Director of Music and Arts Position

Are you passionate about leveraging the transformative potential of music and the arts to cultivate a vibrant, inclusive, and spiritually fulfilling community? Cedar Lane Unitarian Universalist Congregation seeks an innovative and visionary Director of Music and Arts to lead a journey of exploration, expression, and connection.

Cedar Lane is amidst a transformative journey, focusing on building a multigenerational, multicultural, pluralistic community, expanding our multi-platform outreach, and fortifying the connections among members and their congregation, all while undergoing a significant renovation of our building. The music and arts ministry at Cedar Lane plays a pivotal role in each of these endeavors.  Explore more about Cedar Lane at www.cedarlane.org.

We are seeking a dynamic and collaborative leader to oversee our vibrant music ministries and spearhead the development of an arts ministry.  We welcome individuals who bring visionary artistry and a commitment to building a fulfilling life for themselves and their families within our Cedar Lane community.

In the role of Director of Music and Arts, you will have the exceptional opportunity to envision and shape the congregation's artistic and musical landscape, fostering a culture of creativity, inspiration, and collaboration. As an integral member of the senior staff, you will collaborate closely with the ministerial team, staff, choirs and community artists, both within and beyond the congregation, to curate meaningful worship experiences and artistic encounters that engage hearts and minds, elevate spirits, and nurture community.

Apply now and be part of our exciting vision for the future!

Responsibilities:

Provide opportunities for the community to explore and engage with the arts as an expression of Unitarian Universalist mission and values by serving as the following:

• Program Director: Develop and oversee the arts ministry, encompassing music, visual arts, drama, and other creative expressions. Cultivate an inclusive artistic ministry that encourages participation and contribution from individuals of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities. Organize ensembles and performances for various occasions, such as Sunday services, special events, and concerts. Provide oversight for music staff, and facilitate the recruitment, mentorship, and support of volunteer musicians, artists, and performers, fostering an environment of growth and excellence. Responsible for budget management, resource allocation, equipment maintenance, and ensuring efficient program operations while upholding principles of responsible stewardship.

• Music Leader: Lead and direct the music program, showcasing high-level conducting and performance skills while curating repertoire for various ensembles. Conduct rehearsals for choirs, instrumentalists, or bands, whether established or newly formed. Stay abreast of the latest trends and best practices in music and arts ministry through active engagement in professional development activities and networking with peers in the field.

• Collaborative Leadership Team Member: Collaborate with the ministerial team to design and implement multigenerational, multicultural worship services and programs that seamlessly integrate music and the arts to convey spiritual themes and foster community connection. Serve as a liaison between the congregation and the larger artistic community, forging relationships within and beyond the congregation to enrich multicultural and spiritual experiences through collaborative ventures.

Qualifications:

• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate volunteers and congregants.

• Extensive experience in music and/or arts ministry, with proficiency in conducting, vocal/instrumental performance, and/or other artistic fields.

• Solid grounding in music theory and history, with proficiency across a diverse repertoire that encompasses classical and contemporary, as well as sacred and secular genres, reflecting the richness of our multicultural and pluralistic society.

• Flexibility, creativity, and adaptability to work in a diverse and ever-changing environment.

• Willingness to uphold Unitarian Universalist principles and values, coupled with a dedication to nurturing an inclusive and hospitable religious community. An eagerness to deepen comprehension of the importance of music in worship and Unitarian Universalist liturgical theology and practices.

• Bachelor's in music or relevant artistic experience

Cedar Lane is dedicated to upholding diversity, equity, and inclusivity (DEI) principles in all aspects of our employment practices, institutional culture, and relationships within and beyond our community. We warmly welcome applications from individuals with diverse identities and life experiences.

Salary & Benefits: $70,000 - $75,000 per annum for full-time employment with generous benefits and reasonable moving expenses if relocating from outside the area/region. Benefits include health insurance, dental coverage, life insurance, and long-term disability coverage, as well as paid vacation, sick time, and holiday leave. Cedar Lane also provides a 10% annual contribution to the UUA retirement plan upon qualification and a professional expense budget.

The anticipated start date is August 15, 2024. This position offers flexibility, ranging from 30 to 40 hours per week, with compensation adjusted proportionally.

Interested applicants should send a resume and cover letter to Rev. Abhi Janamanchi, Senior Minister, at musicsearch@cedarlane.org no later than April 15, 2024.  The position will remain open until filled, with applications accepted on a rolling basis; apply early for best consideration. We anticipate making a hiring decision by late June-early July at the latest.