We are looking for a Music Director who is trained and/or experienced in choral conducting and understands the importance of Music Ministry in the life of a congregation. Our Music Director collaborates with other service leaders in the creation of Sunday worship services, conducts choir rehearsals and performances, supervises piano accompaniment, and arranges for other musical contributions from time to time.

We are an equal opportunity employer. To that end we welcome applicants from all categories of diversity including, but not limited to, gender, disability, ethnicity, religion, age, and/or sexual orientation. This paid part-time position is open to experienced and novice directors.

Music Director Job Description April 2024 (PDF)

Music Director Job Description

Title: Music Director

Hours: Part-time (7-8 hours/week), September to May

Directly supervises: Accompanist (paid), Music Librarian (volunteer)

Reports to: Minister

The Music Director (MD) at the First Unitarian Universalist (UU) Church of Winnipeg directs the music ministry and program, and manages the music staff and budget to support our Mission and Vision. We are an equal opportunity employer. To that end we welcome applicants from all categories of diversity including, but not limited to, gender, disability, ethnicity, religion, age, and/or sexual orientation.

Core functions

• Collaborative
  • Collaborate with ministers or other service leaders in the creation of worship services
  • Choose anthems and hymns in consultation with ministers/service leaders
  • Serve as an important contact in the church’s pastoral ministry to the choir
  • Support and develop the experience of congregational singing
  • Maintain contact with music colleagues in other churches and other professional organizations, including membership and participation in the Association of Unitarian Universalist Music Ministries
  • Cast a vision for the future of music in the church, guided by the First UU Church of Winnipeg Mission Statement1 and in collaboration with church staff, leaders, and choir members
• Organizational
  • Direct choir members in regular rehearsals and performances, fostering skill development and positive engagement
  • Supervise or arrange for piano accompaniment for Sunday services and choir rehearsals
  • Arrange for other musicians for Sunday services from time to time
• Operational
  • Use technology where possible to support pre-recording or live streaming for dual platform Sunday Services, and for choir rehearsals and other events that may include music
  • Oversee maintenance of pianos
  • Manage the sheet music library in compliance with copyright laws, the MD’s professional expenses budget, and the music program budget
  • Provide an annual report about the music ministry to the congregation

Qualifications

• Training in choral conducting or experience directing choirs required
• Must pass a criminal record background check

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

• Music programs take place either virtually or on the main level of the building, and are therefore fully accessible. The music library is currently stored on the second level, which is not accessible; upon consultation between the Music
• Director and leadership, these cabinets can be moved to an appropriate location on the main level.
• Must have reliable access to transportation to and from the congregation campus
• Must be physically able to lead regular choir rehearsals and recording sessions
• Must have access to technology and high-speed internet (if equipment upgrades are needed, a plan will be made with leadership)
• Must attend staff meetings, monthly Sunday Services Committee meetings, and regular supervision meetings with the Minister (these may take place via a virtual platform)

Core Competencies

• Creativity and Innovation: Generates new ideas; makes new connections among existing ideas to create fresh approaches; takes acceptable risks in pursuit of innovation; learns from mistakes.
• Ethics and Values: Honours the core values and beliefs of the organization.
• Influencing Others: Encourages others to cooperate, participate, provide resources or make decisions, in service to the work at hand; uses verbal and nonverbal skills to communicate respect for others, and to generate energy, passion, and commitment to an idea; creates an environment that others want to participate in.
• Integrity and Trust: Is seen as trustworthy by others; practices direct, honest and transparent communication; maintains professional boundaries.
• Interpersonal Skills: Establishes good working relationships with all others who are relevant to the completion of work; works well with people at all levels of the congregation; builds appropriate rapport.
• Time Management: Is able and willing to focus time on tasks that contribute to organizational goals; uses time effectively and efficiently; values time and respects the time of others; can appropriately balance priorities.
• Team Orientation: demonstrates interest, skill and success in team environments; steps up to offer self as a resource to other members of the team; understands and supports the importance of teamwork.

Key Relationships

• Minister/supervisor
• Sunday Services Committee
• Choir members and accompanist
• Director of Life Span Religious Exploration
• Music colleagues in other churches and professional organizations

Send resume and cover letter to Music Director Search Committee at jobs@uuwinnipeg.mb.ca.

First Unitarian Universalist Church of Winnipeg Mission Statement, June 2021

We are a diverse and caring community that is loving, inclusive, responsible, and encouraging.

We are a learning community open to evidence and varied insights that encourages reflection and exploration. We use what we learn to strengthen our relationships and our capacity.

We are a socially engaged community that works collaboratively, compassionately, and urgently for a just society and for our life-sustaining planet.

We are Caring, Learning and Socially Engaged