Director of Sacred Music

Job Description

THE POSITION: The Director of Sacred Music is responsible for the promotion of authentic liturgical and sacred music at Saint Joan of Arc Parish using Gregorian chant, Renaissance and other polyphony, organ music, and hymnody. The ideal candidate will be able to build from a foundation of the parish's current familiarity with singing antiphons, traditional hymnody, polyphony, and utilizing organ accompaniment.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES: Essential duties and responsibilities of the Director of Sacred Music include:
• Promotion of authentic liturgical and sacred music:
• Expected familiarity and dexterity with Source and Summit platform.
• Forming a culture that values both praise & worship and traditional sacred music in the liturgy and in Adoration
• Opportunity provided for Praise & Worship music in the Mass, sparingly.
• Promotion of traditional hymnody, Gregorian chant (English and Latin), antiphons, choral polyphony, motets, and organ music.
• Will be a resource and point person for the volunteers and accompanists in utilizing the full benefits of Source and Summit.
• Knowledge of Church teaching on Sacred Music (Musicam Sacram, Sacrosanctum Concilium, Tra le solecitudini, etc.).
• General knowledge of a sound system to ensure proper sound output through mics and speakers, and ability to work with AV sound technicians, and overall responsibility for prompt attention to sound system functioning and maintenance.
• Daily Mass attendance and the frequenting of the sacraments encouraged, and a lived knowledge and love for the liturgical year expected.
• Prayer is a necessary part of worship. Ongoing self-directed Rule of Life encouraged.
• Coordinate all aspects of the music ministry for the parish, and AV sound system.
• Develops and administers the parish music library, whether hard or soft copy, or digital resources.
• Primary point of contact whether through phone or email for all things music related in parish, and AV sound system related issues.
• Primary point of contact for music for Funerals and Weddings.
• Plans and reviews the liturgical repertoire with the Pastor and Clergy, during major liturgical seasons, Christmas, Easter, OCIA events, First Communions/Confirmations, Solemnities, etc.
• A system of Progressive Solemnity (as defined in Musicam Sacram, 1967) is expected to be developed where greater musical solemnity and resourcing will align with the liturgical rank of celebrations throughout the liturgical year. Feast Days and Solemnities beyond merely Holy Days of Obligation are expected to have some degree of musical solemnity, to be determined and developed in time in collaboration with the Pastor.
• Lead and direct choirs during Mass and rehearsals, forming volunteer choir members to sing as an act of prayer and as a service to the liturgy. This oversight includes:
• All accompanists and cantors, whether paid or volunteer.
• Adult Choir and Children's Choir.
• Giving oversight and direction to any other choirs in service at St. Joan of Arc.
• Required to fill in as Cantor, Accompanist, or AV Technician for Masses when others are unavailable.
• Assistance and/or leadership of Praise & Worship musicians for monthly praise event.
• The Director has the option to either lead in selecting music and conducting rehearsals OR basic coordination with musicians to lead on their own.
• Must coordinate and plan with clergy to expose the Blessed Sacrament, monthly.
• Must communicate with the parish office to advertise and reserve rehearsal space.
• Must create and provide slideshow for lyrics and hire AV sound technicians and communicate with Candlelight ministry for set up of candles.
• Provide one-on-one vocal training to volunteer choir members who require additional help, as necessary.
• No long-term individualized attention will be given if a person is unwilling to sing for St. Joan of Arc.
• Preferred accompaniment skills on the piano and organ with a regular and committed practice schedule with the proficiency to lead rehearsals and play for funerals without the need for an accompanist.
• Form cantors to both encourage congregational singing during Mass as well as to conduct their distinct role with beauty and excellence, fostering a spirit of prayer and contemplation in the liturgy.
• Active recruitment among parishioners with training offered for those who are inexperienced.
• Responsible for recruitment from local elementary, high schools, colleges, and universities to promote sacred music and to draw from a broad talent pool to build and support our music program.
• Form the congregation in communal singing as a way of praying and participating in the liturgy.
• Regular instruction of the parish/parishioners in the art of sacred music, offering both practical training as well as catechesis on the Church's mind on music in the liturgy.
• This can be done briefly before Mass, after Mass to those who stay, in bulletin articles, or outside of Mass on a designated time/schedule.
• Serves as primary coordinator of and is responsible for liturgical music for weddings, funerals, and other sacramental celebrations, as well as scheduling AV Technicians and sound system setup/programming.
• Section Leaders may be implemented in the future with the following responsibilities:
• Auditions and coordinates the hiring and remuneration of other musicians, as needed and budgeted.
• Coordinate the hiring and payment of orchestral musicians to assist with major liturgies (i.e., brass, strings, orchestral percussion).
• No guitar music will be allowed without Pastor's permission.
• Performs administrative office work, including the production of weekly worship aids and management of staff payroll.
• Prepare annual budget for the music and AV program.
• Budget provided with opportunities for retreat and continued education.
• Oversee the maintenance of the facilities used by the choir, as well as instruments, especially the organ and piano(s).
• Maintain licensing compliance (e.g., CCLI, Source & Summit).
• Creation of liturgical aides for Christmas, Holy Week, Tenebrae, Easter, and other Solemnities
• Understand the sound system and communicate with AV Technicians to ensure quality of sound for all Masses including weekend Masses, daily Masses, and funeral Masses.
• Attends regular staff meetings and department head meetings, as directed.
• Participates in periodic review with the Pastor and executes other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
• BA or MA in Music, Sacred Music, Liturgical Theology, Sacramental Theology, or related field (advanced degree preferred).
• Minimum of three years' experience in parish or cathedral liturgy.
• High proficiency in organ and/or piano.
• Choral conducting experience preferred.
• Knowledge of Catholic liturgical documents, norms, and sacred music repertoire.
• Strong organizational, supervisory, and leadership skills.
• Ability to manage multiple responsibilities with minimal supervision.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
COMPETENCIES AND QUALIFICATIONS:
• Must pass pre-employment background screening.
• Must comply with the Archdiocese of Denver Code of Conduct Safe Environment Training requirements.
• Must be in the communion of the Catholic Church and intentionally living out the five precepts of the Church (CCC 2041-2043).
• Must refrain from promotion of, or the living out of, any conduct or lifestyle that would reflect discredit or disgrace on, or cause scandal in relationship to, the Archdiocese of Denver, or considered to be in contradiction with Catholic doctrine or morals.
• Availability to work weekends, evenings, and holidays (i.e., Christmas and Easter)
• Ability to communicate clearly and promptly.
• Ability to teach chant, harmonization, and vocal technique.
• Experience with children or youth choirs.
• Competency with music notation software or digital liturgy planning tools including Source & Summit.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
• Good vision, hearing, and manual dexterity.
• Ability to move between sanctuary, sacristy, choir loft (involving climbing and descending stairs).
• Ability to sit, stand, walk, kneel, stoop, bend, and lift 25 lbs.
• Ability to prepare and move liturgical and musical equipment as needed.

