Date Posted: March 2, 2026
Position: Music Director
Start Date: August 1, 2026
Reports to: Standing Committee, with day-to-day supervision provided by the Minister
Job status: Part-time, 15-20 hours per week Sept 1–June 30; 5 hour per week July 1–Sept 1
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Pay Range: Salary $21,500 – $37,100
About First Parish Chelmsford Unitarian Universalist Church
First Parish UU Chelmsford is a vibrant, inclusive, and caring spiritual community. We celebrate diverse beliefs and come together to deepen our faith and make a positive impact in the world.
Music is central to our congregational life. It enriches our worship, expresses the breadth of our spiritual traditions, and helps us honor the fullness of our shared human experience. We seek a dedicated Music Director to nurture and lead our music program into its next chapter.
Learn more at: First Parish UU Chelmsford www.UUChelmsford.org
POSITION SUMMARY
The Music Director is a key member of the Worship Team, collaborating with the Minister and Director of Lifespan Faith Formation to select and integrate music into meaningful, thematically cohesive worship services.
This role includes planning, rehearsal leadership, choir direction, accompaniment, worship leadership, and administrative responsibilities throughout the program year (September–June).
ESSENTIAL Responsibilities
- Provide music, direct, and accompany choirs at weekly Sunday services, two Christmas Eve services and one Tenebrae service
- Collaborate with the Worship Team to select music aligned with each service theme
- Plan and conduct weekly rehearsals for senior choir, youth choir, and support the handbell choir
- Oversee care of church musical instruments with the Office Administrator
- Arrange substitutes for absences
Additional Responsibilities
- Collaborate with the Music Committee at quarterly Music Committee meetings.
- Coordinate music purchases and copyright compliance with the Office Administrator
- Recruit and coordinate guest musicians as desired
- Create intergenerational music opportunities
- Communicate music program updates through newsletters monthly board reports and the Annual Report
- Uphold congregational policies and the AUUMM Code of Professional Practice
Core Compentencies
- Ability to cultivate musical participation across ages and skill levels
- Strong collaborative skills in worship planning
- Ability to conduct and accompany simultaneously
- Strong sight-reading skills
- Knowledge of diverse musical genres
- Comfort working in virtual or hybrid worship settings
- Interest in learning UU history, values, and musical traditions
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in music (preferred) or equivalent experience
- Experience in choral conducting and instrumental leadership
- Proficiency in keyboard accompaniment
- Demonstrated ability to support musical growth in alignment with a congregation’s mission
Compensation & Benefits
- Annual salary of $21,500–$37,100 (commensurate with experience)
- Separate stipend (with right of first refusal) for weddings and funerals
- Professional allowance
- Flexibility in scheduling within role expectations
Commitment to Equity
First Parish UU Chelmsford is committed to building a diverse and talented staff team. We strongly encourage people with disabilities, people of color, Indigenous people, Hispanic/Latinx individuals, and LGBTQIA+ candidates to apply. If you are excited about this role but unsure whether you meet every qualification, we encourage you to apply.
TO APPLY
Please send a cover letter and résumé with “Music Director” in the subject line to: jobs@uuchelmsford.org
QUESTIONS
Contact Tom Coffey, HR Subcommittee Chair: thomascoffey@comcast.net.
About Unitarian Universalism
Unitarian Universalists are people of many backgrounds and beliefs. We affirm the inherent worth and dignity of every person and support each individual’s free and responsible search for truth and meaning. Our faith draws from many sources — scripture and science, nature and philosophy, personal experience and ancient tradition. Learn more at: www.uua.org.