Director of Music (Oberlin, OH)

General Job Posting:

The First Church in Oberlin United Church of Christ, located in historic Oberlin, OH, is seeking a Director of Music to serve as a dynamic conductor, collaborator, and musical leader who works with the Minister, Music Staff, and Worship Committee to envision, explore, and provide creative and diverse musical expressions that enhance the worship experiences for members of an ever-growing First Church faith community. 

Responsibilities:

This nine-month position includes the following responsibilities:

• Rehearsing and conducting the Finney Choir during weekly rehearsals (traditionally held on Thursday evenings) and Sunday worship services, as well as special services, Sept. through May;

• Coordinating musical offerings of all choirs (Finney Choir, Bell Choir, Children’s Youth Choir), in conjunction with the directors of each of those choirs, the Minister, the Organist, and the Worship Committee; and,

• Recruiting and encouraging participation in all choirs by establishing relationships within the congregation and between Oberlin College/Conservatory of Music faculty and students.

• Collaboratively envisioning means for exploring, broadening, and enhancing the worship experience, through diverse musical programming, for current and future congregation members.

• Recruiting, hiring, supervising, and directing paid choral section leaders and soloists (instrumental and vocal) for special worship events and determining (along with the Worship Committee) compensation within the limits of the approved annual budget allotment.

• Participating in regular (usually monthly) Music Staff meetings with the Minister and other Music Staff members to plan for music and worship services.

• Participating in monthly Worship Committee meetings to envision and plan for music and worship services and provide a report from the Music Staff meeting.

• Submitting music selections (title, composer name, translations, names of musicians, etc.) to the church office manager each week for inclusion in weekly bulletins.

• Supervising selections for, purchase of, and maintenance of the music library.

• Arranging for a qualified substitute in the case of absence from a rehearsal and/or worship service for which they are responsible.

• Reports to the Minister

Qualifications:

• Bachelor Degree in Music or equivalent proficiency with minimum of 5 years of experience. Master of Music degree preferred.

• Must possess a spirit of collaboration, flexibility, the ability to work with all ages and musical abilities, and possess an understanding of and commitment to music as an element of liturgical worship.

• Must meet all occupational requirements for working with youth and children including Ohio FBI and BCI background checks.

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary including benefits ranges from $12K to $16K and is negotiable.

To Apply:

Please send a cover letter and resume to office@firstchurchoberlin.org. Deadline for application materials is July 24, 2019.

For more information please contact Anne Sprague, Search Committee Chair <spragueag@gmail.com>.

About The First Church in Oberlin, UCC:

Approved by the Personnel Committee of the First Church in Oberlin, UCC, on 6/16/2019.

First Church in Oberlin, UCC  ◆ 106 N. Main Street, Oberlin OH 44074  ◆ firstchurchoberlin.org