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Director Music, Faith Formation, and Communications

United Church of Christ (Congregational) Yankton, SD Full-time Other

United Church of Christ Congregational - Yankton, SD

Position Description

Job Title: Director - Music, Faith Formation, and Communications

Reports To: Senior Pastor

Status: Full-Time (Exempt)

Allocation: 50% Music, 40% Faith Formation, 10% Social Media Communications

Supervises: Choir, Organist/Accompanists, Nursery Staff, Sunday School Volunteers, and Media Volunteers

Coordinates With: AV/Tech Coordinator, Ministry Committees, Church Administrator

Position Summary

The Director of Music, Faith Formation, and Social Communications provides strategic vision, leadership, and operational management by weaving together the artistic, educational, and storytelling life of the church. This multifaceted role cultivates a vibrant worship environment, designs a holistic strategy for lifelong Christian education, and shapes the church's voice and brand identity. Operating within the theological vision of the United Church of Christ (UCC) Congregational in Yankton, SD, the Director fosters an inclusive, intergenerational community where people of all ages can know what is happening, get involved, and grow in their faith.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities Music Ministry (50%)

• Worship Planning & Administration: Collaborate closely with the Senior Pastor and Church staff to select weekly congregational songs, anthems, and special music. Design music services that reflect a blended worship style - balancing traditional hymnody contemporary worship elements to support liturgical themes.
• Administrative Compliance: Manage music software (e.g., Planning Center), build musical worship schedules, prep charts, and report song usage to CCLI, OneLicense, and other licensing agencies (as necessary).
• Musical Leadership & Rehearsals: Plan, direct and conduct primary musical ensembles (e.g., Chancel Choir, praise band, handbells, youth groups). Lead regular rehearsals to technically and spiritually prepare musicians for weekly worship, special liturgical seasons (e.g., Advent, Holy Week, Easter), and requested milestone events (weddings, funerals).
• Volunteer Care & Growth: Recruit, audition, and mentor vocalists and instrumentalists from within and outside (as possible and appropriate) the congregation. Discover and integrate children and youth into the musical life of worship.
• Facilities & Tech Supervision: Coordinate AV staff and volunteers to ensure flawless sound reinforcement, lighting, and livestream execution. Manage the maintenance of church instruments (organ, pianos, sound systems) and catalog the physical and digital music library.

Faith Formation (40%)

• Intergenerational Program Development: Design and launch intentional learning experiences where children, youth, young adults, and seniors pray and grow together. Evaluate and select curriculum accessible to multi-generational settings for all-church events, Sunday School, VBS, Confirmation (with Senior Pastor), seasonal workshops (e.g., Advent, Lent, etc.), and special events.
• Young Family Ministry & Support: Create welcoming, low-barrier environments for young families to connect (e.g., praygrounds, playgroups, small groups). Equip and resource parents to practice faith at home and advocate for family-friendly spaces and scheduling within church leadership.
• Milestones: Integrate faith formation milestones (e.g., blessing of the backpacks, first Bibles, life milestones) into the life of the wider congregation.
• Volunteer Management & Safety: Recruit, background-check, and train volunteers to serve as teachers, small group facilitators, and mentors. Strictly enforce Child Youth and Protection policies (e.g., Safe Sanctuaries) to ensure safe, nurturing environments.
• Department Administration: Maintain accurate participation records, registration data, and volunteer schedules.

Social Media Communications (10%)

• Strategic Leadership & Brand Oversight: Develop and execute an annual communications strategy aligned with the church's calendar and provides for aligned communication channels (e.g., verbal and written announcements). Protect the church's brand identity to ensure a cohesive, professional representation across all ministry areas.
• Content Planning and Creation: With the help of staff, manage a consistent posting schedule for Sunday service updates, midweek encouragement, and seasonal announcements; produce engaging graphics, photos, and short-form video clips to highlight weekly sermons, devotionals, and events.
• Project Management: Create efficient workflows and systems to prioritize concurrent projects, including copywriting, print materials, and digital media production.
• Messaging & Digital Platforms: With the help of staff, create content, schedule posts, and build community across platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube. This role promotes church events and fosters connection between church members and the wider local community.
• Data & Analytics: Track and measure engagement across digital channels to ensure tactics are effective and reaching the intended audiences.

Common Responsibilities

• Develop, track, and manage the annual budgets for the Music, Faith Formation, and Social Media Communications departments (including materials, music purchases, curriculum, and guest musicians).
• Participate in staff meetings, collaborative planning sessions, and professional development.

Required Qualifications & Skills Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Music, Christian Education, Theology, Communications, or a related field preferred (or an equivalent blend of ministry experience).
• Prefer leadership experience in a congregational or ministerial setting, with experience managing volunteers and navigating multi-faceted job responsibilities.

CORE COMPETENCIES

• Stylistic Versatility: Musical proficiency with the ability to navigate, execute, perform, appreciate, and promote both traditional hymnody/choral music and contemporary worship genres.
• Intergenerational Vision: Develop understanding of post-pandemic trends in faith formation.
• Technical & Digital Literacy: Possess functional computer and social media platforms literacy.
• Leadership & Organization: Exhibit professional and positive interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills to manage schedules, organize large groups, and effectively delegate tasks.
• Spiritual & Denominational Alignment: Have an active Christian faith and a theological outlook that aligns with the progressive, inclusive covenantal traditions, doctrine, and mission of the United Church of Christ (UCC).
• Additional Duties as Developed and Assigned