
Music Director
The Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta (UUCA) is seeking a collaborative, creative, and spiritually grounded Director of Music Ministries to help shape inspiring worship experiences and cultivate a vibrant congregational music program.
This part-time leadership role oversees UUCA’s music ministry, including our volunteer adult choir, congregational music experiences, professional and volunteer guest musicians, existing ensembles, and collaboration with worship leadership. The Director of Music Ministries will help the congregation find and express its musical voice through worship, community, and artistic collaboration.
This is an ideal opportunity for a skilled musician and relationship-builder who thrives in collaborative environments and believes music is central to spiritual life, connection, and transformation.
Position Highlights
Hours: 25 hours per week
Compensation: $30–$35 per hour, based on experience and qualifications
Professional Expenses: $4,500 annual professional expense allowance for continuing education, professional development, conferences, and related ministry expenses
Retirement Benefits: Employees who complete 1,000 hours of service within a 12-month period are eligible for participation in the UUA Retirement Plan, including an 8% employer contribution with no employee match required
Time Off: Eligible for prorated vacation and holiday pay as outlined in UUCA’s personnel manual
Reports to: Senior Minister
Supervises: Accompanist, guest musicians, and volunteer music ensembles
Schedule: Includes Sunday mornings, Wednesday evening choir rehearsals, worship planning meetings, and occasional special services/events throughout the church year
About UUCA’s Music Ministry
UUCA’s music ministry currently includes a volunteer adult choir, an in-house rock band, and a variety of guest musicians, ensembles and smaller musical collaborations that contribute throughout the church year. We envision continued growth in congregational music-making, including opportunities for a youth choir, additional ensembles, intergenerational participation, and expanded multicultural musical expression.
Our sanctuary houses a 1917 Steinway A grand piano, a mounted electronic keyboard, handbells, hand chimes, percussion instruments, and a sophisticated sound and multimedia system that supports both in-person worship and weekly livestream production.
The choir currently sings approximately every other Sunday during the program year, as well as for special services and events including Christmas Eve and the Moravian Love Feast. Choir rehearsals are held Wednesday evenings from 7:00–8:30 PM, along with brief Sunday rehearsals prior to worship services.
Key Responsibilities
Worship & Music Leadership
Plan and lead music for Sunday worship services in collaboration with the ministry team, worship staff, and worship associates
Help create meaningful, engaging, and spiritually grounded worship experiences through music
Inspire and support strong congregational singing and participation
Bring a broad range of musical styles, traditions, and cultural perspectives into worship
Support UUCA’s commitment to anti-racism, anti-oppression, and multiculturalism through thoughtful and inclusive music programming
Schedule and coordinate musicians, ensembles, and guest artists throughout the church year
Support and collaborate with UUCA’s existing ensembles, volunteer musicians, and emerging musical initiatives
Prepare music programming for special services and events including Christmas Eve, Music Sunday, Easter Sunday and the Moravian Love Feast
Choir & Ensemble Leadership
Conduct weekly choir rehearsals and lead the choir in worship services
Foster a welcoming, affirming, and musically enriching rehearsal environment
Provide vocal leadership and musical coaching appropriate to the experience level of volunteer singers
Encourage the development of musical participation and leadership across generations within the congregation
Support healthy relationships, collaboration, and community within UUCA’s music ministry
Collaboration & Administration
Participate in weekly worship planning meetings and collaborate closely with staff and volunteers
Reports to the Senior Minister
Communicate clearly and consistently with musicians, staff, and volunteers regarding schedules, rehearsal plans, and worship preparation
Maintain and organize music resources, sheet music, and related materials
Oversee the music ministry budget in alignment with UUCA’s financial policies and approved budget
Prepare periodic reports and planning materials as requested by congregational leadership
Participate in the Association of Unitarian Universalist Music Ministries (AUUMM) as budget allows
Contribute positively to UUCA’s staff culture through collaboration, professionalism, and shared ministry
Qualifications
Experience conducting choirs and leading rehearsals, preferably in congregational, school, community, or volunteer-based settings
Strong musical knowledge and skills across a variety of musical genres and traditions
Ability to arrange and re-arrange hymns and musical offerings build a contemporary and diverse musical program
Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with staff, volunteers, and musicians
Excellent interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills
Commitment to creating welcoming and inclusive musical environments
Ability to balance artistic excellence with warmth, flexibility, and accessibility
Familiarity with worship planning and collaborative creative processes preferred
Proficiency with Google Workspace, Zoom, and basic administrative and communication tools
Experience working in Unitarian Universalist or other progressive faith communities is a plus
Core Competencies
Musical Leadership
Demonstrates excellence as a conductor, rehearsal leader, and worship musician. Balances musical quality with encouragement, accessibility, and joy.
Collaboration
Builds strong working relationships with staff, volunteers, and musicians through clear communication, reliability, and shared ownership of worship experiences.
Cultural Fluency
Embraces a broad range of musical styles and traditions and supports UUCA’s commitment to anti-racism, anti-oppression, and multicultural inclusion.
Creativity & Adaptability
Brings imagination, flexibility, and thoughtful preparation to worship planning and music leadership.
Responds constructively to evolving needs and opportunities.
Joyful Presence
Creates spaces where people feel welcomed, inspired, and connected through music. Leads with warmth, humility, and authenticity.
Organizational Stewardship
Demonstrates responsible planning, time management, and stewardship of congregational resources while supporting the long-term health of UUCA’s music ministry.
Requirements
Must pass a background check
Must be available for Sunday mornings, Wednesday evenings, weekly one-on-one with supervisor, weekly worship team meetings and major worship services during the church year
Reliable transportation required
Must be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 vaccination including future boosters as available.
How to Apply
Please email your resume and a brief cover letter to bryce.thomason@uuca.org with the subject line “Music Director” by June 15, 2026. While we appreciate all applications, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
In your cover letter, please tell us about your approach to music ministry, collaborative worship leadership, and building musical community. If available, candidates are encouraged to include links to recordings, performances, or rehearsal samples.
Please indicate if you do not wish to be contacted regarding future opportunities. Internal Candidates are encouraged to apply.
About Us
UUCA fosters an inclusive, discrimination-free environment where employees are encouraged to bring their full selves to work. We strongly encourage candidates from underrepresented groups to apply. If you need accommodation for any part of the application process, please let us know.
Located in North Druid Hills, UUCA is one of the largest Unitarian Universalist congregations in the United States, with more than 120 years of history in Atlanta. Our community of more than 500 members reflects a wide variety of backgrounds, identities, and experiences from across the Atlanta area.
Atlanta, GA 30329