Music Director

Title: Music Director

Reports to: Senior Pastor, Staff Parish Relations Team

Pay rate: This is a salaried position, compensated at $1,700 per month

Benefits: Two weeks paid vacation, other days off by special arrangement

Job posting closes July 1, 2026

Overview of our Church

Fremont United Methodist is a progressive United Methodist Church located in NE Portland with the following vision: “We live into God's wholeness for ourselves and our world by practicing our values of belonging, vulnerability, and mutual flourishing”. Find out more about Fremont UMC on our website: . We are an equal opportunity employer who value diversity in our church community. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or ability.

General Overview of the Position

Fremont is seeking a Music Director who is a creative, heart-felt, professional musician responsible for developing, coordinating, and leading the church's music program, including the planning and execution of Sunday services, special events, and choir rehearsals. The primary goal of the Musical Director is to enhance and deepen the spiritual experience of the congregation through participatory, inspiring and meaningful music.

Position Responsibilities

Prepare music for the weekly worship services in collaboration with the Senior Pastor to review the order of the Sunday service and determine the worship songs.
Direct and lead the church choir and musicians in rehearsals and performances.
Work with the Piano Accompanist to plan, schedule, and conduct regular rehearsals for the choir and musicians for upcoming services and events.
Prepare music for special occasions and holidays as needed.
Recruit and train new choir members and musicians.
Encourage special musical presentations through solos, duets, or other special music.
Arrange music to fit the current needs of the church.
Work with individual church choir members to develop their vocal and musical skills.
Be aware of the yearly church seasons by meeting with the Senior Pastor and Worship Team to map out the church's musical needs.
Manage the music program’s annual budget.
Manage the church music library.
Maintain regular email or in person contact with Piano Accompanist and other musicians.
Keep current contact information for choir members and guest musical artists.
Along with the Piano Accompanist, see that the sanctuary piano is tuned when necessary.
Work with the Staff Parish Relations Team (personnel team) as needed.
Work with Congregants to build a Music Ministry Team

Preferred Competencies

Has an openness to various musical genres and styles of music, including emerging “hymns”.
Knowledge of the Portland music scene to bring in guest musical artists.
Flexibility in working with people of all levels of musical ability, with patience and teaching to assist choir members in learning and improving their musical abilities.
Understands and finds joy in the role of music in worship.
Has an interest in bringing new ideas and creativity to Fremont's music program, being mindful of the importance of creating low barriers and low stakes to music in worship.
Values fun and community in choir and in congregational singing.
Has a general understanding of Christian worship and liturgical music.
Enjoys encouraging other’s participation in singing during worship services.
Flexibility to work during weekends, evenings, and special events.
Potential to work with a bell choir.

Qualifications

Three years experience in conducting a choir, preferably in a religious setting.
Degree in music or related field.
Background in music theory, conducting, and performance.
Knowledge of Christian hymns and music.
Strong leadership skills.
Pass background check.
Support and understand Fremont's Safe Sanctuary policy.

Pay: $1,700.00 per month

Benefits:

Flexible schedule

Work Location: In person