Music Director – Seven Dolors Parish – August 2025

Job Summary: This professional serves the parish as principal musician, according to the highest standards of musicianship and ministry. They plan, coordinate, recruit and direct liturgical music and music ministers, as well as musically ministering themselves. The ideal candidate must be able to reflect a deep Catholic faith through their direction of the program and be able to work closely with the Pastor, Staff and all relevant vendors and personnel.

Time Commitment: Depending upon the season and timing of various tasks, the music director should expect to work an average of twenty hours per week but might have times that are less or more demanding.

Position Responsibilities:

Planning and preparation of parish liturgical celebrations to include regular weekend and holy day Masses and other events designated by the Pastor, documenting all for evaluation & reuse

Lead parish choirs: plan appropriate music for personnel, schedule mass participation and rehearsals. Recruit and audition new members.

Recruit, audition, train and support parish cantors

Schedule and lead rehearsals for other musicians as necessary

Audition and evaluate accompanists for paid work, report worked time to finance office monthly

Provide regular continuing education for volunteer parish musicians & occasional social gatherings to build relationship and provide fellowship opportunities

Coordinate with families for funerals and weddings

Follow copyright laws and report copyright usage appropriately

Complete ministry schedule ahead of time as designated by Pastor & turn in to office before deadline

Communicate frequently, professionally and promptly with musicians

Communicate professionally and promptly with parishioners and staff when necessary following feedback or questions

Purchase necessary materials mindful of budgetary restrictions and ability of available personnel

Ability to lead liturgical music on your own (i.e. sing while accompanying yourself, preferably on piano) is a plus. The ideal candidate will have the ability to lead one Mass per week alone.

Occasionally introduce new music to parish, providing teaching (must be present)

Maintain the Seven Dolors music library

Oversee music book changes & placement in pews

Maintain the parish-owned musical instruments

Maintain the church choir loft, clean and vacuum once per week

Attend staff meetings as designated by the Pastor

Other duties as assigned by Pastor

Work to understand and follow the Catholic church’s teachings and maintain a lifestyle respectful of such.

Physical Qualifications: Must be able to climb stairs to choir loft and lift as much as 50 pounds

Education / Skills Required: Instrumental musical ability a must! (audition required)

Ability to sight read preferred

Vocal ability preferred (Audition required with Pastor and relevant personnel)

Accompanist ability required (piano preferred)

Ability to conduct required

Ability to teach solfege preferred

Salary: Negotiable depending upon experience & qualifications

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: $15,000.00 - $25,000.00 per year

Expected hours: 15 – 25 per week

Work Location: In person

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