First Parish in Cambridge, located in the heart of Harvard Square, seeks a dynamic, creative, collaborative leader to be part of our team. The Director of Music develops and implements a comprehensive music program for worship and other events in the life of the church. Under the supervision of the Senior Minister, the primary responsibility of the Director of Music is to organize and direct the First Parish Choir and other music groups in worship and rehearsals, provide music for religious services, hire and coordinate guest musicians, and seek ways to expand and develop our already-vibrant, growing music ministry. Our church, one of the oldest in our denomination, holds deep roots in Cambridge: we host a food pantry and hot meals program for those in need, a youth homeless shelter in collaboration with Harvard University, and also serves as an active concert venue and large event space for Harvard Bookstore.
TERMS
The Director of Music reports to the Senior Minister, and is responsible for the supervision of the Gospel Choir Director, the Jazz Sunday Director, and 4 professional choir section leaders.
This position is 20-25 hours/week. It is an exempt position, with a salary range of $39,000-51,000, commensurate with experience and training. This position includes benefits: health insurance options, retirement contribution beginning after one year (unless already invested in the UUA plan), and professional expenses. Evening work hours are required for choral rehearsals, some Saturdays are required, and Sunday is a regular workday. Availability in person is needed for several hours throughout each week; other work may be done remotely as approved by the Senior Minister. Traditionally, the Director of Music is given the right of first refusal to offer paid music for weddings and memorial service rentals occurring in the building.
RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Ensure that First Parish has a consistently high-quality, heart-centered music program.
2. Program an inclusive repertoire that expresses a wide variety of musical styles in collaboration with worship leaders for Sunday morning services, holidays and special services throughout the year.
3. Conduct, teach, nurture, challenge, and inspire the First Parish Choir in weekly rehearsals (Tuesdays 7-9p) and bi-weekly worship services, and as needed for special concerts and events. Support volunteer choristers with a wide range of musical skills and backgrounds.
4. Supervise Gospel Choir Director and Jazz Sunday Director and collaborate with them as requested on their respective services.
5. Collaborate with volunteers on choir recruitment, communications, retreats, and social events.
6. Select and coordinate guest musicians. Rehearse or oversee rehearsals of other musical ensembles, if needed.
7. Manage the annual music budget in collaboration with the Senior Minister and Music Committee.
8. Monitor the condition of all pianos, organ, and other musical instruments, and recommend maintenance.
9. Maintain an organized and catalogued music library, with volunteer assistance.
10. Supervise or delegate other administrative tasks as necessary for the smooth functioning of the music program, and supervise volunteers in assisting with these tasks. Other duties may be assigned as needed.
11. Assess evolving needs and opportunities within the First Parish community for further musical opportunities.
12. Support current Artist-in-Residence through promotion of events and communications.
QUALIFICATIONS
1. Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Music (choral/vocal performance/education), and 3-5 years choral conducting experience preferable; if you do not have these qualifications but feel you would be a good fit, please apply and share more about yourself.
2. Superior musicianship, including excellence in singing and teaching both classical and non-classical traditions.
3. Understanding of vocal technique/production, and ability to demonstrate and teach it to others. Familiarity and openness to a broad repertoire including classical, pop, sacred, secular, gospel, and jazz. Comfort and experience with supporting singers with a wide range of musical skills.
4. Time-management skills and the ability to run an effective rehearsal are required.
5. Piano proficiency is required, and strong piano skills are a bonus. Organ skills are a further plus.
6. Fluency in music notation software (Dorico, Sibelius) is preferred.
7. Experience leading music programs in an active, large-to-mid-sized church or religious institution, preferably a Unitarian Universalist or progressive religious congregation.
8. Demonstrates interest and skill in team environments: promotes organizational goals; creates strong morale and team spirit; strives to create a feeling of belonging and pride in the choir and congregation.
9. Understands the value of music as ministry, in worship and for spiritual growth, within the rich context of Unitarian Universalism. Has an understanding of the principles of Unitarian Universalism and can program music that is in alignment with UU values; and uphold those values in all professional interactions with choristers, church staff, and congregants.
APPLICATION
First Parish in Cambridge is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Diversity, equity, and inclusion are core values in FP’s employment practices. We highly encourage people of all backgrounds and perspectives to apply, even if your experiences don’t meet every requirement in the job description. As we seek to build a staff that represents the community around us, we especially encourage members of traditionally underrepresented communities to apply, including BIPOC folks, LGBTQ+ people, veterans, and people with disabilities.
Please send your cover letter, resume, references, and a video sample of your work to First Parish Senior Minister, Rev. Dr. Robert M. Hardies at [email protected]. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis, concluding on May 19, 2025. The start date for this position is August 1, 2025.
First Parish Cambridge UU Church
Rob Hardies
[email protected]
(617) 876-7772
First Parish Cambridge Unitarian Universalist Church
3 Church St, Cambridge 02138 United States
Posted 4/30/2025