Acting Dir of Music​/Organist

Acting Music Director and/or Acting Organist/Pianist

Job Description:

Acting Music Director and/or Acting Organist/Pianist.

Plymouth Congregational UCC seeks an Acting Music Director and an Acting Organist/Pianist; these roles may be filled separately or by the same individual.

The Acting Music Director provides collaborative leadership for Plymouth’s music ministry, coordinating and directing choirs, handbells, and instrumental ensembles. This role includes selecting inclusive and theologically-aligned music, managing music staff and budgets, and maintaining church instruments and licenses. This position requires up to 20 hours per week.

The Acting Organist/Pianist provides music for worship and other services, assists in the maintenance of keyboard instruments, and collaborates with the Acting Music Director in music selection and in support of Plymouth’s children and youth programs. This position requires up to 10 hours per week, including practice and preparation.

Both positions may be filled by the same applicant; in that case the combined position would require up to 30 hours per week. The Music Director and Organist/Pianist are acting roles (for the September 2026-June 2027 program year), with the potential for growth and transition into a permanent position over time. Compensation is based on experience.

• Provide leadership for Plymouth’s music program in collaboration with ministers and lay musicians.
• Plan and coordinate church music program including choirs, handbells, instrumentalists, ensembles, and guests.
• In coordination with the preaching pastor and with input from the organist/pianist, select pieces that are theologically appropriate for a progressive church, encouraging the use of inclusive language, and using Plymouth’s well-stocked and well-loved music library wherever possible.

• Provide piano and or organ music for Sunday worship and special services such as Christian holidays, ordinations, and pastoral installations as scheduled.
• Serve as accompanist for choir rehearsals, ensembles, and guest musicians.
• Spend adequate time outside of services to prepare repertoire.
• Assist the Acting Music Director in selecting pieces that are theologically appropriate for a progressive church, encouraging the use of inclusive language, and using Plymouth’s well-stocked and well-loved music library wherever possible.

• Direct Chancel Choir and Plymouth Ringers (handbell choir).
• Organize occasional instrumentalists, guest musicians, and ensembles.
• Direct and organize the children’s choir with support from children’s program leaders and lay members.
• Expand opportunities for youth musical participation and ensembles.

• Support the music program by accompanying the children’s choir and youth ensembles as needed.

• Manage the music and video copyright licenses and report usage of music titles.
• Authorize purchases and manage the budget for all purchases for the music program.
• Coordinate regular maintenance program (tuning, repairs, etc.) for organ, all pianos in the church building, and other instruments owned by the church.

• Assist the Acting Music Director in ensuring regular maintenance of the organ and all pianos in the building.

• Attend staff meetings, worship planning meetings, and retreats, and function as an active member of the staff team.
• Abide by all Personnel and other policies of Plymouth Church.
• Communicate with AV team and deacons where needed and appropriate.

• Abide by all Personnel and other policies of Plymouth Church.

• Connector – Builds strong relationships within the church, as well as with the local community, and broader faith network where appropriate.
• Initiator – Recognizes needs and takes proactive steps to address them.
• Collaborator – Fosters partnership and shared leadership (staff, members, the wider community).
• Coordinator – Organizes events and activities so staff and members work together effectively.
• Communicator – Conveys or exchanges information or ideas.
• Organizer – Arranges activities/events systematically by planning and coordinating staff and members.

• Collaborator – Works well with Acting Music Director; church staff, leadership, and members; and outside community.
• Communicator – Effectively communicates with others.

• Experience leading church music, including choirs.
• Music degree from an accredited institution or equivalent experience.

• Experience playing church music.
• Music degree from an accredited institution, in progress or completed.

Send cover letter and resume to moderator