Director of Music Ministries and Organist

Job Description

Position Title: Director of Music Ministries and Organist
FLSA Status: Exempt (Full-Time / 40 hrs. per week)
Department: Music Ministry
Reports To: Pastor
Pay Range: $85,000 to $95,000

Position Summary
The Director of Music Ministries and Organist is responsible for developing and overseeing a comprehensive music ministry that supports the liturgical, spiritual, and pastoral life of the parish. This role seeks to foster a prayerful and vibrant worshipping community through music rooted in the richness of the Catholic tradition while encouraging active congregational participation and discipleship through sacred music.
The Director of Music Ministries oversees all liturgical music, musicians, choirs, and music-related parish events while collaborating closely with clergy, parish staff, and ministry leaders to support the mission of the parish.
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Key Responsibilities
1. Liturgical Music Leadership
Oversee all music associated with worship, religious education, social ministry, and evangelization within the parish
Plan, coordinate, and execute music for all regular and special liturgies throughout the liturgical year
Support and strengthen congregational participation in sung prayer and worship
Select liturgical music that reflects the richness of Catholic tradition and the needs of the parish community
Participate in and collaborate with the Parish Liturgy Committee in planning all regular and special celebrations
Serve as accompanist (organ and piano) and/or choir director for regularly scheduled liturgies and major feast days

2. Choir & Music Ministry Development
Recruit, train, support, and sustain cantors, accompanists, instrumentalists, and choir members
Oversee and provide leadership for the Parish Choir, Schola, Choral Scholars, Parish Ensemble, Sunday Night Contemporary Ensemble, Children's Choirs, and Handbell Choirs
Collaborate with choir directors and ministry leaders in planning and preparing liturgical music
Conduct regular rehearsals and planning meetings as needed
Evaluate the competence of musicians serving at parish liturgies, weddings, funerals, and special events

3. Liturgical Planning & Sacramental Celebrations
Coordinate music for all regular parish liturgies, including:
Weekend Masses
Holy Days and major feast days
Holy Week and Easter celebrations
Christmas liturgies
School liturgies
Sacramental celebrations
Weddings and funerals
Coordinate and prepare worship aids, including parish bulletin inserts and worship programs for special liturgies
Manage parish music copyright licenses and reporting requirements

4. Music Program Administration
Coordinate and schedule musicians for all liturgies and parish events
Oversee acquisition, maintenance, and care of musical instruments, sound equipment, church tower bells, and carillon
Supervise concerts and musical events held within the church or parish facilities
Coordinate facility usage and staffing for outside musical groups and events
Maintain and update the Music Ministry section of the parish website
Delegate responsibilities to the Associate Director of Music as needed

5. Organ Installation & Parish Music Initiatives
Collaborate with the organ builder during the installation and voicing of the new 3-manual, 67-stop pipe organ (approx. September 2026)
Plan and organize initiatives related to the introduction of the new organ, potentially including:
Dedication services
Concerts and recital series
Educational programs and docent tours
Community and parish publicity efforts

6. Leadership & Collaboration
Work closely with clergy, parish staff, liturgy committees, and ministry leaders to integrate music into parish life
Attend regular parish and diocesan meetings as required
Foster collaboration among parish ministries and music leaders
Provide pastoral leadership and support to volunteers and ministry participants

7. Administrative Responsibilities
Participate in the parish budget process and prepare annual music ministry budgets
Maintain records of expenditures and submit requests for major purchases
Oversee compensation recommendations and evaluations for parish musicians
Assist in developing job descriptions, hiring, and evaluating parish music staff
Ensure compliance with diocesan policies and parish procedures

8. Continuing Education & Professional Development
Pursue ongoing formation in musical, liturgical, and spiritual areas
Attend professional conferences and workshops such as the National Association of Pastoral Musicians (NPM), American Guild of Organists (AGO), or similar organizations
Stay current on developments in sacred music and liturgical ministry
Participate in annual personal retreat opportunities
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Qualifications
Practicing Catholic in good standing with a strong commitment to the teachings and liturgical life of the Church, familiarity with the norms of the Roman Catholic liturgy or equivalent liturgical experience.
Master of Music (MM) in Organ Performance, Choral Conducting or Sacred Music preferred
Minimum three consecutive years of experience in liturgical music
Demonstrated proficiency in organ and piano performance
Strong choral directing and vocal leadership skills
Knowledge of Catholic liturgy, liturgical documents, and sacred music repertoire
Excellent leadership, organizational, and interpersonal communication skills
Ability to recruit, mentor, and manage volunteers and musicians
Ability to work evenings, weekends, and major liturgical celebrations as required
Proficiency in Office 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and music notation software (Dorico, Sibelius, or equivalent)

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Requirements
An active liturgical musician or equivalent experience
Ability to multitask and work both independently and collaboratively
High level of professionalism
Ability to inspire and lead congregational worship
Strong pastoral sensitivity and collaborative leadership style
Excellent organizational and planning abilities
Ability to prioritize and to be flexible
Commitment to fostering a prayerful and welcoming parish environment
Ability to balance artistic excellence with pastoral needs
Fluent in English both written and oral
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Work Environment
The position primarily involves work in an office setting, requiring frequent use of standard office equipment such as computers, telephones, printers, credit card terminals, postage machines, and filing systems.
Occasional evening and weekend work may be required to support department programs, operational needs, or campus events.
Must be available to adjust the work schedule as needed to meet organizational deadlines, operational demands, ministry activities or special projects.
Regular interaction with students, staff, faculty, volunteer groups and visitors in a professional and faith-based environment.
Some local travel may be required for meetings, training, or work-related events.
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Physical Requirements
Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer
Frequent standing, walking, conducting rehearsals, and navigating parish facilities
Ability to play organ and piano for extended periods
Must be able to lift and move music equipment or materials up to 25 pounds
Must be able to access and navigate all parish facilities and worship spaces
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Compensation
Salary and benefits are commensurate with experience and in accordance with diocesan guidelines.
Benefits included, but not limited to:

Medical
Dental
Vision
Life Insurance
403(b)

Please contact email resume and cover letters to Sara Gebhard at sgebhard@olqa.org.

About the Employer

"Let us grow in the image of Christ through the Holy Spirit."