PILGRIM CHOIR DIRECTOR
Job Description
Pilgrim Congregational United Church of Christ (PCUCC) is a vibrant congregation which does not require a creedal commitment. PCUCC's vision is a beacon of light in our community, living our church out in the community and drawing people into our unique circle. We are an open and affirming church.
Our Mission Statement reads:
We come together to celebrate the seasons of Christian life and to welcome diverse people into community. We welcome all to share in the life and leadership, ministry, and fellowship, worship, sacraments, responsibilities, and blessings of participation in our congregation. We covenant as God's instruments to study and practice wisdom and compassion, to encourage the spiritual work of each individual for the sake of the world, and to perform joyfully and humbly acts of kindness and justice. We, Pilgrim Congregational United Church of Christ, declare ourselves to be open and affirming. With God's grace, we seek to be a congregation that includes all persons, embracing differences of gender, marital status, sexual orientation, age, mental and physical ability, and racial, ethnic, or socio-economic backgrounds.
This document identifies the duties and responsibilities of this position. It is written based on the work currently identified and anticipated for a fully qualified employee possessing the knowledge, skills and experience required for this position. It may be modified to include additional or other duties not identified.
PILGRIM Congregational UCC Adult Choir Director is a friendly, highly organized, pro-active team member who provides choral music as a part of worship. We are an open and affirming church committed to compassion, kindness, and justice. We foster a supportive work environment inclusive of all races, genders, gender expressions, sexual orientations, ages, abilities, and nationalities.
Summary of Work:
The Adult Choir Director is a staff position dedicated to providing high quality rehearsals and monthly choir presentations in worship for individuals who enjoy and desire to sing together. The position requires an individual with musical knowledge, organizational skills, communication skills, leadership ability, and a commitment to blending our diverse musical community to celebrate the glory of our world. The Adult Choir Director is expected to exercise collaborative decision making and judgment within the parameters established by and for the Music Program. The Adult Choir Director also works in conjunction with the Minister and Worship/Spiritual Life (WSL) Team in the planning and carrying out of worship, to include Sundays and occasional other special services as time and interest might allow.
Terms of Work:
• Part-time, non-exempt position based on approved budget.
• Develops/manages Pilgrim Choir in conjunction with Minister and WSL.
• Communicates consistently and in a timely manner with choir members, church staff and others as appropriate.
• Schedules rehearsal times and reserves rehearsal space with Office Manager
• Works with Hymnist/Liturgist and others to provide for choir accompaniment as appropriate
• Performs variety of office/clerical and other functions as necessary or required to achieve objectives of program
• Works with a variety of individuals and personalities
Duties, Responsibilities and Expectations: (illustrative but not inclusive)
1. Generally: The Adult Choir Director (hereinafter Choir Director) will coordinate with the Hymnist/Liturgist and Worship/Spiritual Life Coordinating Team (WSL), and the Minister to provide appropriate musical selections presented by the Pilgrim Choir on a regular basis between September and May subject to coordination and scheduling in conjunction with the
Hymnist/Liturgist and the Minister.
a. The summer months are part of our Summer Music Program and coordinated by the Hymnist/Liturgist, and thus are separate and not part of the Choir Director's direct responsibilities.
b. The Choir Director is encouraged to participate in special music such as Easter and Christmas.
2. Music: The Choir Director shall have access to the PCUCC music library, but is not limited to the selections owned by PCUCC. The Choir Director shall be responsible for maintenance of the music library in conjunction with the Hymnist/Liturgist. These duties shall be carried out within the confines of the Music Budget and in consultation with the Hymnist/Liturgist and Worship/Spiritual Life. Any additional sheet music or supply purchases shall be within the annual approved music budget.
a. The Choir Director is free to bring in music from other sources, or at their own expense. Music provided by the Choir Director (whether borrowed or personally purchased) is not the responsibility of PCUCC if it is lost or damaged.
b. All music selections shall be liturgically appropriate. Whenever possible, music selections shall be communicated to the Minister for their consideration as to appropriateness for the particular service, based on tenor and theme and the Minister’s vision of the service.
c. The Choir Director may recommend to the Hymnist/Liturgist and/or Minister corresponding hymns for any service at which the Choir is singing.
3. Scheduling: The Choir Director shall be responsible for rehearsals to meet the choir schedule.
a. Rehearsals will be held at the Church at times which shall be communicated to the choir members, including a rehearsal the morning of a service involving the choir. The Office Manager shall be apprised of the rehearsal schedule to maintain the room schedule and shall be apprised of any changes necessary for rehearsals for special musical events.
b. The choir will present at least one and preferably two selections at a service. Coordination of the selections shall include consideration of the Hymnist/Liturgist, who may be asked to provide accompaniment for the selections. Also, the Hymnist/Liturgist will be asked to provide selections for the portions of the service not covered by the choir. In the event the Choir is presenting a single, challenging piece, the Choir Director shall work with the Hymnist/Liturgist or members of the WSL and the Minister in advance of the service to ensure the Prelude, Anthem, Offertory and Postlude musical offerings are filled.
c. Publication of all rehearsals and performances will be coordinated with the Minister and the Office Manager for inclusion in the newsletter or bulletin as appropriate.
