Job Title: Music Director
Reports To: Minister
Employment Type: Part-Time, Non-Exempt
Hours and Schedule: 20 hours/wk., including Sundays
General Purpose and Spirit
People with disabilities, BIPOC, and LGBTQ candidates are encouraged to apply. Our
congregation is committed to developing a diverse and talented staff team. If you are excited
about this role but are unsure whether you meet 100% of the requirements, we encourage you to inquire and/or apply.
The Unitarian Universalist Church of Fresno is a liberal and progressive religious
community. It welcomes people of all ages, religious backgrounds, cultural origins, spiritual
beliefs, differing abilities, gender identities, and sexual orientations. For more information on
Unitarian Universalism, please see the church website at www.uufresno.org and the
denomination website at www.uua.org. You need to be comfortable and enthusiastic with the
church’s liberal religious identity.
Job Summary
The Music Director is responsible for developing and leading the contemporary and diverse
music ministry of the church. The Music Director fosters a spiritually enriching environment
and experience through music, recognizing that our unique music program draws mostly from
secular sources and includes styles and genres not typically included in church settings. Key
duties include planning and coordinating this wide variety of music for worship services, with
primary emphasis on directing the band and vocalists. Other duties include directing the choir
(once a month) and small vocal ensembles. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of the principles and values of Unitarian Universalism (or willingness to learn), including but not limited to, respect for diversity, equity and inclusion. They will have a commitment to musical excellence and the ability to inspire and lead volunteers.
Core Standards of Service
Respect
Treats others as (s)he expects to be treated. Reasonably accommodates others’ needs within the scope of his/her duties and authority. Maintains the privacy and dignity of others; keeps
appointments and is prepared. Responds appropriately to oversights and concerns.
Teamwork
Fosters a positive and productive team environment. Is resourceful but asks for help when
necessary; is approachable and conveys a willingness to help others; contributes to productive
meetings and discussions; acknowledges others for their contributions. Is responsible for the
accuracy, timeliness, and quality of work; is flexible and works toward positive change in service
of the mission.
Communication
Communicates in a courteous and diplomatic manner. Listens thoughtfully and respectfully,
giving others his/her undivided attention to paving the way for healthy relationships.
Key Responsibilities
In coordination with the Minister or Worship Leader, plan, organize, and lead music for
worship services.
Collaborate with the Minister or Worship Leader to select appropriate music that aligns
with worship themes and the principles and values of Unitarian Universalism, drawing
from an array of various styles and genres of music, including rock, pop, R&B, reggae,
classical, Broadway, etc., as well as Unitarian Universalist sources.
Provide musical accompaniment on piano as needed, other instruments a plus.
Direct and oversee the band/instrumental ensembles including the part-time paid pianist
and guest vocalists/instrumentalists. Direct the choir (once-a-month) and occasional
small vocal ensembles.
Recruit, train, and mentor musicians and vocalists from congregation, encouraging
participation and growth. Encourage the development and sharing of artistic gifts (music,
dance, vocal, instrumental) of members of the congregation.
Prioritize BIPOC guest vocalists and musicians from the larger community to highlight
diversity and inclusion.
Utilize existing music sources, including scores, band charts, etc., in the creation of
Sunday service music.
Coordinate with the church’s audio-visual team to ensure high-quality in-house sound
and video, and high-quality livestream sound and video.
Schedule and lead rehearsals to prepare for worship services.
Manage the Music Committee budget, including purchasing music, piano maintenance,
compensation for paid accompanist, and annual membership dues for organizations.
Manage the Cultural Music Experience budget (diverse guest vocalists and musicians),
the Sound System budget, and the Music Director’s Designated account.
Maintain and organize the church’s music library.
Schedule regular piano maintenance with piano technician.
Coordinate and lead hiring process for part-time pianist as needed.
In coordination with event organizers, occasionally plan, organize, and lead music for
special church events and programs.
Participate in church leadership meetings and contribute to the overall vision of the
church.
Communicate faithfully with the minister and staff
Qualifications
A strong understanding and acceptance of the Principles and Values of Unitarian
Universalism, or willingness to learn.
Preferably a bachelor’s degree in music, Worship Arts, or a related field, or other
equivalent experience.
Preferably experience in church music leadership, including directing bands and
vocalists, also choirs and ensembles.
Proficiency in playing at least one instrument (piano preferred).
Strong vocal and conducting skills.
Knowledge of diverse musical genres and styles, including but not limited to rock, pop,
R&B, reggae, classical, Broadway, etc.
Desire to prioritize BIPOC guest vocalists and musicians from the larger community to
highlight diversity and inclusion.
The ability to create music-notated scores and chord and lyric charts for band and
backing vocalists, small instrumental ensembles, choir and small vocal ensembles.
Proven ability to recruit and shepherd volunteer musicians and vocalists,
Strong organizational and communication skills.
A strong team player and the ability to work collaboratively with church staff, volunteers,
and congregation members.
Dependability, responsibility, and self-motivation.
Computer literacy in Microsoft Office, music notation software, and the ability to work in
a Zoom or other video environment.
Preferred experience using Sibelius, Finale, Dorico, or other music notation software, and
knowledge of the process of importing existing files for use with that software.
Ability, when working with the church’s Sound Technician, to strive to achieve optimal
balance with house mix, monitor mix, and livestream mix.
Flexibility and creativity in planning worship experiences.
Sense of humor and positive attitude.
Time Requirements
20 hrs./week, including Sunday 8:30 am -12:15 pm
Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those an employee encounters
while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be
made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While
performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, sit,
use hands to enter data in a PC, take notes, and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally
required to reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move
up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and
ability to adjust focus for near reading, viewing computer screen, reading written
documents, etc.
Work Environment
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an
employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. This is
generally a Sunday Worship Service with speakers and musical performance. The noise
level is considered typical to medium noise level.
Compensation
$25-$30 per hour. 10% pension after 1 yr.
Start Date: May 27, 2025, or after (ideally a few weeks of limited hours overlap with
outgoing music director, then 20 hours/week beginning in July).
Apply: Send resume and cover letter detailing why you are the ideal person to fill this
role to [email protected] No calls or visits please.