Director of Music

Title: Director of Music Location: St Mary in Delaware, Ohio Full-time: Benefits eligible Salary: 45-60k (based on experience) Position Overview: St. Mary Catholic Church is seeking a full-time Director of Music/Organist/Choir Director. The ideal candidate will possess strong organ, piano, and conducting skills, along with a background in Catholic liturgical music. A Bachelor’s degree in Music is required. The candidate must be able to collaborate effectively with parish staff and organizations. Preference will be given to practicing Catholics. This is a 40-hour per week salaried position with benefits. Salary is commensurate with education and experience. The position is open immediately or at a mutually agreed-upon start date. Core Responsibilities 1. Liturgical & Instrumental Leadership - Serve as principal organist and/or pianist for weekend Masses, Holy Days, school liturgies, weddings, funerals, and special celebrations. - Provide preludes, postludes, and service music appropriate to the liturgical seasons - Arrange sheet music (e.g., Source & Summit) for parish liturgies - Study hymns and service music to encourage strong congregational participation - Coordinate bilingual music with the Spanish choir director. 2. Choir & Ensemble Leadership - Direct the adult parish choir (Tuesday evening rehearsals; Sunday 9:00 a.m. Mass). - Develop and build both adult and youth choir programs. - Direct instrumental ensembles and collaborate with parish musicians. - Recruit, train, and retain choir members. - Develop vocal technique, ensemble blend, diction, and conducting precision. - Distribute weekly music packets (typically Mondays via email) - Provide pastoral support and encouragement to choir members and volunteers. - Teach basic music reading, theory, and liturgical context when appropriate. - Foster a collaborative and spiritually grounded rehearsal environment. - Promote understanding of sacred music within Catholic worship 3. Cantor & Musician Coordination - Train and schedule cantors for parish Masses (currently utilizing Google Calendar). - Schedule organists and musicians; coordinate music distribution via email/Google drive - Hire musicians for solemnities, weddings, funerals, and Sunday Masses. - Process monthly musician payment requests. - Coordinate worship aid formatting and approval with parish staff. 4. Weddings & Funerals - Meet with engaged couples to plan wedding music - Hire and coordinate musicians - Attend wedding rehearsals - Maintain and provide funeral music guidelines - Prepare music packets for funeral liturgies in partnership with Funeral Coordinator 5. Administration & Planning - Collaborate with clergy and Liturgy Committee in selecting appropriate liturgical music - Attend weekly staff meetings. - Prepare notes for Liturgy Committee meetings and participate actively - Maintain the parish music library and digital resources - Oversee the music ministry budget in partnership with Business Manager - Coordinate instrument maintenance and tuning - Organ Renovation Oversight - Communicate with parish leadership regarding organ renovation research and updates. - Liaise with organ builders and consultants. - Participate in Church loft renovation planning and execution with Building Committee Required Skills & Qualifications: - Bachelor’s degree in music (Master’s preferred). - Strong background in Catholic liturgical music. - Proficiency in organ, piano, conducting, and vocal leadership - Evidence of successful choir directing - Ability to work effectively with children and youth. - Skilled in musical arrangement. - Knowledge of basic sound reinforcement systems (mixers, microphones) - Strong organizational, communication, and administrative skills - Basic budgeting and financial management ability - Ability to recruit and retain volunteer musicians - Competency in both traditional and contemporary sacred music styles.