First Unitarian Church of Albuquerque (First U ABQ)
Location: Albuquerque, NM
Reports to: Minister
Compensation: $65,000-70,600 starting salary based on UU experience

Proposed Start Date: August 1, 2026 

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Priority deadline May 17. Members of First U ABQ are not eligible to apply. This is a two-year, acting position. At such time as a settled music director search is run, the selected candidate will be eligible to apply.

About First Unitarian Church of Albuquerque: 

First Unitarian is a vibrant, multigenerational community rooted in the Unitarian Universalist tradition. At this campus, we particularly embrace the rich cultural diversity of the southwest. We welcome people of all identities and backgrounds into a space of spiritual growth, connection, and shared purpose. Guided by our mission to be a positive force for social, environmental, and economic action, we seek to embody love through worship, learning, service, and justice.

Position Summary:  

We are seeking a collaborative, creative, and spiritually grounded Music Director to lead our music ministry. The Acting Music Director will work closely with the Ministers, Worship Leadership Team, Worship Associates, Associate Musician/s, as well as professional and volunteer musicians to plan and implement meaningful, diverse, and inclusive music offerings that deepen the worship experience and reflect the breadth of Unitarian Universalist values.

Key Responsibilities 

 Worship

• Help to select and coordinate music that reflects the themes and theology of each Sunday worship service.

• Schedule and support special music, instrumentalists, and guest performers including for scheduled Sundays off.

• Support and inspire congregational singing.

• Provide or arrange accompaniment for hymns and anthems.

• Oversee the sound production for both in-house worship and worship livestream.

Music Program

• Help evolve the role of music in the life of First Unitarian ABQ, including multigenerational music and community partnerships.

• Recruit and nurture musicians of all ages across the congregation.

• Oversee and/or direct the choir/s and other music ensembles needed to best fulfill the mission and vision of the congregation

• Support and supervise the staff pianist/accompanist and work collaboratively with them to fulfill the music program responsibilities

Other Administrative Duties

• Maintain the music library and manage rehearsal materials.

• Maintain or coordinate the maintenance of musical instruments and equipment.

• Collaborate with the Director of Finance & Operations to develop and manage the music budget.

General Responsibilities

• Meet regularly with the Minister and Worship Planning Team.

• Collaborate with other staff on programming and administrative tasks.

• Assist with music for special services and events (e.g. memorials, vespers, fundraisers, concerts) at the request of the minister

 Professional Development

• Actively participate in the Association for Unitarian Universalist Music Ministries (AUUMM), attend their annual conference and abide by their Code of Professional Conduct.

• Participate in relevant professional development and continuing education offered by national and regional associations.

Qualifications and Qualities

Our ideal candidate has the following qualifications; however, if you are excited about this role but are unsure whether you meet every qualification, we encourage you to inquire or apply.

Education / Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in music or equivalent professional experience; congregational, or community arts experience preferred

• Experience in choral direction and vocal leadership with children, youth, and adults

• Experience with and commitment to anti-racism and multiculturalism and an understanding of responsible cross-cultural engagement with music

• Knowledge of or willingness to learn about Unitarian Universalism, its values, and a commitment to inclusive, justice-centered worship

• Appreciation for many different styles and genres of music, and the willingness to ensure that this variety is represented in the music ministry of the congregation

Leadership and Working Style

• Utilize and foster an inclusive and collaborative leadership style

• Skilled at working with musicians of varying ages and skill levels (volunteers and professionals)

• Excellent communication, collaboration, and organizational skills and the ability to navigate conflict effectively.

Technical Skills

• Proficiency with music technology, including PDFs, Zoom, digital recordings, and audio/video files. (see other documents)

• Proficiency with Google Workspace tools (Gmail, Docs, Drive, Calendar, etc.).

• Basic knowledge of sound system equipment and ability to support the running of sound systems.

Compensation & Benefits

This is a full-time 40-hour-per-week exempt position with a starting salary of $65,000-$70,600 based on UU experience. As a full-time employee, this role is eligible for Health, Dental, Disability, and Group Life Insurance; Retirement benefits; professional development expenses; and sabbatical leave accrual should the contract be extended beyond the second year. This position comes with one Sunday off per month (with coverage arranged), paid vacation and sick time, and study leave.

To apply, please submit the following to actingmusicdirsearch@gmail.com

• A letter of interest describing your approach to music ministry and why you're interested in First U ABQ.

• A Resume or CV, and links to audio/video samples (each link max 5 minutes, max 15 minutes total) of your work in congregational and community settings. Up to 3 sample programs for services or events you have designed and led are also welcome.

• Members of First U ABQ are not eligible to apply. 

Our Commitment to Equity and Inclusion

First U ABQ is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We welcome applications from people of all identities and backgrounds. We are especially committed to creating leadership opportunities for individuals from historically marginalized communities. LGBTQIA+ people, BIPOC, and those from diverse musical and spiritual traditions are warmly encouraged to apply.