letter of interest and resume or CV to Rev. Nancy Reid-McKee. Applications must be received by August 31, 2020.