Assistant Director of Music for Children and Youth

Job Description

Saint Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church seeks a faithful, energetic, and skilled Assistant Director of Music to assist in the parish's mission of fostering beautiful and reverent sacred music. The primary responsibility of this position is the establishment, development, direction and growth of the parish' graded children's and youth choir program. The Assistant Director of Music will work collaboratively with the Director of Music and parish staff to cultivate a love for sacred music among young people and to support the broader musical life of the parish.
This position is ideal for an individual who is passionate about Catholic liturgy, music education, and forming young disciples through participation in the Church's rich musical tradition.

Children's and Youth Choir Program
• Direct and develop graded children's choirs and youth choirs.
• Plan and lead regular rehearsals during the academic year.
• Prepare choirs for participation in parish liturgies and special events.
• Teach healthy vocal technique, music literacy, and age-appropriate sacred repertoire.
• Foster a prayerful and joyful rehearsal environment that encourages spiritual and musical growth.
• Recruit and retain choir members through collaboration with parish families, school programs, and faith formation ministries.
• Coordinate choir schedules, music distribution, and communication with parents.

Additional Responsibilities
• Maintain music library materials related to children's and youth choirs.
• Attend music ministry meetings and staff meetings as requested.
• Promote the vision of sacred music articulated in Church documents, including the teachings of the Second Vatican Council and subsequent liturgical guidance.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Director of Music or Pastor.

Qualifications
• Practicing Catholic in good standing with the Church and supportive of Catholic teaching.
• Demonstrated experience in choral directing, music education, or youth music ministry.
• Ability to work effectively with children, youth, parents, volunteers, and parish staff.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.
• Familiarity with Catholic liturgy and sacred music traditions.
• Ability to teach music reading and basic vocal technique.

Preferred Qualifications
• Keyboard and piano proficiency strongly preferred.
• Degree or coursework in music, music education, sacred music, or a related field.
• Experience directing children's choirs in a church or school setting.
• Familiarity with Gregorian chant, hymnody, and quality contemporary sacred music.

Schedule
• Approximately 10-15 hours per week.
• Flexible schedule with regular evening rehearsals and weekend liturgical responsibilities.
• Additional hours may be required during major liturgical seasons and parish events.

Reporting Relationship
The Assistant Director of Music reports directly to the Director of Music and works under the supervision of the Pastor of Saint Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church.

About the Employer

The mission of Saint Mark the Evangelist Catholic Parish (as part of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Birmingham, Alabama) is to respond to God's call to proclaim Jesus Christ as the Eternal Son of the living God. We are witnesses to the Gospel as we announce the death of the Lord, proclaim His resurrection, and await His coming in glory. At the heart of our Christian Community is celebration: of the Word, of the Eucharist, of the Sacraments. We journey with the Holy Spirit as our guide, with Mary, the Mother of God as our model, and in communion with the Holy Father, the Bishop of Rome.