Director of Sacred Music and Organist

Job Description

Want to make music that matters? We're looking for someone to join our parish family and continue to build on a tradition of musical excellence in an historic setting on Lake Erie.

The Catholic Parishes of Sandusky is seeking a full-time Director of Sacred Music and Organist to lead a music ministry program rooted in tradition and open to innovation. Primarily focused on service to Saint Mary's Parish (1800 families), this position will engage generations of parishioners across all three of our churches at liturgical and special events.

Named America's Best Coastal Small Town twice in the last six years, Sandusky offers the charm of a tight-knit faith community with the amenities of a growing and vibrant lakeside town. With beaches, boating, sunsets overlooking the islands and the biggest roller coaster amusement park in the world-Cedar Point-Sandusky is a place where faith, art, and life blend beautifully. All of that with access to major metropolitan centers, most within an hour's drive.

We're looking for someone with:

Strong organ and keyboard skills, with experience in directing a choir (10-25 members), scholae cantorum and cantors as well as competency in singing while playing.

A deep understanding of Catholic liturgy and sacred music.

A passion for music that honors both traditional and contemporary genres.

The ability to lead in a collaborative manner that will attract others to greater engagement in music ministry.

Organizational skills and the initiative to grow parish musical offerings.

A degree in music or equivalent professional experience.

What we offer:

A full-time salaried position with health, dental and vision benefits, as well as retirement benefits and paid time off.

A music budget and established choir, cantors and other instrumental musicians.

Opportunities to collaborate with two other parish musicians in three historic churches that include three pipe organs and two grand pianos.

Strong pastoral and staff support, with room for creativity and expansion.

A flexible schedule that values rest, musical growth and family life.

Regular diocesan celebrations and seasonal liturgies that invite elevated musical planning.

Optional discounted, parish-owned housing for a single individual or a family.

Our community features:

A lakeside lifestyle with boating, biking, vibrant festivals and historic architecture.

Proximity to major Midwest cultural centers (Cleveland, Toledo, Columbus and Detroit).

A welcoming, diverse community with local arts, a very strong Catholic school (with no tuition!) and affordable living.

Nearby recreational options like Cedar Point, nature preserves, wineries and lakefront dining.

This is a rare opportunity to lead and grow a well-established music program that is united in faith and committed to excellence-all with the freedom to bring your vision to life in a welcoming and supportive environment.

About the Employer

The Catholic Parishes of Sandusky consists of three parishes (Holy Angels; Saint Mary's; Saints Peter and Paul) on the shores of Lake Erie in north-central Ohio. Serving nearly 4,000 families, our dedicated team of priests, deacons and laity are focused on building cultures of prayer, healthy teamwork and active discipleship among staff and parishioners alike. Working in conjunction with Sandusky Central Catholic School (pre-K through grade 12), we're forging new, creative and fulfilling ways to share the Catholic faith with our parishioners and our community.