Job Summary
The First United Methodist Church of Westborough, MA a vibrant, dynamic, intergenerational congregation, is seeking a person for 15 to 20 hours per week to be the Director of our Music Ministries. The Director will work with our Pastor and established music groups with primary responsibility for playing the church organ and piano, conducting the Sanctuary Choir and Coordinating the Praise Band. This role requires the candidate to be familiar and comfortable with a wide variety of music, including Methodist (John and Charles Wesley) hymns, traditional hymns and anthems, contemporary Christian music, gospel, and world music. The expectations include two services and preparations for them each Sunday morning, Tuesday choir rehearsal, and independent practice. Salary will be commensurate with experience and availability, and opportunities exist for additional compensation (e.g., from weddings, youth music events, funerals). The successful candidate will have the opportunity to build upon decades of musical excellence and strong congregational engagement, rather than undertaking a program in need of rebuilding.
Key Responsibilities:
Ministry Responsibilities and Collaboration
- Spiritual Leadership: Lead rehearsals and performances as acts of worship, opening and closing gatherings with prayer, reflection, or scripture related to the church’s liturgical life.
- Worship Integration: Select and prepare music that enhances the proclamation of the Word and the spiritual atmosphere of worship services. Attend worship planning meetings and contribute ideas for special events, concerts, and outreach initiatives.
- Pastoral Collaboration: Work collaboratively with the Senior Pastor and Worship Committee to support thematic and theological goals of the church’s liturgical seasons and services.
Organist/Pianist
- Provide organ and piano music for all scheduled worship services.
- Accompany congregational hymns, liturgical responses, and other musical elements of worship.
- Perform preludes, offertories, postludes, and other service music.
- Coordinate musical selections with clergy and worship leadership.
Choral Ministry
- Lead, rehearse, and conduct the church choir for (1) traditional weekly worship service*, special services, and seasonal events. Special services include Christmas Eve Services, Holy Week worship services and Easter Sunday.
- Select appropriate sacred music that aligns with the liturgy, sermon themes, and church calendar. Maintain music catalog, CCLI licenses and adhere to copyright laws.
- Recruit, train, and mentor choir members, fostering a positive and inclusive environment. Maintain volunteer schedules, communications and substitutes and any other administration needed for smooth and efficient operation of choral ministry.
Modern Worship Band
- Direct and collaborate with the modern worship band for (1) contemporary worship service*, integrating music seamlessly into worship.
- Oversee rehearsal schedules, song selection, and arrangements that support the worship experience. Maintain music catalog, CCLI licenses and adhere to copyright laws.
- Creation of chord charts for all musicians.
- Encourage and develop volunteer musicians and vocalists, providing guidance on performance and musicianship. Maintain volunteer schedules, communications and substitutes and any other administration needed for smooth and efficient operation of worship band.
Handbell Ministry (not a requirement but beneficial to role for future needs):
- Lead handbell rehearsals and performances, including accompanying worship services and special programs.
- Select and arrange handbell music suitable for various skill levels and liturgical settings. Maintain music catalog, CCLI licenses and adhere to copyright laws.
- Develop a program to recruit and train new handbell participants.
- Work collaboratively to provide oversight for handbell leaders managing smaller groups.
Administration and Communication
- Manage scheduling for rehearsals, performances, and special events for worship band and church choir.
- Maintain music library, instruments (piano, organ, speakers, handbells, band equipment), and equipment in good condition. Schedule maintenance as needed.
- Communicate regularly with church staff, volunteers, and congregation regarding music programs, events, and opportunities.
- Represent music ministries at weekly staff meetings and quarterly Admin Council meetings and other meetings as needed.
- Manage music ministry budget within overall church budget.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Music, Music Education, or a related field (preferred).
- Demonstrated experience leading choral ensembles, contemporary bands, and handbell groups.
- Strong conducting, arranging, and vocal skills; proficiency in piano, organ and/or other instruments preferred.
- Excellent interpersonal, organizational, communication and leadership skills.
- Ability to inspire and mentor musicians of all ages.
- Strong commitment to the church’s mission, values, and spiritual growth through music. Must possess a growing and mature Christian faith consistent with the doctrine and mission of the United Methodist Church with demonstrated ability to serve in a ministerial capacity through the leadership of worship and spiritual formation in music.
- Ability to lift 20 pounds and maneuver between various musical instruments and locations during worship services.
Work Schedule:
- Part-time hybrid schedule of 15-20 hours total per week which includes 12-15 hours in-person weekly approximately 10-12 hours to include attendance at (2) worship services on Sunday mornings, choir and band rehearsals, and staff meetings. Weekly hours may include 3-5 hours of remote work for planning and administration. Christmas Eve and Easter services along with other special musical performances throughout the year require in person attendance and may result in additional weekly hours. Additional hours available if handbell responsibilities are considered.
Reports to:
Senior Pastor
Salaried Ministerial Exempt position; annual pay based on experience
Benefits: Accrued sick and vacation time, opportunities for continuing education
Application Process:
- Please submit a resume, cover letter, and links or recordings of recent performances or ensembles conducted (if applicable).
Benefits:
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Westborough, MA 01581
