Director of Music and Arts

Director of Music and Arts

Position Type: Part-Time 

Compensation: Negotiated commensurate with experience 

Reports To: Senior Minister/CEO

Position Overview

Our client, Unity of Sacramento, is seeking a highly skilled, spiritually grounded, and visionary Director of Music and Arts. This role demands a master musician who can bridge the technical rigors of music theory with the soulful, improvisational depth of Gospel and Jazz traditions. The ideal candidate is a "player-leader"— masterful on the keyboard or organ —who excels at conducting ensembles and managing the logistical rhythms of a vibrant music ministry.

Artist-in-Residency (Audition/Trial for 12 weeks): Unity of Sacramento is offering this shorter-term opportunity to evaluate mutual fit for eventual Director role. See the attached PDF for details on stipend, housing, and other benefits..
 

1. Musical Leadership & Weekly Rehearsals

 * Primary Instrumentalist: Serve as the lead musician with mastery in keyboard/piano; proficiency in Gospel or Jazz organ is essential.

 * Weekly Rehearsals: Oversee and conduct all weekly rehearsals for the Unity Choir and the Church Band, ensuring the ensemble is spiritually and technically prepared for Sunday services.

 * Service Execution: Lead the musical direction for all Sunday services with a heavy emphasis on Gospel traditions, incorporating Jazz sensibilities and New Thought “Positive Music.”
 

2. Programming, Meetings & Major Productions

 * Annual Concerts: Responsible for the vision, organization, and execution of two major annual productions: the Summer Concert and the Christmas Concert.

 * Weekly Workshop: Active participation in the weekly Workshop Team meeting to synchronize music, message, and production elements with the Senior Minister and creative staff.

 * Composition & Charting: Create original arrangements and professional charts (Nashville Number System, lead sheets, or full scores) tailored to the specific themes of the ministry.
 

3. Sacramental & Special Services

 * Life Transitions: Provide musical accompaniment for funerals, Celebrations of Life, weddings, and christenings held at the church.
 

 * Independent Compensation: For some of these special services, the Director is entitled to negotiated compensation arranged directly with the families, which is provided over and above the base salary received from the church.

Qualifications

 * Technical Mastery: Full competence in reading, charting, and conducting music.

 * Instrumental Expertise: High-level proficiency in keyboard/piano and Gospel/Jazz organ.
 

 * Special Preference: Given to candidates with experience in New Thought music and a strong background as a music composer.

 * Proven Leadership: Experience leading rehearsals and producing large-scale concerts or musical events.
 

Core Competencies
 

 * Artistic Versatility: Ability to shift seamlessly between traditional Gospel, contemporary Jazz, and New Thought worship styles.

 * Collaborative Spirit: A "team-first" attitude, working closely with the Senior Minister to ensure the music and message are perfectly synchronized.

 * Compassion & Professionalism: The ability to provide appropriate musical support for families during sensitive times, such as memorial services and weddings.
 

Application Process

Interested candidates should submit a resume, a cover letter, and a portfolio or links to video/audio recordings demonstrating:
 

 * Keyboard/Organ proficiency in a Gospel or Jazz setting.

 * Evidence of conducting choir and band rehearsals.

 * Examples of original charts or recorded concert productions.
 

NOTE: Unity of Sacramento is an equal opportunity employer and celebrates diversity in all its forms.