ABOUT CHRIST CHURCH OF CHICAGO
Located in the diverse West Rogers Park neighborhood of Chicago, Christ Church of Chicago is a small and vibrant church with an engaged membership. We were founded by Japanese Americans who were relocated to Chicago after having been incarcerated by the US government during WWII. Inspired by our founders’ experience of overcoming racial injustice, we are an immigrant-welcoming congregation and seek to join with anyone experiencing marginalization and oppression. We honor our ethnic heritage and our Christian faith through worship, events, and celebrations. We take pride in our identity as an Open and Affirming congregation of the United Church of Christ, welcoming all sexual orientations, gender identities and gender expressions into the full life of the church. We believe God is inviting us to be a strong spiritual center and an inclusive community, to equip everyone for ministry, put faith into action and glorify God.
POSITION TITLE: Director of Music
STARTING DATE: September 1, 2026
SCOPE OF POSITION: The Director of Music envisions, plans, coordinates, and leads the church’s music programs and advocates for the foundational and transformative role of music in worship and in congregational life. The Director of Music is a full partner in the spiritual formation of our congregation, alongside the Pastor and the church’s Ministry Teams. The Director of Music reports to a member of the Worship Ministry Team and works cooperatively with the staff team.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Select and provide musical direction for instrumental, choral and solo vocal music for the Sunday worship service and for Maundy Thursday, the Japanese Mutual Aid Society’s Interfaith Memorial Day service, the intergenerational Christmas Pageant, Christmas Eve and other occasions as available.
Provide spiritual leadership for the choir, instrumentalists and other participants in the church’s music ministry.
Lead Adult Choir, Chime Choir and Christmas pageant rehearsals as needed; rehearsal schedule to be determined in consultation with the choir and church calendar.
Work with the worship leadership team to plan weekly services, including using Google drive to post music selections.
Comply with copyright usage requirements by reporting performances to the agencies with whom we have copyright licenses.
Hire and supervise instrumental and vocal soloists/ensembles. Long-term employees are hired in cooperation with the Personnel Committee.
When possible, arrange for substitute Director of Music or other musical coverage for vacations and other absences.
Oversee instrumental music, vocal soloists and congregational singing for wedding and funeral services held within the church, and provide such services as available.
Develop and manage an annual budget for the music ministry.
Oversee the purchase of all musical scores, instruments, equipment (including electronic equipment), supplies, and licenses that ensure copyright compliance.
Arrange for the tuning, maintenance, and repair of all church musical instruments, including organs and pianos; keep electronic equipment in good working order.
Meet regularly with the Pastor and participate in monthly meetings of the Worship Ministry Team, submitting a written or verbal report for the latter.
QUALIFICATIONS AND CORE COMPETENCIES
Bachelor’s degree in music or commensurate level of accomplishment.
Expertise in sacred and secular music and experience leading a music program in a congregational setting.
Able to sight-read music, direct the choir and instrumentalists, and coach vocalists.
Able to adapt to changing needs and circumstances on short notice; able to improvise and respond to musical requests.
Spiritually mature and capable of providing spiritual leadership within the music ministry.
Strong interpersonal and team-building skills; able to model clear communication and transparent decision-making process.
Familiar with the technical requirements of in-person, virtual and hybrid worship (including electronic equipment and broadcast platforms).
CPR and basic first aid certification or willingness to be certified (at church’s expense).
Willingness to support the Christ Church of Chicago Mission Statement and Vision Statement.
POSITION DETAILS: This is a part-time position for 6-10 hours per week. Work hours are to be flexed to accommodate the ebb and flow of seasonal demands.
Christ Church of Chicago provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, ancestry, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, religion, age, disability, gender identity and expression, results of genetic testing, or service in the military. Equal employment opportunity applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leave of absence, compensation, and training or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.
SALARY AND BENEFITS: $12,000-13,000, depending upon qualifications. Hybrid position with flexible work hours. 2 (two) weeks unpaid vacation and 2 (two) days paid sick leave.
To apply for this position, please send a letter of introduction and resume to the Search Committee at [email protected].
Pay: $12,000.00 - $13,000.00 per year
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Chicago, IL 60659
