Director of Music

Boston Avenue United Methodist Church; Tulsa (OK); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Boston Avenue United Methodist Church in Tulsa, OK seeks a Director of Music to oversee BAUMC’s intergenerational music program and collaborate with the Senior Pastor on worship planning. The role directs choirs and ensembles, mentors staff and volunteers, and supports two community arts initiatives.

A proven conductor and music educator aligned with United Methodist theology is essential to foster inspiring sacred music across services.

Qualifications

• Masters degree in sacred/church music or choral conducting.
• 5+ years leading an intergenerational sacred music program.
• 3+ years supervising staff or volunteers.
• Experience conducting adolescent voices preferred.
• Belief in United Methodist Church tenets and BAUMC alignment.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all elements of BAUMC's music program (choirs, handbells, orchestra, ensembles).
• Direct adult ensembles and the high school choir; Sunday services and annual tours.
• Lead 4–5 major choral services/concerts each year, often with professional orchestra.
• Supervise personnel and contractors in the music department.
• Collaborate with Senior Pastor, HR Consultant, and Directors to plan worship and ministry programs.
• Advise and collaborate with Sistema Tulsa and Tulsa Theatre Works.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Teamwork

Organization

Creativity

Self-starter

Education

Masters of Music in Sacred/Church Music or Choral Conducting

Doctorate of Music (DMA) preferred

Job description

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

The Director of Music manages and supervises all aspects of BAUMC’s large, intergenerational music program. He/she assists the Senior Pastor and program directors in planning and leading major worship services, conducts key ensembles, serves as the Senior Advisor for its two community arts programs, and is the primary teacher and advocate for music ministry within the congregation.

The Director of Music is part of the church leadership and will be expected to participate in certain events throughout the year. They are also expected to be excellent at building relationships and collaboration.

This position works closely with the Senior Pastor, HR Consultant and Directors to provide leadership, build relationships, and provide support for the entire music program and congregation.

EXAMPLE RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Manages and supervises all elements of the music program including but not limited to handbells, all choirs, orchestra, praise band, etc. and is responsible for:


• a) Manage a large, graded music program (3 full-time, 6 part-time employees)


• b) Conduct key adult ensembles


• c) Conduct high school choir that sings each Sunday and tours annually


• d) Perform 4-5 major choral services/concerts each year, often with professional orchestra


• e) Program includes active instrumental ensembles, plus 4-5 handbell ensembles

• Engage excellent relationship building and collaborative skills on a daily basis.


• Assists the Senior Pastor and program directors in planning and leading ministry programs and major worship services.


• Supervises all personnel, employee and contractor, in the music department.


• Serves as the principal teacher and program advocate for music and arts at BAUMC. Will demonstrate teaching expertise in a wide range of topics such as theology, sacred music, vocal music, hymnology.


• Will demonstrate familiarity with current trends in sacred music and be open to explore new programs and program initiatives.


• Serve as Advisory board member and collaborate with the leadership of two growing community arts programs: Sistema Tulsa (instrumental & vocal music) and Tulsa Theatre Works (theatre arts)


• Absorbs and fulfills additional responsibilities as requested by HR/Executive Consultant or Sr. Pastor

COMPETENCIES:

• Philosophy & Faith: Excellence is not achieved at the expense of people. The core commitment of Boston Avenue is to diversity, inclusion and welcome. Must be able to connect the dots between worship materials and welcoming and inclusion.


• Leadership: Good planner, detail oriented, reliable, people focused and energized by the mission and “big” ideas. Persuasive, good at building relationships and capable of bringing people along. Offers leadership by example and is an excellent team player and colleague.


• Professionalism: Excellent musician in performing and bringing all types of music to life. Skilled conductor with orchestras, singers, amateurs, children, youth and adult choirs. Skilled music teacher with familiarity in working with adolescent voices.


• Relationship Building: Builds strong relationships in the church and within the community.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Masters of Music Degree in Sacred/Church Music or Choral Conducting or similar, Doctorate of Music, DMA, preferred

5+ years experience leading an intergenerational sacred music program.

3+ years experience supervising others

Experience conducting adolescent voices preferred.

Belief in the tenets and theology of United Methodist Church, as well as support for and adherence to the beliefs and practices of Boston Avenue Church.

SKILLS:

Strong verbal and written communication skills

Ability to engage well with choral members and congregation

Ability to be an effective team member with all co-workers and volunteers

Ability to organize and prioritize tasks while remaining collaborative and flexible.

Strong leadership skills

Creative

Self-starter