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Music Director Search

Job Title: Church Music Director

Location: Christ Church UCC, Des Plaines, christchurchuccdesplaines.org

Hours: average of five (5) hours per week; Sundays 9:00/9:15 am to end of service. 

Position Summary: Christ Church UCC seeks a passionate and dedicated Music Director to enrich our worship experience through music. This role involves leading congregational singing, coordinating special musical offerings, and fostering a welcoming environment for all who wish to participate in our church’s music ministry. The Music Director will work closely with the Pastor to enhance worship through thoughtful musical selections and performances. The applicant acknowledges and affirms that Christ Church UCC is an inclusive and welcoming congregation, committed to diversity, equity, and the full participation of all people in the life of the church.

Responsibilities:

  • Lead Music for Worship: Provide music for weekly Sunday services, including congregational hymns and special music offerings.  
  • Choir Rehearsal: Conduct a weekly rehearsal for those from the congregation who wish to sing.  
  • Music Selection: Collaborate with the Pastor to choose hymns and other musical elements for worship services.  
  • Guest Musicians: Schedule and coordinate occasional musical guests to enrich our worship experience.  
    • Special Services & Events: Provide music for additional services, including but not limited to:
      • Ash Wednesday
      • Good Friday
      • Christmas Eve (if outside a Sunday)  
      • Annual Community Sing-Along
      • Annual Worship, Clean-Up, and Picnic (late July/early August) 
  • Additional Duties: Other responsibilities may arise based on the needs of the church and its music ministry.
  • Qualifications:
    • Proficiency in playing piano and organ required.  
    • Ability to lead and encourage congregational singing.  
    • Experience directing a choir or vocal ensemble (preferred but not required).  
    • Strong organizational and communication skills.  
    • Willingness to collaborate with the Pastor.

Supervision: The Music Director reports directly to the Pastor as Head of Staff.  

Compensation & Benefits:

  • $125-185/weekly based on experience
  • One week of paid vacation per year.

If you have a passion for music and ministry and want to help create a meaningful worship experience, we invite you to apply!

TO APPLY: Submit cover letter, resume, and pay history to Rev. Gilbert Martinez, gilbert@christchurchuccdesplaines.org. 

Closing Date: Tuesday, May 20th, 5 pm.

Music Director Search Process

We are excited to welcome a new Music Director to Christ Church UCC in Des Plaines! Below is the process for applying and moving through our selection:

  1. Application Submission
    Submit your résumé, cover letter, and pay history to be considered for the position.

  2. Preliminary Interview
    Selected candidates will be invited to a preliminary interview via Zoom.

  3. In-Person Interview
    Finalists will meet with the pastor and lay leaders for an in-person interview at the church.

  4. Worship Service Performance
    Finalists will be invited to lead music during a Sunday worship service as part of the discernment process.

  5. Second Performance (If Needed)
    If more clarity is needed, candidates may be asked to play a second time before a final decision is made.