Music Director

Auumm; Chapel Hill (NC); On-site; USD 50,000 - 60,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Health and life insurance

10% employer contribution to retirement plan

Job summary

A Unitarian Universalist congregation in Chapel Hill is seeking a part-time Music Director to lead their music ministry. Responsibilities include programming music for worship services, rehearsing choirs, and collaborating with volunteer musicians. Ideal candidates will have strong skills in musical performance, organizational abilities, and a passion for diverse musical and cultural experiences. The role offers a competitive salary with additional benefits and aims to enhance the spiritual community through music.

Qualifications

• Understanding the role of music in ministry and commitment to spiritual growth.
• Enjoying collaboration with a diverse range of musicians.
• Ability to present varied musical genres.

Responsibilities

• Select music to enhance worship themes weekly.
• Recruit and direct choirs and individual musicians.
• Manage music program funds.

Skills

Commitment to spiritual growth through music

Experience working with volunteer musicians

Able to present diverse genres of music

Collaborative working with the Minister

Familiarity with Unitarian Universalist hymnody

High skill level in performance and direction

Strong communication and interpersonal skills

Strong organizational skills

Creative initiative

Basic technical competence in music software

Job description

The Music Director leads the music ministry of the congregation. Responsibilities include programming music for all Sunday morning worship services, preparing musicians for contributing to those services, and organizing musical contributions to other church functions and community outreach events. The Music Director selects music, obtains or prepares scores, rehearses choirs and other musical groups of congregation members, and hires outside musicians as needed for special musical presentations.

Job Description

Music Director

Status

Part-time, up to 0.75 FTE

FLSA Status

Exempt

Minister

Minister

Compensation

$50,000 - $60,000

Health and life insurance available through UUA provided plans
10% employer contribution to UUA retirement plan

Effective Date

August 2026 or to be negotiated

Core Qualities and Skills

• Understands the role of music in ministry and is committed to supporting the spiritual growth of congregants in worship and building community among musicians
• Welcomes and enjoys working with volunteer musicians of all ages and all levels of musical skill and experience
• Is eager and able to present music from diverse genres, cultures, and traditions
• Is able to work effectively with the Minister and collaboratively as a part of the staff team
• Is familiar with Unitarian Universalist hymnody and UU musical resources
• Has achieved a high level of skill as an individual performer, choral director, and song leader
• Has strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Has strong organizational skills
• Takes creative initiative and seeks to grow the music ministry of our congregation
• Has a basic level of technical competence with music software and sound systems

General Responsibilities

• Select music that enhances each week’s worship theme and topic
• Recruit, rehearse, and direct the choirs
• Recruit, organize, and rehearse other individual musicians, ensembles, or musical groups as needed within the congregation
• Recruit and rehearse outside musicians as needed
• Provide or arrange for music for rites of passage
• Manage funds budgeted for the music program
• Provide timely information to the Director of Communications for inclusion in orders of service and other church publications
• Oversee the purchase and maintenance of musical instruments
• Oversee management of the music library

Staff Member Responsibilities

• Attend weekly staff meetings
• Meet the the lead minister for supervision
• Participate in the Association for Unitarian Universalist Music Ministries
• Follow all Community Church policies, procedures, and covenants

The Community Church of Chapel Hill, Unitarian Universalist, was founded in 1953 as an independent, progressive Christian church with a commitment to anti-segregation and the Civil Rights Movement. In 1992, we affiliated with the Unitarian Universalist Association and have been proudly UU ever since. We are a healthy, vibrant community of 500 members and more than 150 children and youth. We are a multigenerational, justice-centered community. Love of music and the arts lives at the heart of our community.

To Apply

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and curriculum vitae to Rev. Thom Belote at [e-mail] . Applications received before January 15, 2026, will receive full consideration.