Associate Director of Music and Liturgy Job at The Catholic Center in Cary

Apply by submitting your cover letter and resume to Shannon Coltrain, Coordinator of Payroll & Benefits at: Scoltrain@stmcary.org

Associate Director of Music and Liturgy

St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church

Employment Type

Full Time

Location

Cary, NC

Posted Date

November 24, 2025

Position Summary

The Associate Director of Music and Liturgy is a full-time, professional position responsible for supporting the Director in managing and executing all aspects of divine worship for a large, vibrant Catholic parish. This role requires strong musical skills, liturgical knowledge, and technical proficiency.

Key Responsibilities

• Providing high-quality organ and piano accompaniment and conducting choirs/ensembles.
• Managing and coordinating liturgical ministry volunteers and musicians.
• Overseeing liturgical materials, supplies, instruments, and audio/video equipment.
• Assisting with liturgical planning, formation, and technology systems.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Musical and Liturgical Leadership
  • Provide skilled accompaniment (organ/piano) and/or conduct a variety of parish music groups, including vocal choirs, children’s choirs, handbell ensembles, and contemporary music groups, serving both the English and Hispanic communities.
  • Assist the Director in the preparation and development of music and worship resources, ensuring adherence to Roman Catholic liturgical norms.
  • Accompany periodic school Masses during the academic year and assist with the school choir, as requested.
  • Provide musical accompaniment for weddings and funerals, as required.
  • Serves as a back-up to the Director, when needed.
• Volunteer Coordination and Formation
  • Train, schedule, and coordinate liturgical ministry volunteers, e.g., Lectors, Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion, Ushers.
  • Assist in providing ongoing liturgical formation and catechesis for both volunteers and the wider parish community.
• Technology and Administration
  • Maintain, troubleshoot, and improve the parish's technology systems for worship, including sound/PA systems, video recording/broadcast equipment, and general audio/video production.
  • Assist the Director with the general upkeep of instruments, e.g., organ, piano, and maintenance of the music library

Other Duties and Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the Music and Liturgy team on liturgical and sacramental activities.
• Attend parish staff meetings, and Raleigh Deanery and Diocesan meetings, as requested.
• Support other parish staff by providing video and audio resources for various parish events.
• Bachelor’s degree in music or equivalent. Specialized training in organ, sacred music, and music technology is preferred.
• A minimum of two (2) years of professional experience in accompanying and leading liturgical services within a faith-based context.
• Catholic Faith: The ideal candidate is a practicing Catholic who can communicate the faith effectively through words and actions. Thorough knowledge of the Catholic faith and Roman Catholic liturgy is essential.
• Musical Proficiency: Advanced skill in organ and piano performance and conducting.
• Technical Literacy: Comfort and proficiency with multiple technology platforms, including:
  • Volunteer management systems
  • Music notation software, e.g., Finale or Sibelius.
  • Audio/video equipment and production for live stream/broadcast.
  • Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Teams, Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
  • Ability to learn other parish office systems, e.g., MSP, Realm, MIO.
• Communication: Excellent communication, interpersonal, and pedagogical skills, with the proven ability to lead and direct adults and youth from the console/keyboard.
• Organizational Skills: Strong organizational and planning skills with attention to detail.
• Adaptability: Ability to be flexible, demonstrate cultural sensitivity, and thrive in a fast paced, dynamic parish environment.
• Employment is contingent upon applicant satisfactorily passing criminal background and reference checks
• Must complete diocese-sponsored Safe Environment Training after hire.

Preferred Qualifications

• Fluency or basic proficiency in the Spanish language is highly desirable but not required.