Acting Director of Music Ministries (Watertown, CT)

Date Posted: 
September 14, 2018
Organization Name: 
First Congregational Church of Watertown, CT
Contact Email: 
Salary Range: 
$21K to $24K per year
Job Description: 

First Congregational Church of Watertown, CT is looking to hire an Acting Director of Music Ministries, starting in the Fall 2018. This person would need to be available for services at 10 am on Sundays, choir rehearsal at 9 AM Sunday, and Wednesday choir rehearsals 7:30-9:00 PM. Weddings and Funerals, also, as availability permits. He/she would work closely with our settled Senior pastor, and Associate Pastor, to determine hymn, anthem, and other worship music selections on a weekly basis. He/she would also oversee our Youth and Bell choir directors. We seek a director/musician who understands Congregational worship, and is classical in repertoire, however, willing to think out of the box and introduce different genres of worship music. You must be able to communicate effectively with Pastors/music committee via email, text or phone in a timely fashion. The Acting Director will be an integral part of our staff during this transitional period, as we explore new ideas in our worship music, and contract would be renewable after the first year. Please contact us for full job description. Our sanctuary includes a Holtkamp Tracker organ and a Young Chang G185 Grand piano.

Pamela Sorensen - Music Committee Chairperson, First Church of Watertown CT
Email Pamsorensen75@gmail.com or call 860-938-5211

Position Description

Reports to:  Senior Pastor and Music Committee

Supervises:  All music programs of the First Congregational Church

Date adopted:  July 2018

Function:  Overseer of all music ministries; organist; pianist; director of senior choir

Qualifications:

  • Professional education and significant level of accomplishment as an organist and music director.
  • Experience in directing and arranging choral and sacred music and in planning the musical elements worship.
  • Strong interpersonal, leadership, communication and organizational skills.
  • Working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel and email.
  • Knowledge of the role of music in worship, as well as willingness to try/learn new possibilities.

Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Plan and provide music, direct the Senior Choir and oversee special music for Sunday worship and all additional services throughout the year.
  • Meet regularly with the Senior and Associate Minister to plan and coordinate music for worship services and maintain effective communication with them.
  • Attend monthly Music Committee meetings and maintain effective communication with committee members.
  • Monitor and oversee music budget.
  • Schedule and direct rehearsals for Senior Choir and guest soloists, musicians.
  • Assist, supervise, meet regularly with, and maintain effective communication with Youth Choir Director and Bell Choir Director.
  • Advise upon, and coordinate the hiring of, guest instrumental and vocal soloists and /or groups.
  • Provide or arrange for organ music at all weddings and funerals.
  • Coordinate with the Ministers the introduction of new styles of music in worship.
  • Exercise care and concern for members of the Senior Choir, and Youth and Bell Choir Directors to foster a sense of fellowship and camaraderie within those groups.
  • Submit yearly evaluation of all music group leaders by July 1 to the Ministers and Music Committee.
  • Reply to communications from Ministers and others in a timely fashion (within 3 business days), with whatever method you all agree: phone, email or text.
  • Perform other duties as mutually agreed upon with Ministers and/or Music Committee.

Salary:  $21K to $24K per year