The Associate Director of Music at the Unitarian Society of New Haven (USNH) works closely with the Director of Music to create an inspirational and diverse music program from a broad repertoire of styles and cultures; serves as primary pianist for services, choir rehearsals, and special events; fosters musical opportunities for all interested children, youth, and adults; and, in coordination with the Director of Music, collaborates with the minister, staff, and lay leaders to create cohesive worship services and carry out programming that is aligned with Unitarian Universalist principles and values.
Our ideal candidate is comfortable preparing service music to complement the worship theme, communicates well, enjoys collaborating with others, and understands worship music as both an artistic offering and a ministry to the congregation.
This is a part-time position, from September through mid-June, approximately 8-10 hours/week, beginning in October 2026.
Please send resume and cover letter to [email protected]. Do not contact the congregation office.
The Unitarian Society of New Haven is a Unitarian Universalist congregation with more than 300 adult members. We are a diverse multi-generational faith community that inspires lives of compassion and generosity, nurtures spiritual growth, cultivates transformative connections, and works to create a more just world.
Essential Functions:
Coordinates with Director of Music to plan, organize, and perform music for Sunday Services from September through mid-June
Primary pianist for Sunday worship services: Provides prelude, offertory, postlude, and musical interludes as needed; accompanies congregational hymns and choral anthems
Rehearsal pianist for Adult Choir (Thursday evenings) and Youth Choir (if in session)
Other Responsibilities:
Assists Director of Music in building and maintaining relationships with community musical groups
In consultation with Director of Music, makes arrangements for guest musicians and ensembles to participate in certain services throughout the year (including volunteers from the congregation and professionals from the community)
Leads choral rehearsals/anthems or arranges for guest musicians on occasions when Director of Music is absent
Participates in weekly worship planning meeting via Zoom (preferred)
Hours:
Associate Director of Music works on-site for the following hours:
Sundays 9:30am -12pm: 9:30 rehearsal; 10:30 worship service; 11:30 Youth Choir if in session
Thursdays 7:30 -8:30pm: Adult Choir Rehearsal. Prior to large choral presentations, 7-9pm
Tuesdays 10-11 am, if possible: Weekly worship planning meeting via Zoom
Remaining hours are for planning and preparing music; remote and flexible
Receives two weeks off from September through mid-June, to be scheduled in advance
The Associate Director of Music has right of first refusal for memorial services and weddings taking place at USNH. Compensation for these services is extra.
Minimum Qualifications
Master's degree in piano performance or equivalent experience
Experience as choral rehearsal pianist preferred
Experience in some congregational setting preferred
A broad repertoire of styles of music, familiarity with the music of many cultures, and willingness to use both in worship services
Respect for Unitarian Universalist values, principles, and culture
Satisfactory background check and references
Physical Requirements:
Work involves limited physical tasks, possibly lifting up to twenty pounds.
Job Type: Part-time
Pay: $18,000 per year
Expected hours: 8 – 10 per week
Schedule:
- Day shift
- Monday to Friday
- Night shift
- Weekends as needed
Work Location: In person
Job Type: Part-time
Pay: $18,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply
Work Location: In person
