Director of Music Ministry

Job Description

OVERALL RESPONSIBILITY
The Director of Music Ministry is an administrator in support of the Pastor's responsibilities as the principal liturgist of the parish. The Director of Music Ministry serves the parish as principal cantor and choir director, according to the highest standards established by this profession, with the goal of enhancing the prayerful expression of the Sacred Liturgy.

TIME COMMITMENT AND COMPENSATION:
• The Director of Music Ministry is a part-time position that is expected to include 15-20 hours per week and may not exceed 29 hours per week;
• The Director's weekly schedule is flexible, adjusted as needed, including, but not limited to, choir rehearsals, staff meetings or liturgical celebrations during the week.
• The Director must be available for major holy days such as: Christmas, Holy Week & Triduum, Easter, and various other holy days of obligation or special liturgies that may occur during the week throughout the year.
• Compensation: mutually agreed upon by Director and Pastor with projected annual increase adjustment according to the Diocesan guidelines and performance.
• Director will be entitled to time off in accordance with the Diocesan standard, or as mutually agreed upon with Pastor;

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Music Ministry
• Provides service, singing for the regular parish liturgical celebrations, including weddings and funerals, with particular attention to leading the assembly. Time spent at weddings and funerals are not part of the regular workweek and compensation (as determined by the Parish) for those services is made directly by the family to the Director of Music Ministry.
• Responsible for creating, maintaining and communicating a schedule for rehearsals, masses and other celebrations for the choir and organist.
• Recruits, trains and directs the parish choir, cantors, and instrumental ensembles.
• Regularly meets with pastor to coordinate music selection for parish Masses and liturgical celebrations.
• Supervises organist, collaborating on music selection and ensuring absences are planned and covered.
• Develops budget for liturgical music and is accountable for music expenditures.
• Follows Church and civil law regarding copyrights and copying music.
• Promotes the assembly participation in the liturgy.
• Works with Director of Faith Formation and Family Life teaching Catholic songs to the students.
• Uses parish communication tools to teach the parish about liturgical or devotional music.
• Maintains the parish music library (including electronic index).
• During authorized absences, ensures coverage at scheduled Masses with permission of pastor.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
Funeral Coordination
• Meets with the family to coordinate the funeral liturgy, choice of readings and music.
• Ensure that universal liturgical and diocesan norms are fully implemented.
• Communicates promptly to the celebrant the choice of music and readings, as well as other relevant family information.
• Ensure that families receive important information ahead of time regarding policies, music and readings.
• Is the person on call for funeral requests during the weekend.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATIONS
• High degree of proficiency in singing with associated formal credentials.
• Working knowledge of instruments which might be used for the provision of sacred music during liturgy is preferred.
• Ability to work during all scheduled Masses with music and additional office hours.
• Demonstrated skill as an effective choral conductor, including work with volunteer choirs and singers of all levels.
• Knowledge of the Church's liturgical tradition and current liturgical practices, including mass parts, liturgical feasts, calendar and norms.
• Strong interpersonal skills including the ability to work collaboratively.
• 3 to 5 years previous experience as a Director of Music in a Catholic church is preferred.
• A deep religious commitment to the Catholic faith.

PROFILE FOR SUCCESS
• Required to collaborate regularly with the Pastor and clergy of St. Leo to establish and implement the vision in the various areas of this ministry.
• Openness to understand and enrich the vision of the Disciples of the Hearts of Jesus and Mary in the parish.
• Awareness and working knowledge of the universal liturgical law as it pertains to Sacred Music and the Holy Mass ie: General Instruction of the Roman Missal, Musicam Sacram, Sacrosanctum Concilium, Sing To The Lord (USCCB) as well as any diocesan norms as may be communicated from time to time by the diocesan curia
• Works collaboratively with others on the staff and seeks out opportunities for cooperation between various parish programs.
• Demonstrates good leadership skills.
• Ability to recruit volunteers, form teams and delegate responsibilities appropriately. Interest in involving children and families in new choirs.
• Sets long-term and yearly goals for the ministry in collaboration with the Pastor.
• Creativity, desire to learn and grow with the job over time.
• Have a plan for personal ongoing formation, both musically and spiritually.
• Good communicator. Replies promptly to emails and shares information with volunteers clearly and in a timely manner.
• Solid project management and problem-solving skills.
• Knowledgeable of diocesan programs, requirements and initiatives. Have a spirit of collaboration at the diocesan and deanery levels.

CODE OF CONDUCT
The employee is expected to be a practicing Catholic in good standing with the Catholic Church and an active member of a Roman Catholic Parish.
As all Diocesan employees represent the Roman Catholic Church, they are expected to conduct themselves according to the teachings, goals and mission of the Church in performing their work. Every employee of St. Leo Catholic Parish is expected to model virtue and justice:
• Create a warm, welcoming, positive and cheerful workplace for both staff and parishioners.
• Foster respect and dignity of all, do not gossip, do not slander or malign others.
• Embrace a spirit of docility, obedience, and accept the leadership and vision of the Pastor.
• Maintain confidentiality in all aspects of the job.
• Demonstrate reliability, punctuality and personal integrity, personal issues do not interfere with managing work responsibilities
• Adhere to business professional dress code

Resume, covering letter and references to be submitted to office@stleostamford.org.

About the Employer

At St. Leo Parish in Stamford, Connecticut, we strive to be a vibrant, welcoming Catholic community rooted in the love of Christ.
Our parish is dedicated to growing in faith, serving others, and celebrating the sacraments together. We invite you to join us in worship, participate in our ministries, and discover the many ways God is at work within our community.