Director of Music, Contemporary Choir, Principal Accompanist

Job Description

Job Title: Director of Music and Contemporary Choir, Principal Accompanist
Department: Ministry Staff
Reports to: Pastor / Pastoral Associate for Administration
Supervises: Volunteers
Classification Level: M-3
FLSA Status: Exempt; part-time position 25 hours

Position Overview
St. John Vianney is a vibrant community of faith seeking a Director of Music who views music as the vessel that carries the Message of the Gospel. We believe that the Liturgy is the "summit toward which the activity of the Church is directed" (Sacrosanctum Concilium). We are looking for a visionary leader to create a robust worship experience that fosters full, conscious, and active participation, ensuring that the beauty of our music always serves the clarity of the Word.

Philosophy of Ministry
The Director of Music at St. John Vianney is more than a performer; they are a liturgical minister. The successful candidate will understand that:

The Vessel: The quality, beauty, and execution of music must be of the highest caliber to honor the liturgy.

The Message: All musical selections must support the teachings of the Church and the scriptural themes of the Message Series and the season, helping parishioners nurture a deep devotion to their Catholic identity and their relationship with Jesus.

The Mission: By perfecting the "vessel," the Director helps the community realize the depth of their commitment as the People of God.
Key Responsibilities
1. Liturgical Leadership & Musical Direction
• Mass Presence: Prepare and direct music for the Saturday 5:00pm and Sunday 8:30am, 10:30am, and 5:00pm liturgies, as well as Holy Days and special parish celebrations.
• Ensemble Development: Focus on expanding and directing the adult and children's choirs. Develop programs for the vocal and instrumental skill development of all ministers.
• Cantor Formation: Recruit, supervise, and prepare volunteer cantors to serve as effective ministers of the Word through song.
• Musical Versatility: Direct and perform a variety of genres (Classical, Contemporary, Gospel, etc.) to complement the diverse liturgical styles of our community.
2. Pastoral & Spiritual Development
• Ministry Focus: Ensure all music ministers are grounded in prayer, hospitality, and service, striving for excellence while maintaining a "pastoral heart."
• Faith Education: Collaborate with the Pastor to develop the liturgical consciousness of the assembly. Provide spiritual enrichment and "theology of ministry" training for all music volunteers.
• Community Building: Create a rehearsal schedule that fosters community among musicians while enhancing individual performance.
3. Administration & Personnel Management
• Staff Collaboration: Actively participate in Pastoral Staff, Strategic Planning, and Message Series meetings. Work closely with the Director of Liturgy and clergy.
• Budget & Compliance: Develop and manage the annual music budget. Ensure all copyright licenses (OneLicense, etc.) are upheld and songs are reported accurately.
• Production Oversight: Prepare music plans at least one month in advance to support the production of worship aids and digital slides.
• Asset Management: Supervise the maintenance and repair of the parish organ, piano, and other instruments.
• Safe Environment: Ensure all music volunteers are compliant with Diocesan Safe Environment (Virtus) requirements.
4. Parish Leadership
• Mission Alignment: Serve as a positive spokesperson for parish-wide decisions, including new ministries and facility expansion projects.
• Professional Growth: Maintain a commitment to ongoing professional development through seminars, retreats, and professional reading.

Qualifications
• Faith: An active, practicing Roman Catholic with a deep knowledge of Catholic Liturgy and a passion for the "Message" it carries.
• Education: Bachelor's Degree in Music (Sacred Music, Organ, or Choral Conducting preferred) or equivalent professional experience.
• Technical Proficiency: Demonstrated excellence in instrumental performance and choral direction across multiple genres.
• Interpersonal Skills: Excellent communication skills with the ability to lead diverse age groups (children through adults).
• Organization: Proven ability to organize large-scale events and manage administrative tasks independently with high attention to detail.

Why St. John Vianney?
We offer a collaborative work environment where your musical gifts will directly impact the spiritual life of thousands. Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience, following Diocesan guidelines.
To Apply: Please submit your resume, a cover letter detailing your philosophy of sacred music, and (if available) links to recordings of your work to:
Indira Pethebridge, indira@sjvianney.org

About the Employer

St. John Vianney is a growing Catholic community of Disciples who make Disciples.

We welcome, inspire, and nurture as we journey together into a personal relationship with Christ