GREAT BENEFITS:
• Comprehensive health, dental and vision coverage options
• Teladoc Services
• Alternative Care coverage options for Chiropractic/Acupuncture/Spiritual Care/Massage Therapy/Naturopathy
• Natural Family Planning up to $500 per year for education, supplies, and materials
• Maternity Management Program Guidance and educational materials
• Generous Paid Sick & Vacation Leave + 15 Paid Holidays
• Retirement Plan/403(b): Annual Employer Contribution of 6% of salary to retirement plan plus employee deferrals
• Employer-Paid Life Insurance, Short-Term and Long-Term Disability
• Catholic Biblical School: Free and discount courses.

HOURS
• 40 hrs. per week
• Hourly, non-exempt*
*If candidate meets Education and Experience Maximum Qualifications, this position will be reclassified as Exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).

To Apply:
Send resume and cover letter within the job board application process.

NON-EXEMPT WAGE RANGE
$25.00 - $33.00 per hour (*Exempt Salary Range $52,000.00 - $70,000.00)

ANTICIPATED START DATE
September 2026

APPLICATION DEADLINE: September 30, 2026 or until position is filled

Per 29 C.F.R. 801.6, 825.300 (a)(1) Requires notices to be readily seen by both employees and applicants for employment.
FMLA Poster: https://www.dol.gov/sites/dolgov/files/WHD/legacy/files/fmlaen.pdf

EPPA Poster: https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/posters/employee-polygraph-protection-act

About the Employer

St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church is in Western Arvada, near the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. With the courage of St. Joan of Arc, we exist to lead souls, through love or battle, to Christ the True King.