JOB DESCRIPTION

Director of Music (Part-time)

First United Methodist Church

1001 Pleasant Street, Des Moines, IA

Primary Role of the Music Director:

Providing relevant and meaningful music for worship services in coordination with the worship program to execute the mission of the church: Making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.

Be a team leader and team player, helping this congregation grow in its rich heritage of traditional music while also incorporating new genres and contemporary into the service to enhance our praises to God and to bridge the gap in our community.

The Music Director reports to the Senior Pastor and the Staff/Pastor-Parish Relations Committee (SPRC).

Music Ministry Leadership Duties and Responsibilities include:

• Select and provide service music for Sunday 10:30 a.m. worship service and other seasonal services including Ash Wednesday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday (evening services only) and Christmas Eve. Service music includes prelude, offertory, music ministry and postlude.

• Select music for the Chancel Choir (adult choir) and direct choir rehearsals on Thursdays from 5:30 - 7:00 p.m. Select music for the Whitechapel Chimes (adult bell choir) and direct choir rehearsals on Thursdays 7:00 - 8:30 p.m.

• Arrange special music programs such as Music Sunday, Hymn Festival, Easter Sunday and summer programs including summer choir, summer bells and guests.

• Coordinate outreach programs such as the Lenten and Advent Music Series and concerts including funerals, weddings, and other services.

• Review the worship program monthly to ensure all service music (prelude, offertory, music ministry and postlude) correspond with the United Methodist Lectionary or the worship program as defined by the Senior Pastor and the worship committee. Note: Hymn selections are primarily the responsibility of the clergy.

• Engage with members of the congregation to increase music participation. This includes musical genres such as gospel, jazz, blues, folk, Indian, Latin, and other Christian music.

• To keep the congregation informed about the music needs of people, the goals of the music program, and the resources available that will help the congregation reach these goals.

• To develop and support effective musical leadership in the church, along with the help of the worship chair and team leaders.

• To become aware of the literature and materials available that are related to music.

• To lead people of all ages (youth and adults) in the congregation in music-making experiences so that they may grow in understanding the Christian faith and music's role in that faith, develop and strengthen their relationship with God, become better equipped for daily living as faithful Christian disciples, and gain basic music skills so that they may effectively serve the church.

• Be able to plan weekly worship services in advance, having sensitivity to cultural awareness, and plan and organize well according to the calendar of events.

Administrative Duties and Responsibilities Include:

• Play the organ and piano or be able to find someone to play them for church service. Coordinate the maintenance of the organ and pianos in the sanctuary and choral room.

• Coordinate purchase of music supplies for the Chancel Choir and Whitechapel Chimes within the confines of the budget.

• Obtain approval from the Senior Pastor for expenses related to special music activities which exceed the approved budget or are not covered by designated music contributions.

• Prepare and submit an annual budget report to the Senior Pastor, Finance Committee and Church Council.

• Maintain organization of the music library.

• Responsible for finding a substitute organist to provide service music (prelude, offertory, music ministry and postlude) while absent.

• Responsible for informing the Senior Pastor of any upcoming absences at least two weeks prior to absence and providing information on substitute.

• Attend and participate in monthly staff meetings. Collaborate to schedule monthly meetings directly with Senior Pastor to report on Music Ministry.

• Participate in semi-annual one-on-one meetings with the Senior Pastor.

• Participate in an annual evaluation conducted by the Pastor/Staff-Parish Relations Committee and reported to the Administrative Council.

Beneficial Skills and Interests

• Ability to listen to and communicate with people of all ages, cultures and musical backgrounds.

• Interest in a wide range of musical experiences and ability to work with volunteers and committees.

• Skills for researching music issues and programs related to all ages and cultures of people in the congregation and community.

• Skills for researching issues involved in worship and sensitivity to what makes worship effective.

Behavioral Covenants and Character Expectations:

• Be a worshiper that actively participates in the worship service, modeling to others the importance of being physically and spiritually present.

• Maintain a Christian attitude, treating the Senior Pastor, staff and members of the congregation with love and respect.

• Has the ability to work as a team member and is willing to collaborate.

• Responds to new strategies and suggestions with an open mind and is adaptable to change.

• Demonstrates excellent communication and organizational skills.

• Will live a life of Christian faith and practice.

• Committed to Christian theology that is compatible with the doctrine, values, traditions and sacraments of the United Methodist Church and DSM First Church’s purpose and values.

How to Apply:

Please submit a resume and cover letter to pastor@dmfirstchurch.org. Include "Music Director" in the subject line in addition to submitting a resume and cover letter in this job posting platform.

Join our team as a Music Director and make a difference. DSM First Church is an equal opportunity employer.

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: $29,500.00 - $33,500.00 per year

Expected hours: 20 per week

Benefits:

• Flexible schedule

Ability to Commute:

• Des Moines, IA 50309 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Des Moines, IA 50309: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person