Director of Music

The Unitarian Church of Montpelier (VT) is hiring a part-time (18 hrs/wk) Director of Music to begin July 1st. The Director of Music conducts the Church Choir and prepares and leads a diverse array of musical offerings for worship services. Our next Director of Music has the opportunity to share their creativity and leadership to contribute to the spiritual nourishment of a vibrant, growing community.

The Unitarian Church of Montpelier is a Unitarian Universalist congregation that welcomes all as we build a loving community to nurture each person’s spiritual journey, serve human need, and protect the Earth, our home. We have a robust ministry spanning worship and music, spiritual exploration, pastoral care, and social and environmental justice. We have 243 members and our Church Choir includes about 25 singers.

We value diversity and the inclusion of many spiritual traditions and approaches.

The Director of Music’s work responsibilities vary week-to-week, and generally encompass the following areas, with additional duties as needed:

• Research, prepare, and lead music during worship services
• Recruit and direct a community of choral singers
• Ensure diverse and spiritually nourishing musical offerings, and
• Supervise the Pianist/Accompanist and volunteers.

We seek a Director of Music who supports UCM’s mission and Unitarian Universalist principles and values, demonstrates an ability to lead others and work with a variety of people, demonstrates enthusiasm for and openness to diverse musical traditions, demonstrates an ability to fulfill commitments and maintain flexibility, and shows commitment to collaborative work.

Reports to:

Minister

Status:
Part-time, 0.45 FTE (18 hrs/week)

Start Date:

July 1, 2026

Work Schedule:

This position will require work on most Sunday mornings (mid-September through mid-June). The Church Choir rehearses on Thursday evenings. Staff meetings and worship meetings take place on Wednesday mornings. The work schedule is flexible beyond that. Office space can be provided.

• In collaboration with the Minister and Worship Team, plans and creates worship services in keeping with our Unitarian Universalist tradition. Works with the Minister and Director of Spiritual Exploration to coordinate themes for services.
• In association with the Pianist/Accompanist, prepares and leads music during worship services. This includes choral offerings, pieces performed by guest musicians, and leading songs.
• Recruits and directs a community of choral singers. This includes coordinating choir practice and participation in worship, educational workshops, and/or community-building events.
• Recruits and supports musicians of all ages from the congregation. Supports and assists with musical performances by children and youth as needed.
• Leverages networks and relationships outside the church to broaden and ensure diverse and spiritually nourishing musical offerings. Recruits guest musicians for a variety of musical pieces during church services.
• Provides a diverse selection of music in keeping with UUA values and the church mission.
• Working with the Lead AV Operator and volunteers, oversees the sound production for both in-house worship and the worship livestream.

• Maintains a library of choral sheet music inclusive of a diversity of musical genres and performer skill levels.
• Stays current on copyright law as it relates to music used for worship services (in person and live stream) and advises the Minister and Worship & Arts Committee on these matters.
• Administers and maintains the congregation’s One License account as well as any other copyright licensing accounts.
• Administers and maintains the congregation’s membership in Sing Out Love, the UUA’s online hymnal.
• Creates supporting materials for musical elements of the service, e.g. lyric slides and handouts.

• Provides day-to-day direction to the Pianist/Accompanist and works collaboratively with the Pianist/Accompanist in fulfilling the responsibilities of the music program.
• In collaboration with the Pianist/Accompanist, ensures the maintenance of the church’s musical instruments.
• Maintains current records and…