The Associate Director of Music at the Unitarian Society of New Haven (USNH) works closely with the Director of Music to create an inspirational and diverse music program from a broad repertoire of styles and cultures; serves as primary pianist for services, choir rehearsals, and special events; fosters musical opportunities for all interested children, youth, and adults; and, in coordination with the Director of Music, collaborates with the minister, staff, and lay leaders to create cohesive worship services and carry out programming that is aligned with Unitarian Universalist principles and values. Our ideal candidate is comfortable preparing service music to complement the worship theme, communicates well, enjoys collaborating with others, and understands worship music as both an artistic offering and a ministry to the congregation. This is a part-time position, from September through mid-June, approximately 8-10 hours/week, beginning in October 2026. Please send resume and cover letter to personnel@usnh.org. Do not contact the congregation office. The Unitarian Society of New Haven is a Unitarian Universalist congregation with more than 300 adult members. We are a diverse multi-generational faith community that inspires lives of compassion and generosity, nurtures spiritual growth, cultivates transformative connections, and works to create a more just world.

Essential Functions:

Coordinates with Director of Music to plan, organize, and perform music for Sunday Services from September through mid-June Primary pianist for Sunday worship services: Provides prelude, offertory, postlude, and musical interludes as needed; accompanies congregational hymns and choral anthems Rehearsal pianist for Adult Choir (Thursday evenings) and Youth Choir (if in session)

Other Responsibilities:

Assists Director of Music in building and maintaining relationships with community musical groups In consultation with Director of Music, makes arrangements for guest musicians and ensembles to participate in certain services throughout the year (including volunteers from the congregation and professionals from the community) Leads choral rehearsals/anthems or arranges for guest musicians on occasions when Director of Music is absent Participates in weekly worship planning meeting via Zoom (preferred)

Hours:

Associate Director of Music works on-site for the following hours: Sundays 9:30am -12pm: 9:30 rehearsal; 10:30 worship service; 11:30 Youth Choir if in session Thursdays 7:30 -8:30pm: Adult Choir Rehearsal. Prior to large choral presentations, 7-9pm Tuesdays 10-11 am, if possible: Weekly worship planning meeting via Zoom Remaining hours are for planning and preparing music; remote and flexible Receives two weeks off from September through mid-June, to be scheduled in advance The Associate Director of Music has right of first refusal for memorial services and weddings taking place at USNH. Compensation for these services is extra. Minimum Qualifications Master's degree in piano performance or equivalent experience Experience as choral rehearsal pianist preferred Experience in some congregational setting preferred A broad repertoire of styles of music, familiarity with the music of many cultures, and willingness to use both in worship services Respect for Unitarian Universalist values, principles, and culture Satisfactory background check and references

Physical Requirements:

Work involves limited physical tasks, possibly lifting up to twenty pounds.

Job Type:

Part-time Pay:

$18,000 per year Expected hours: 8 - 10 per week

Schedule:

Day shift Monday to Friday Night shift Weekends as needed

Work Location:

In person

Job Type:

Part-time Pay:

$18,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Paid time off Professional development assistance People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Work Location:

In person