Director of Music Job at Diocese of Gaylord in Traverse City

Position: Director of Music

Organization: Saint Francis of Assisi

Employment Type: Full-time

Location: Traverse City, MI

JOB SUMMARY
The Director of Music proclaims the Gospel primarily through the enhancement of the liturgy through music. The Director is responsible for collaborating with clergy staff, ministry leaders, musicians, and volunteers to plan and execute all parish liturgies. The Director develops and directs a liturgical music program of high quality, providing vision and leadership for both current and future goals of St. Francis of Assisi and its musical life.

The role is a member of the Pastoral Staff and is directly responsible to the Pastor. The Director assists the Priest with overall efforts to ensure parishioners encounter Christ through prayer, the sacraments, and worship. The scope of this role is to discern, plan, prepare, and implement music opportunities for everyone in the parish. The Director supports parish leadership in the planning, execution, and celebration of all parish liturgical celebrations, including sacramental celebrations. The Music Director works with the pastor to oversee the parish music services and liturgical planning programs for all ages and is responsible for the coordination and direction of choir(s) utilized within the parish. Provides musical direction and participation at special parish events that call for live musical performance.

Education and Experience

• Must be a practicing Catholic, in good standing with the Catholic Church.
• Demonstrated knowledge of Roman Catholic liturgy, role of music within the liturgy, familiarity with liturgical documents, the various rites, and music resources, the Roman Missal and Lectionary.
• Bachelor’s degree in music or related field with proficiency in piano skills/organ skills/improvisation skills; master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in Liturgical Music desired.
• Knowledgeable of and comfortable with Church music literature in all forms and styles for the congregation, choirs (adult, teen, and children), vocalists, and instrumentalists.
• 2 years of leadership experience in a parish music program.
• Understanding of the Liturgy and the ability to help plan and coordinate liturgical services within the parish.

Skills and Abilities

• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Leadership, administrative, decision-making, program development, and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office software, the internet, and all basic office equipment.
• Proficiency in basic troubleshooting of any technology issues related to Liturgical music.
• Ability to speak well in public.
• Ability to plan, organize, and meet deadlines.
• Ability to communicate and work effectively with staff, parish, and school community while establishing and maintaining effective relationships.
• Ability to handle multiple projects and priorities as required.
• Attends to personal, spiritual, and professional development.
• Able to dress appropriately for office, liturgical services, and public speaking.

Responsibilities of the Music Director include, but are not limited to:

• Being visibly present at principal parish events, keeping attuned to the living faith and real concerns of parishioners.
• Recruiting and retaining musicians/cantors and making a concerted effort to grow and develop choirs within the parish.
• Submitting annual filings in a timely manner for copyright compliance.
• Developing a synergistic relationship with school leaders and their music programming, fostering unity among other local parish musicians.
• Identifying problems and managing conflicts; giving and receiving constructive criticism.
• Researching and requisitioning resources (hymnals, licensed music offerings/subscriptions) that complement the parish’s Liturgical services in collaboration with the pastor, parish staff, and volunteers.
• Meeting with the Pastor routinely to plan for upcoming Liturgical Events and to identify opportunities to expand/enhance existing parish music offerings.
• Attending and participating in staff and leadership meetings.
• Occasionally writing and submitting articles for the bulletin.
• Coordinating with parish staff to update, promote, and maintain all parish social media and communications as it relates to relevant ministries.
• Ensuring all parish programs follow Diocesan policy regarding protecting children (i.e., Protecting God’s Children, Circle of Grace, etc.).
• Ensuring expenses for all ministries under the job description are in line with the historical budget.
• Implementing diocesan policies and procedures per directives from the Office for Worship and Liturgical Formation.
• Performing duties and responsibilities as assigned by the pastor.

ADA
Physical/Visual/Mental Demands:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, sit, use hands to handle objects, reach with hands and arms, and talk. The person can attend and maintain energy for both morning and evening commitments. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision and distance vision.

Nature of Supervision Received:
Receives minimal supervision. Incumbent must establish priorities and independently set daily objectives to meet deadlines and address urgent situations as they occur.

Typical Working Conditions:
The person in this position will work in the Church with some hours in an office environment; will work alone at times and frequently with a group; normal hours would be 30 hours per week, Wednesday through Sunday. Evening hours are sometimes required. Weekend liturgies take place Saturday evening (Vigil Mass) and Sunday morning and early afternoon.

Judgment Exercised/Decisions Made:
Considerable judgment and independent decision-making is required. Decisions are moderately complex and require the ability to thoroughly investigate, analyze, create, and recommend the proper course of action. Judgment and tact must be used frequently.

Financial Responsibility:
Responsible for effective use of budgeted resources.

Supervision Exercised/Number of Employees Supervised:
Direct supervision – Pastor of St. Francis Assisi