Music Director

Calgary Unitarians (CU)

Start Date: Immediately  

Reports to: Minister

Compensation: $2,300 per month (fee for service)

Overview

Congregational Unitarian (CU) seeks a skilled and collaborative Music Director to lead the  musical life of our congregation. Music is central to our worship, spiritual depth, and  community. The Director will provide piano music for worship, lead adult choirs, and plan  concerts and special musical events that engage and inspire.

Responsibilities

Sunday Worship

● Provide piano music for preludes, hymns, offertories, postludes, and incidental music (10:30– 11:30 am).

● Collaborate with the Minister, Songleading Team, and UUphonia Repertoire Committee in  planning worship music.

● Hire and coordinate substitute pianists and guest musicians within budget. Choir Leadership

● Lead two adult choirs: UUphonia and Nous Ensemble, with weekly Thursday rehearsals (6:45– 9:00 pm).

● Coordinate with a Collaborative Pianist for rehearsals and one monthly “anthem Sunday.” ● Communicate regularly with choir members to support preparation and participation.

Concerts & Special Projects

● Plan and direct two annual concerts: December holiday singalong and Cabaret (format  developed with the choir).

● Develop concert themes and, where possible, initiate additional community musical events. Administration & Collaboration

● Attend bi-weekly staff meetings and meet with the Minister as needed.

● Coordinate with A/V volunteers and service participants.

● Organize piano tuning, purchase sheet music, and maintain clear communication with staff,  choirs, and guest musicians.

● Administrative work will not exceed 20 hours/month, except during concert planning. Budget & Supervisory Responsibilities

● Manage music budget, hire and supervise a Collaborative Pianist, purchase sheet music,  coordinate piano tuning, and prepare Cabaret budgets within approved limits.

Qualifications

● Strong piano skills and experience accompanying congregational singing and choirs                                                                  ● Experience directing adult choirs

● Strong organizational and communication skills

● Ability to collaborate creatively with ministers, staff, volunteers, and musicians ● Comfort in a congregational or faith-based setting (UU experience is a plus)

● Commitment to inclusive, participatory, community-centered music-making

Theology & Culture

Calgary Unitarians (CU) is a Unitarian Universalist congregation grounded in openness, curiosity,  and shared spiritual leadership, drawing wisdom from many religious, humanist, and cultural  traditions. Worship is collaborative and participatory, with music understood as a vital spiritual  practice that deepens meaning, builds community, and invites both reflection and joy. CU is  home to two adult choirs—UUphonia, a welcoming non-auditioned choir of 30 or more singers,  and Nous Ensemble, an auditioned ensemble of 12–16 voices—and the congregation values  music from a wide range of religious traditions and cultures, reflected regularly in our services  and community life.

To Apply

Submit the following to our Minister, Rev. Samaya Oakley, minister@calgaryunitarians.ca:

● Cover letter outlining interest and experience

● Résumé or CV

● (Optional) Links to recordings or videos

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.