Job Description

Are you passionate about helping people experience God’s presence through music? University United Methodist Church (UUMC) of Irvine, California, is seeking a Music Director to lead our music ministry in a way that reflects our values: Belong. Believe. Be Love.

At UUMC, we are an inclusive community where all are welcome. We strive to be Christ’s hands and feet—sharing love with our congregation, neighbors, and the world. Music is central to how we worship, grow, and reach out, and we’re looking for a leader who can guide and inspire musicians of all ages and abilities.


What You’ll Do

  • Lead and coordinate the church’s music program, including the adult chancel choir, small ensembles, children’s choir (oversight only), and special events.
  • Select and prepare a wide variety of music—sacred, classical, traditional, gospel, and contemporary—appropriate to worship themes and seasons.
  • Collaborate with pastors, staff, and volunteers to plan services and special events.
  • Organize and direct rehearsals, worship services, and concerts (including our annual December and June outreach concerts).
  • Foster an open, welcoming environment where musicians can grow spiritually and musically.
  • Support the congregation in praising God through excellent and meaningful music.


What We’re Looking For

  • A person of faith with a strong commitment to Jesus’ teachings and the ministry of the church.
  • Degree in choral music (master’s preferred) or equivalent experience (minimum five years directing choral worship).
  • Strong choral conducting, teaching, and interpretation skills.
  • Knowledge of a wide range of Christian music traditions.
  • Piano skills (organ a plus).
  • Excellent communication and leadership abilities; a gift for encouraging and developing musicians.
  • Bonus: Ability to arrange/sequence music using software like Sibelius.


Position Details

  • Part-time (~20 hours/week)
  • Salary range: $28,000 - $35,000
  • Reports to: Lead Pastor & Staff Parish Relations Committee
  • Compensation & Benefits: Salary with four weeks of vacation, sick time, and continuing education allowance ($2,100/year). Retirement contribution option available. (No health insurance provided.)
  • Background check required; compliance with child protection standards.


How to Apply

If you feel called to help lead our congregation in worship through music, we’d love to hear from you! Please send a cover letter, résumé, and (if available) links to sample performances or conducting work to [email protected].



About University United Methodist Church of Irvine, CA

Our Mission

Transforming Lives Together: Disciple Making in Our Local Church Community

The mission of the University United Methodist Church is to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. Local churches and extension ministries of the Church provide the most significant arenas through which disciple-making occurs.


Core Values

Creating an inclusive environment that welcomes all individuals

Community and Fellowship: Importance of building a supportive and loving church community.


BELONG

Everyone belongs here; join a small group to learn or serve.


BELIEVE

Grow in faith by joining a study group.


BE LOVE

Be Christ’s hands and feet, showing love to our community and the world.

Our Attributes


Essential qualities or characteristics

Attributes which help create a welcoming and spiritually enriching environment for members and visitors alike.


  • We follow Jesus wherever the Spirit leads.


  • We are a safe place focused on grace, not guilt.


  • Our heart is in mission, locally and globally.


  • We are part of the United Methodist Church but our allegiance is to Jesus.


  • Generosity is a privilege and honor.


  • We invest significantly in children and youth programs.


  • Our music program is renowned for its quality and fun.



Our History: Serving God since 1966


The University United Methodist Church was founded in 1966 to serve the growing city of Irvine and the new University of California campus. Rev. Jim Stewart was appointed as the first minister. Initially, around sixty families gathered at St. Mark Presbyterian in Corona del Mar. They saved money and secured a loan to purchase a lot at Culver and University Dr. The groundbreaking ceremony was held in September 1968, and the first service took place in June 1969. Stewart Hall was also built for Sunday school and meetings.

 

The church grew rapidly and helped other new churches. It initially shared facilities with Elizabeth Ann Seaton Catholic Church, an Assembly of God Congregation, and the Israeli Academy. Today, it collaborates with the Japanese-speaking Nozomi congregation and the Korean-speaking Irvine Korean UMC.


Apply Now
Experience Required
1-5 years
Type
Part-time
Education Required
Bachelor's Degree
Date Posted
12 hours ago
Location
Irvine, California
Denomination
United Methodist
Church Size
100-200 people
Website
http://www.uumcirvine.org
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