Description Date:  09/17/2024
Position Title:  Director of Music
Incumbent:  To be hired
Status:  Part-time
Expected Pay & Hours:  Yearly Salary $18,000 – $20,500
15-20 hrs/week
Reports to:  Pastor

Overview

Wesley Memorial UMC is hiring a part-time Director of Music to lead and grow our Chancel Choir
and Handbell Choir, and the burgeoning children’s music program. This person will be responsible
for sustaining and creating opportunities for music for the congregation in accordance with our
church values – “Solidarity, Liberation, Abundance” – and our mission – “Sharing Christ’s Love With
Our Neighbors. No Exceptions.”
The music program includes:
● The Chancel Choir, which provides leadership at the 11:00 am Sunday worship service and
includes singers with a wide range of musical training and experience.
● The Handbell Choir rings periodically throughout the academic year.
● Soloists, ensembles and instrumentalists, including some from the University.
● Occasional outreach music ministry to nursing homes and retirement communities.
● The children’s music ministry.

Qualifications

● A minimum of three years of experience in choral conducting.
● Minimum of a bachelor’s degree in music or comparable professional training.
● A cooperative, flexible work style that supports pastor(s), fellow staff members and church
volunteers.
● Excellent interpersonal skills, with a demonstrated ability to recruit volunteers and help them
grow in their faith and commitment to serving Christ with their talents.
● A record of and commitment to the inclusion and training of all who wish to participate in the
music ministry, regardless of disability or musical skills.
● Familiarity with and commitment to employing choral and sacred music in a broad range of
styles.
● Skills in choral and handbell directing and singing.
● Effective planning and organizational skills.
● Excellent verbal and communication skills.
● Experience with basic AV systems.
● The ability and openness to lead children in music.
Description Date 09/17/2024
Position Title Director of Music
Incumbent To be hired
Status Part-time
Expected Pay & Hours Yearly Salary $18,000 – $20,500
15-20 hrs/week
Reports to Pastor

Direction and Leadership

● Direct and conduct the Chancel Choir and the Handbell Choir; oversee the direction of other
ensembles with primary performance in Sunday morning worship.
● Preparation for performance to include weekly rehearsals.
● Identify opportunities to expand the music ministry.
● Recruit new members for the choir and ensembles.
● Recruit and rehearse soloists or instrumentalists when appropriate.
● Encourage choir members in their understanding of choir as ministry: serving God and
others, supporting one another and learning together the musical heritage of the church.
● Direct the musical aspects of occasional social and fellowship activities (e.g., at covered dish
suppers, carol sings, committee meetings, summer sings, and other non-worship functions of
the church’s musicians).
● When appropriate, organize special music workshops for children, adults, special ensembles
or intergenerational choirs.
● Be available, as time permits, to provide special coaching to individuals or sections.

Planning and Coordination

● Meet as needed with the Lead Pastor and Church Organist to plan weekly worship. Both the
Director of Music and Church Organist report directly to the Lead Pastor and work
collaboratively with each other.
● Provide in a timely fashion suggested hymns for each worship service.
● Work collaboratively with the Church Organist and other accompanists.
● Arrange for music at weddings, funerals and other special services, as needed. Assist in the
care and procurement of musical instruments and equipment, both those owned by the
church and those needed for special performances.
● Provide information to the Church Office Manager about music and musical events for
inclusion in each week’s bulletin and newsletter.
● Coordinate music for the church’s Christian education programs and outreach, as needed.
● Organize social events for choir members as appropriate to strengthen community and sense
of shared purpose.
● Plan for coverage when absent or on vacation.

Administrative Responsibilities

● Select and order appropriate music and oversee the care, maintenance and organization of
the music library and files.
● Prepare reports, as needed, for Annual Charge Conference, the Church Council and other
church committees involved with the music and worship life of the congregation.
● Submit, each autumn, a budget request for the upcoming year and provide oversight to
ensure adherence to guidelines set forth in said budget.

Preferred Skills:
● Skills in percussion and guitar
● Ability to play piano and organ

Interested Candidates:

Send cover letter and resume to Rev. Matt Seaton.