Director of Music Position Available In Albany, New York

Director of Music

Location:

St. John the

Evangelist Catholic Church Address:

806 Union Street, Schenectady, NY 12308

Reports To:

Pastor Summary:

The Director of Music at St. John’s is responsible for overseeing the components of the parish’s liturgical music ministry and enhancing the liturgical and spiritual life of the parish through music. This job requires advanced musicianship and strong administrative and leadership skills. The main responsibilities include playing the organ and/or piano at all scheduled Masses, auditioning members of the present as well as future choir, exploring the possibility of starting a youth choir, beginning a program for cantors and other musicians, planning music for weekend Masses and Holy Day Masses, and being available for all Eucharistic and non-Eucharistic Wedding and Funeral celebrations. Work is performed under the supervision of the Pastor and collaboratively with parish staff, volunteers, musicians, and the Liturgy Committee.

Functions/Responsibilities:

Summary of Essential Job Functions Preferred Education:

Bachelor’s and/or Master’s Degrees in Musicology and/or Organ/Piano Recital Perform, coordinate, and lead music for all Liturgical Celebrations, including weekend Masses, Holy Days, Weddings, Funerals, and other planned liturgies (right of first refusal to play at Funerals and Weddings)
Before and after each weekend Mass and Holy Day Masses play a 10 minute Prelude(s) and 3 minute Postlude
Sing while simultaneously playing the organ or piano Schedule cantors, choir, and other musicians for weekend Masses, Holy Days, and other planned liturgies
Rehearse and direct the Choir(s) and Cantors
Coordinate the maintenance and repairs of parish musical instruments
Regular consultation with the Pastor
Schedule and communicate with substitute musicians as needed
Foster an environment of spiritual growth through music
Be an involved member with the Albany Chapter of the National Association of Pastoral Musicians (NPM) and encourage participation by parish musicians

Required Skills:

Required Skills and Abilities Advanced proficiency in playing the organ and piano
Strong vocal skills, with the ability to sing while playing
Basic ability to sight read music
Expectation of mastery of music and quality performances
Knowledge of music for the Roman Catholic liturgy, including traditional and contemporary repertoires
Working knowledge of Catholic Church documents on sacred music and particular diocesan policies regarding music
Basic ability to improvise; to quickly start and stop the music depending on the liturgical action as well as to do simple arrangements of music, such as including different instruments or harmonies Administrative Skills Notable organizational and time management skills (i.e. for efficient and effective choir rehearsals)
Ability to plan and coordinate multiple events simultaneously
Strong leadership and team building skills
Ability to select program appropriate hymns according to the liturgical season and the Scripture readings
Oversee other musicians (staff and volunteer) and ensembles within the parish
Schedule them for Masses
Oversee the appropriate selection of hymns
Knowledge of the creation and production of the weekly and/or monthly song sheet
Develop and maintain a music selection guide for funerals and weddings
Update and maintain music ministry information on the parish website
Coordinate and collaborate with other parishes for combined liturgies
Coordinate and collaborate with other churches/congregations for interfaith and ecumenical events
Schedule substitute musicians in the absence of the Director of Music and/or other parish musicians and provide with necessary music materials
Available to attend seasonal liturgy committee meetings
Prepare and submit an annual budget
Responsible for purchasing for the music department Qualifications Several years of experience in liturgical music, preferably within a Catholic parish
Strong knowledge and understanding of Catholic liturgy and traditions
Available to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays
Available to respond promptly regarding scheduling and availability for Funerals
Available to arrive at least 30 minutes before scheduled liturgies
Ability to maintain an organized office environment and professional appearance
Available to independently travel to various locations (including offsite meetings, events, etc.) as required by the position

Physical Demands:

Physical abilities (including, but not limited to): Walk from the parish office to the church music areas
Capable of accessing the music areas and church offices Adequate strength and dexterity to arrange the music areas and instruments (i.e. use the pedals on the piano and organ)
Stamina and endurance to play piano and/or organ for extended periods during rehearsals and liturgies
Ability to lift up to 25 pounds (i.e. to load paper into the copy machine, lift the piano lid, lift the piano bench) ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Preferences:

Preferred Skills and Abilities Basic knowledge of music notation software
Proficient ability to use office equipment (i.e. computer, copy machine)

Additional Information:

Employment is contingent on the successful completion of a required background check, diocesan safe environment training, and reference check.

Hours:

 Approximately 25 hours per week

Exempt/Non-Exempt:

Exempt Salary Range:

$30,000 – $35,000 per year