Director of Music Ministry
/ORGANIZATION:
Canadian Memorial United Church and Centre for Peace
DEADLINE:
October 13, 2025
ORGANIZATION DESCRIPTION:
Canadian Memorial United Church is a vibrant progressive spiritual community and Centre for Peace with a wide array of programming including seeker-friendly spiritual services, outreach programs, social justice causes, peace forums, children, youth, and family events, seniors programming and much more. We are also a reflective congregation with four weekly meditation and contemplation groups that meet for silence, book studies, and spiritual growth.
In many ways, we are filled with contradictions –
A traditional building, with progressive theology
A Casavant Freres organ, with a praise and worship band
A love of both traditional hymns, and inclusive praise songs
A war memorial church, with an attached centre for peace
But somehow it all works in love, harmony, and diversity!
Our Ministry Team includes a United Church of Canada Coordinating Minister – Jeff Rock, an Interfaith Buddhist Minister of Community Life – Cathy Merchant, and a Baptist/Catholic Children Youth and Family Minister – Tama Ward. Our congregation, community, and staff team are theologically diverse with many different backgrounds and beliefs.
For more information, see our website at: www.canadianmemorial.org to learn more about us and who we are, and visit our YouTube channel to watch examples of our worship services and music: https://www.youtube.com/@canadianmemorialunitedchurch
WEBSITE:
https://www.canadianmemorial.org/work-with-us
JOB DESCRIPTION:
Canadian Memorial United Church (CMUC) is seeking a Director of Music Ministry to join our staff team and spiritual community. This individual will lead our Music and Technology Teams, inspire congregational singing during Weekly Worship and Special Events, and nurture community through music with our Community Choir and Worship Band. We are looking for someone passionate about guiding a diverse, dynamic, soulful, spiritual, and participatory Music Program.
We are open to proposals that consider this role as a renewable annual contract for some or all of the services, as well as job-sharing arrangements. For example, a Director of Music Ministry and Accompanist or a Director of Music Ministry and Choral Conductor could apply together or separately.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Weekly Worship: Plan, prepare, and lead music that reflects weekly themes, scripture, and the Minister’s notes. Ensure a diverse offering of hymns, songs, and anthems by choir, band, or soloists.
Worship Band: Recruit, manage, and rehearse the paid worship band. Coordinate performances for weekly services, concerts, and special events.
Community Choir: Direct the non-auditioned Community Choir in weekly rehearsals (Sept–June). The focus is on fellowship, musical growth, and joyful participation. If the successful candidate lacks choral direction experience, CMUC may create a separate role for this.
Worship Preparation: Attend weekly staff meetings, worship planning sessions, and check-ins with the Coordinating Minister. Participate in quarterly Worship Feedback Sessions with congregants.
Special Services: Provide music for seasonal worship (Remembrance Day, Christmas Eve, Good Friday, Easter, etc.), as well as contemplative and community services.
Weddings & Funerals: Coordinate music and technology needs. Compensation for weddings/funerals is additional. CMUC hosts ~35 weddings and ~6 funerals annually.
Concerts: Support and consult on congregational concerts, liaise with outside renters, and set clear boundaries for use of equipment.
Technology: Oversee technical equipment for worship, supervise Technical Director and Worship Assistant, and ensure instruments (piano/organ) are maintained.
Finances & Administration: Manage budgets, approve invoices, and ensure compliance with music licenses. Support fundraising through concerts and events.
Community Engagement: Actively participate in congregational life, coffee hours, and community events. Encourage musical contributions from congregants.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Deep appreciation for emotional and spiritual expression in music
Ability to select music that enhances worship themes and tone
Openness to feedback and willingness to grow with the congregation
Skill in arranging music and creating original offerings
Comfort working within progressive theology, racial diversity, and 2SLGBTQ+ inclusion
Awareness of cultural appropriation and inclusive language in music
Familiarity with The United Church of Canada (or willingness to learn)
Strong management and organizational skills
Experience in choral direction (required if directing the Community Choir)
Spiritually sensitive and comfortable leading Christian and spiritual music, regardless of personal faith background
Additional Notes:
CMUC acknowledges that we worship on the unceded territories of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh Nations
We are an Affirming congregation, explicitly supporting 2SLGBTQ+ communities
We encourage applications from diverse backgrounds and will consider workplace accommodations as needed
A Vulnerable Sector Police Records Check will be required upon hire
HOW TO APPLY:
Please submit a cover letter and résumé along with at least two audio or video samples of your work as a Music Director, Choral Conductor, or Performer to Rev. Jeff Rock via email: jeff@canadianmemorial.org. Candidates selected for the next stage will be invited to interview, provide references, and share a more comprehensive portfolio of skills. Confidentiality is assured.
REMUNERATION:
$45,000–$55,000 annually, commensurate with experience, plus benefits, pension, and vacation to be negotiated
