Director of Music Ministry

Job Description

Director of Music Ministry

Position Status: Full-Time, Exempt
Salary: $60,000-$70,000 (negotiable)
Reports To: Pastor

Position Summary

St. Leo the Great Catholic Church seeks a faithful, talented, and collaborative Director of Music Ministry to lead the parish's liturgical music program. Working closely with the Pastor, clergy, parish staff, school administration, and volunteers, the Director of Music Ministry is responsible for planning, preparing, coordinating, and leading music for parish liturgies, sacramental celebrations, and major feast days throughout the year.

The Director of Music Ministry fosters active congregational participation in worship through the selection and performance of sacred music consistent with Catholic liturgical norms and traditions. The Director serves as the principal musician for the parish and provides leadership, formation, and support to cantors, choirs, instrumentalists, and volunteers.

About St. Leo the Great Catholic Church

St. Leo the Great Catholic Church is a vibrant Roman Catholic parish serving more than 12,000 parishioners in the heart of Fairfax, Virginia. The parish is home to a thriving and diverse faith community, numerous ministries, and a parish school serving more than 400 students in Pre-K through Grade 8.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

•Liturgical Music Planning and Leadership
•Plan, prepare, and provide music for all weekend Masses and Holy Days of Obligation.
•Collaborate with the Pastor and clergy in the selection of liturgical music appropriate to the liturgical season, readings, and sacramental celebrations.
•Serve as the principal accompanist and/or music leader for Sunday liturgies.
•Coordinate music for major liturgical celebrations, including:
Christmas, Holy Week and Easter, Advent services, Parish feast days, Our Lady of Guadalupe celebrations and, other significant parish events

Sacramental and Special Liturgies:

•Plan and provide music for weddings, funerals, confirmations, First Holy Communion, parish missions, and other sacramental celebrations.
•Meet with families and individuals as necessary to assist in selecting appropriate liturgical music.
•Coordinate guest musicians when needed.

Choir and Cantor Ministry:

•Recruit, train, schedule, and support cantors for parish liturgies.
•Direct and rehearse the Adult Choir.
•Direct and rehearse the Children's Choir.
•Foster the musical and spiritual development of choir members and music ministers.
•Coordinate volunteer instrumentalists and singers as appropriate.

School Collaboration:

•Collaborate closely with St. Leo School administration and faculty regarding weekly school Masses and other liturgical celebrations.
•Assist in planning and coordinating music for school liturgies and special religious events.
•Encourage age-appropriate participation in sacred music among students.

Music Program Administration:

•Maintain and organize the parish music library, including printed and digital resources.
•Oversee the care, maintenance, and tuning of parish musical instruments and related equipment.
•Coordinate the purchasing of music, subscriptions, and necessary music ministry resources.
•Assist with budgeting and stewardship of music ministry resources.

Collaboration and Parish Leadership:

•Work collaboratively with clergy, parish staff, volunteers, and ministry leaders.
•Participate in staff meetings and parish planning activities as requested.
•Support the mission and evangelizing efforts of the parish through sacred music and liturgical ministry.

Qualifications:

-Required

•Practicing Catholic in good standing with knowledge of and commitment to the teachings of the Catholic Church.
•Thorough understanding of Catholic liturgy and sacred music.
•Proficiency in piano, organ, or another liturgical accompaniment instrument.
•Experience directing choirs and leading congregational singing.
•Ability to read and interpret sacred music.
•Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
•Ability to work effectively with clergy, staff, volunteers, adults, and children.
•Proficiency with Microsoft Office and common music ministry software.

-Preferred

•Bachelor's Degree in Music, Sacred Music, Music Education, or related field.
•Three or more years of parish music ministry experience.
•Experience directing both adult and children's choirs.
•Bilingual English/Spanish proficiency.
•Membership in Professional Organizations related to Liturgy and/or Church music

-Working Conditions

•Regular weekend, evening, and holiday work is required.
•Frequent participation in liturgies and parish events.
•Ability to lift and move music equipment and materials up to 25 pounds.
•Work is performed in church, school, parish offices, and other parish facilities.

Compensation and Benefits :

Benefits Include:

•Medical, dental, and vision insurance
•Life and disability insurance
•403(b) retirement plan
•Paid time off and holidays

This position is considered a ministerial position and shares in the mission of proclaiming the Gospel through the sacred liturgy and music ministry of the Catholic Church.

To Apply

Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter detailing their qualifications and interest in serving the mission of St. Leo the Great Catholic Church.

St. Leo the Great Catholic Church is committed to fostering a safe environment for all members of our parish and school community and complies with all applicable diocesan safe environment requirements and background screening protocols.

About the Employer

St. Leo the Great is an intentional, traditional, and dynamic Catholic family-based parish dedicated to draw all parishioners to an intimate and personal relationship with Jesus Christ, through His Church, through faithful leadership, liturgy, and faith formation.