Interim Director of Music Ministry, Part Time, Eliot Church of Newton: Newton, MA
Interim Director of Music Ministry, The Eliot Church of Newton (UCC)
Overview:
The Eliot Church of Newton is a vibrant, progressive congregation of the United Church of Christ, rooted in a rich tradition of music, worship, justice, and community. We are an inclusive, open and affirming church committed to growing in faith, living love, and building community. We are seeking an Interim Director of Music Ministry following the departure of our Director of Music Ministry.
Overview:
The Interim Director of Music Ministry is a part-time position (approximately 20 hours per week, 10 months per year, September through June). The compensation is budgeted up to $33,000 annually. The Director provides musical leadership for worship and special services, working in close collaboration with the Senior Pastor and the Spiritual Life Commission to support a vibrant, inclusive, and spiritually rich worship life. Eliot Church of Newton has a rich musical program for a small congregation, including a George Bozeman & Co. pipe organ, and is host to outside organizations that use Eliot’s sanctuary instruments and other spaces to deliver their own musical missions.
Responsibilities:
• Play the organ and piano for one worship service each Sunday, plus additional services on Christmas Eve, Ash Wednesday, and Maundy Thursday.
• Direct and rehearse the choir weekly on Thursday evenings (approximately two hours) and Sunday mornings before worship (typically beginning at 9:00 a.m.).
• Plan Music Appreciation Sunday and hymn sing services, and educate and encourage congregation to participate in worship, choir, and other music at Eliot
• Select and prepare music (including hymns, solos, preludes, postludes, and other music for worship) in collaboration with the Senior Pastor and the Spiritual Life Commission, ensuring alignment with the liturgical calendar and sermon themes.
• Hire, supervise, and evaluate section leaders, soloists, and instrumentalists for regular and special church musical events, within the approved music ministry budget.
• Ensure organ/piano coverage and choir support during planned time off.
• Submit section leader payroll to the Treasurer once a month at the end of the month.
• Maintain the church music library and manage the purchase of music and supplies as needed.
• Oversee the tuning and maintenance of the organ and pianos, ensuring they are kept in excellent condition.
Collaboration and Communication:
• Collaborate with the Senior Pastor and Spiritual Life Commission on worship planning and evaluation.
• Meet with the Spiritual Life Commission twice per year (or more, if preferred) and attend Music Commission meetings periodically as an ex officio member.
• Participate in fellowship following worship as schedule allows, fostering relationship and presence in the life of the congregation.
Other Responsibilities:
• Coordinate and monitor use of the organ, including personal practice and teaching, in consultation with the Office Administrator.
• Serve as the primary contact for outside musicians or groups wishing to use the organ.
• Have first right of refusal to play for weddings and funerals held at the church, with compensation according to the current fee schedule.
• Time permitting, work with church staff and lay leadership to conduct outreach to prospective musical tenants, one-time or long-term.
Qualifications:
• BA required, MA preferred, in Music Performance, Music Direction, or similar
• Strong organist and pianist
• Familiar with general Protestant order of worship and hymnals
• Experience working with ordained and lay church leadership
Location: 474 Centre Street, Newton, MA 02458. Onsite parking and office space is available. Preferred start date is September 1, 2025.
To Apply:
Please send a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three references to eliotchurchhiring2025@yahoo.com. More detailed inquiries regarding the role may also be sent to pastoreric@eliotchurch.org.