Minister of Music / Music Director
Robbinsdale Parkway United Church of Christ – Permanent, part‑time.
FLSA Status: Non‑exempt.
Work Hours: 12‑15 hours per week for 9 months (Sept 1 – May 31); 6‑10 hours per week for 3 months (June 1 – Aug 31). Flexible hours (Sunday mornings required, choir rehearsals required Sept‑May).
Works with: Pastoral Staff, Organist, Worship Planning Team. Reports to: Pastoral Staff.
Wages & Benefits: $27‑33 /hour, dependent on experience (starting hourly wage $23‑30 /hour). Only benefit: paid vacation and sick time.
General Description
We seek a Minister of Music who will collaborate with our pastor and church leadership team to create a vibrant and inclusive worship environment. We desire a blend of traditional and contemporary music styles and a creative individual who can develop our musical talents and utilize church assets to increase energy and engagement within our community.
The Minister of Music will support the spiritual life of the congregation by overseeing a music ministry that enriches and deepens worship and other activities of the church. In collaboration with the Pastoral Team, develop and administer programming that:
- Recognizes and promotes music as a spiritual practice and expression of faith, affirming the theology and values of RPUCC (Open & Affining, Just Peace, Care for the Earth, Immigrant Welcoming, Accessible to All, and Sanctuary).
- Passes on the rich musical traditions at RPUCC while incorporating new cultures and styles.
- Welcomes and encourages participation by people of all ages, abilities, and musical backgrounds.
- Helps the congregation find its musical voice.
- Connects the church to the larger community through the exchange of musical gifts.
- Facilitates stewardship of our music resources (organ, piano, music library, etc.).
Responsibilities
Worship
- Collaborate with the Pastoral Team and Worship Planning Team in preparing for Sunday Morning Worship, which may include instrumental music, choir music, and congregational singing.
- Rehearse and lead music in worship.
- Identify and include individuals with musical gifts from within and beyond the congregation.
- Seek out music that will add diversity of culture and style to our worship, being sensitive to issues of cultural appropriation. Suggest music for worship that is appropriate for children, youth and young adults.
- Arrange for members to play special music at service during the summer months.
- Choose music for and direct/supervise the contemporary band.
- Collaborate with the Pastoral Team and Worship Planning Team to prepare periodic non‑Sunday services and vigils, including Ash Wednesday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Christmas Eve, and 2‑3 others during the year.
- Cooperate with the Pastoral Team in providing music for funerals and weddings (with additional fees to be negotiated).
Choir
- Prepare for and conduct regular rehearsals during the program year (September to May): Wednesday evenings 7 : 00‑8 : 30 pm; Sunday mornings 8 : 30‑10 : 15 am.
- Recruit members of the choir and support their continuing involvement.
- Challenge the choir musically while creating a flexible and nurturing environment for all choir members, regardless of skill/talent.
- Prepare for singing in worship as a spiritual offering.
- Provide education and vocal coaching of choir members.
- Help the choir to serve as worship leaders, encouraging the congregation to participate more fully.
Administrative
- Attend meetings of the staff team.
- Keep rosters of people with musical gifts in the congregation.
- Communicate with appropriate staff member for information in print and web‑based communication (bulletins, newsletters, annual reports).
- Oversee the care and maintenance of the organ, piano, and other church musical instruments (percussion).
- Organize and maintain the music library.
Engagement
- Work proactively to include persons of all ages, abilities, and musical talents in the music ministry.
- Manage and engage with other music ensembles.
- Offer a teaching presence that broadens the congregation's musical knowledge and skills.
- Collaborate with Staff and Volunteers to develop programming that introduces our children and youth to basics of singing technique and helps them gain familiarity with the music we sing as a congregation.
- Periodically collaborate with other congregations or groups in the community.
Minimum Qualifications
- A degree in music.
- Proficiency as a musical director is expected; proficiency in voice and other instruments such as guitar, brass or drums is a plus.
- Knowledge of sacred music, hymnody, and liturgy.
- Prior experience as a church musician and in music program leadership.
- Connections to the broader music community.
- Spirituality, creativity, and enthusiasm.
Compensation
- Paid hourly position with wage $27‑33 /hour, dependent on experience.
- Only benefit is paid vacation and sick time.
- Annual review of salary and benefits.
- Starting hourly wage $23‑30 /hour, dependent on experience.
Mission and Values
- Open and Affining: We welcome people across the sexual orientation and gender identity spectrum and are Open and Affining to LGBTQIIA+ people.
- Ending racism: Anti‑racism actions and training with the aim of dismantling white supremacy.
- Accessibility to All: Enabling and empowering people who live with disabilities, neurodiversity, and mental health conditions to participate fully in the life of our community.
- EarthWise: Becoming a sustainable congregation that seeks balance with creation.
Values
- Caring – We strive to create healing and nurture all creation.
- Progressive – We learn and grow new ideas to inspire change.
- Welcome – We offer hospitality to everyone and work to bring people together.
- Justice – We seek equity and join in solidarity with others.
- Loving – We embody the spirit of non‑judgment and unconditional love.
#J-18808-Ljbffr