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cathedral music director
St. Augustine Cathedral is seeking to hire a full-time Director of Music to maintain a comprehensive program of sacred music that will support and enable the people of the parish to encounter more deeply the sacred mysteries of the Liturgy.
Essential Functions of the Director of Music:
The Director of Music is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the parish’s liturgical music by collaborating with clergy, staff, volunteers and musicians to plan and execute parish liturgies and music. This person, a professional who holds specialized credentials in music and has a thorough understanding of Roman Catholic liturgy, serves the parish as principal musician, organist and choir director according to the highest professional standards, often directing from the console. This person of Catholic faith is responsible for the effective planning, coordination, and execution of the music for the Cathedral parish liturgies. There has been no tradition of choral work with children or youth for many years at the Cathedral, but this is seen as a priority for the expansion of our music ministry. The successful candidate will need to demonstrate evidence of a commitment to working in this field as well as with adults.
The Director of Music is responsible immediately to the Cathedral Rector and ultimately to the Diocesan Bishop.
Job Duties- Function as principal organist and choir director.
- Administers a multifaceted music program including planning, budgeting, scheduling and timely communication with liturgical ministers.
- Develops specific choirs, or ensembles and Cantors for weekend liturgies. Plans and conducts rehearsals for all.
- Develops a children’s choir and encourages youth participation.
- Provides music and musicians for all Sunday masses, Holy days, and other major celebrations, including vespers, first reconciliations, etc.
- Prepares worship aids for all liturgical celebrations.
- Selects music for liturgical celebrations, overseeing copyright laws and licensing procedures.
- Maintains choir library and liturgical/musical resources as needed.
- Collaborates with the Rector and other members of the parish staff, integrating his or her own area of responsibility with the overall parish mission.
- Serve as a resource regarding music, helping educate staff and congregation in developing their potential to understand the role of music in worship.
- Collaborate with Diocesan staff regarding ordinations, Chrism mass, episcopal funerals, Rite of Election, and any other diocesan liturgies as needed.
- Oversee the training and scheduling of parish readers.
- Coordinate school liturgies and provide music for the same.
- Provide sacred concerts and/or other fund-raising musical enterprises to support the Selner Fund (i.e., Christmas wreath sales).
- Assists family members with all sacramental liturgical needs, i.e., funerals and weddings. Holds right of first refusal as organist for all parish weddings and funerals.
- Attend monthly parish staff meetings.
- Prepare and adhere to musical budget in accordance with the Parish Business Manager and Finance Council.
- Oversees the maintenance of the organ.
Qualifications & Requirements- Advanced degree in music, or commensurate experience.
- Active member in good standing of the Roman Catholic Church and is willing to function in a manner consistent with the mission of the Catholic Church.
- Keep abreast of developments in sacramental theology, liturgy, the requirements of Canon Law, liturgical practice nationally and diocesan policies and guidelines, and update the parish on these matters as necessary.
- Experience with Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe, and other ministry scheduling tools.
- Strong interpersonal, organizational, communication (written & verbal) and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to multi-task.
- Strong computer skills, especially in word processing, with attention to detail in desktop publishing, worship media, and database management.
- Ministry work is collaborative by nature and typically occurs at church facilities and/or in an office setting. While there is some flexibility in office hours, presence at weekend liturgies is expected, as well as at funerals, weddings and special liturgical and catechetical events.
- Scheduling is flexible but will involve evening and weekend work hours including times for rehearsals and other preparations.
- Desire to work as a team member with the Cathedral, Diocesan and School staff as necessary. Cooperation and interaction with other members of the staff is expected via attendance and participation in staff meetings and other parish gatherings.
- Ability to provide a supportive and encouraging environment for musicians.
- Comprehension and embrace of the role of the Cathedral in the larger life of the diocese, city and region, and readiness for fruitful alliance with others in the realization of that role.
Along with a full suite of employee benefits and an attractive paid time off plan, compensation for the Cathedral Director of Music position includes a full-time salary commensurate with education and experience. Additional compensation is provided for funerals and weddings. Health insurance premiums are covered at no cost to employees.
How to Apply
The position is now open and until a qualified candidate is chosen the position will be filled by interim musicians. Applications are being accepted until September 30, 2023. If interested, please send your resume, cover letter, and salary requirements to the Parish Business Manager, Raeanne Leach, at rleach@stakalamazoo.org.