4. Meetings: The Choir Director may serve as an ex officio member of the Worship/Spiritual Life Team and may attend meetings to facilitate an understanding of music planning and participate in decisions relative to music responsibility.
5. Communication: The Choir Director is responsible for communicating the specific pieces of music to be performed to the Office Manager in time to be entered in the bulletin. The information to be provided shall include:
a. Title of piece
b. Author/Composer
c. Information as to copyright
d. Names of any soloists, accompanists, etc. who should have special recognition
Qualifications:
1. A high level of musical talent, education, and experience is required. A Bachelor’s and/or a Master’s degree in Music, Music Education, Music Performance, Music Technology, or similar study is highly preferred.
2. Over 21 years of age.
3. Able to pass a criminal background check.
Demonstrable Skills/Knowledge/Abilities related to Position:
¨ Rehearsing and directing a volunteer choir of approximately 10-30 individuals with varying musical abilities and experience.
¨ Choosing music appropriate for skill levels present.
¨ Piano performance or accompaniment preferred.
¨ Working cooperatively or as a team to present a musical piece or production.
¨ Ability to establish, maintain, and foster positive and productive working relationships with a variety of individuals.
¨ Use of dynamic interpersonal communication skills.
¨ Ability to organize all elements of the creative process from filing music to guiding diverse musical elements into a coordinated inspirational offering.
¨ Knowledge of creative publicity elements to enhance worship and special events.
¨ Ensure budgetary responsibility through proper accounting management and accurate record keeping.
¨ A hard-working self-starter with a firm grasp of computer programs, particularly Microsoft Word and Excel, as well as a willingness to learn and adapt to new programs in support of ongoing, effective communication regarding Pilgrim Choir.
COMPENSATION: The salary shall be: $178/Month or $1,600/9 Months, subject to negotiation, paid in equal monthly installments on the scheduled dates as set by the Treasurer/Payroll, including all required withholding and benefits as determined by the Finance Team. Such salary shall be established and approved annually by the Congregation at the Annual Meeting. Adjustments may occur depending on hours worked. A Time Sheet shall be completed and turned in at the end of each month to the Treasurer after review by the supervisor or Minister.
REIMBURSABLE EXPENSES:
The Choir Director may be reimbursed for the following items, as related to their position and work, with prior approval from the Minister or the Finance Team, based upon budgetary considerations, with receipts and a completed voucher form:
1) Tuition, travel (air or actual mileage), housing (not to exceed MT allowable state rates) and meals (not to exceed MT state rates) for one conference or continuing education offering every two to three years. Pre-approval required.
2) Actual Mileage, primarily for approved travel under 1 above, will be reimbursed at the IRS allowable rate. Pre-approval required.
SUPPORT:
Direct Supervision: The Minister is responsible for collaborative and constructive support and management of paid staff, including conducting annual performance evaluations in collaboration with the Human Resources (HR) Committee. The initial orientation will be conducted by the HR Committee in conjunction with the Minister. The Choir Director works with the Minister to plan, support and evaluate programming, together with WSL. Issues in performance shall be reported to the Minister, or the HR Chair. These individuals and/or the HR Committee, will address all concerns and work to promote a positive work environment.
Equipment: PCUCC will make all equipment and resources available to the Choir Director for use at the Church. The Choir Director is welcome to use personal resources, including a computer, cell phone, and other resources, at home or at alternate locations or at the Church. Passwords will be provided to connect to the wireless network. A Church email can be established at the staff member’s request.
Annual Performance Evaluation:
¨ The Choir Director will be evaluated annually by the Minister and the HR Committee according to established policies and procedures as referenced in the Bylaws, the Personnel Policy Manual, and as may be developed by the HR Committee and Council.
¨ The Choir Director will develop a list of goals and objectives in conjunction with the Minister as part of the evaluation process. The annual evaluation will assess the Choir Director’s use of time in relation to the work performed to identify unmet needs and to identify skills which require further development or refinement.
¨ The Council and WSL will provide input as to the annual evaluation as needed.
¨ The HR Committee role in this process is primarily to act as a bridge and support between the Choir Director and the Council and congregation.
Termination: The Choir Director position is subject to a 1-year probationary period. Upon expiration of the probationary period, the Choir Director is subject to a minimum 30-day notice period (with a preferred notice of 90-days) to PCUCC in the event the Choir Director should elect to terminate employment.
Congregational Support: The Congregation is responsible for offering their time, talents, and/or treasure to support the Church's shared ministry and staff. The Congregation and the Choir Director are responsible for maintaining their relationship through active worship, education and service within the life of the Church.
Ministerial Support: The Minister is responsible for providing direction/supervision, support, religious education and appropriate resources and for taking an active role in guiding the spiritual understanding of the Choir Director of PCUCC.
Office Support: The Office Manager is responsible for providing office supplies and equipment, room reservations, weekly PCUCC newsletter and worship bulletin distribution to support the work of the Choir Director.
Pilgrim Congregational UCC
2118 S. Third
Bozeman, MT 59715
406.587.3690 Church Office
HR Team email: HR@uccbozeman.org
Website: http://www.uccbozeman.org
The successful candidate will be provided with an offer letter which will ask for a signature and acknowledgment as to the acceptance of this Full Job Description as part of the employment process.
Please call or visit our office to get more information or to receive an application.