Director of Sacred Music
Diocese of Camden, Camden, NJ, United States
The Director of Sacred Music is a full-time, professional position with two essential roles, to provide music for major diocesan liturgies in collaboration with the Bishop’s Principal Master of Ceremonies and to provide formation for parish musicians. The roles are related: the Director will model excellence in liturgical music at diocesan liturgies to demonstrate a beauty that evangelizes. The “lighthouse” for this beauty is the teaching of the Second Vatican Council in Sacrosanctum Concilium. This position requires artistic expertise, pastoral leadership, and administrative detail to enhance the spiritual life of the Diocese through music.
Essential Job Functions
Plan, prepare, and execute music for all major diocesan events, including but not limited to ordinations, convocations, retreats, Chrism Mass, Rite of Election, and liturgies presided over by the bishop, ensuring music reflects Church teachings on liturgy
Effectively communicate and collaborate with diocesan offices for all diocesan events
Serve as principal conductor for diocesan choirs and ensembles, including the Gospel Choir, and collaborate with the Priest Director of the Schola Cantorum, the diocesan audition-based vocal ensemble
Audition, hire, contract, and rehearse musicians for diocesan liturgies, including cantors, choirs, and instrumentalists
Coordinate with the Bishop’s Principal Master of Ceremonies to prepare worship aids, programs, and digital content for liturgies, including the tracking and reporting of all copyright information
Conduct and accompany weekly diocesan choir rehearsals and prepare the choir for diocesan liturgies deemed appropriate for the diocesan choir
Develop strategies to grow the diocesan choir
Develop and maintain choral programs, including recruitment, auditions, and formation for adult, youth, and children's choirs, as well as diocesan ensembles
Maintain the diocesan choral library
Prepare the annual sacred music budget, including projections for expenses such as music purchases, instrument maintenance, personnel costs, events, and professional development, in collaboration with the Bishop’s Principal Master of Ceremonies
Formation for Parish Musicians
Provide formation for parish musicians, clergy, and volunteers, sharing the Church’s teachings on sacred music and showing musicians and parishes how to implement it at the most practical levels
Provide regular, regional workshops and retreats throughout the diocese to encourage adoption of the Bishop’s vision for a sacred music that evangelizes
Act as a consultant to parishes on hiring musicians, organ consultations, music space renovations, acoustics, and sound systems
Promote liturgical music education through articles, communications, and events, such as annual concerts or formation programs
Comprise a list of well‑maintained instruments throughout the diocese and coordinate a concert series throughout the year, incorporating catechesis about the organ’s use in the sacred liturgy and the purpose of sacred music
Develop and maintain opportunities for the diocesan faithful to experience liturgical prayer and sacred music throughout the church year
Participate in diocesan committees, staff meetings, and collaborations with external organizations, serving as an ambassador for sacred music
Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
Should strive to personally know, love, and serve Jesus Christ through active participation in the life of the Catholic Church
Must publicly profess and strive to follow Catholic teachings as proclaimed by the Magisterium of the Church
Should have strong interpersonal skills, collaborating effectively and joyfully with people from diverse backgrounds
Contribute to a positive working environment through words and actions, and maintain a positive and professional demeanor
Demonstrate integrity, a striving for excellence in work
Excellent organizational and time management abilities, with the capacity to multitask, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines
A reputation for honesty, reliability, and professionalism in all interactions
Ability to effectively work with diocesan staff, parish leaders, and volunteers
Ability to prioritize tasks in a fast‑paced environment with competing demands
Willingness to adapt to irregular hours, including evenings or weekends, for diocesan events
Proficient knowledge of the liturgical documents of the Church, including the General Instruction of the Roman Missal, the Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy, Sancrosanctum Concilium and the instruction on Music in the Liturgy, Musicam Sacram
Proficient knowledge in the structure of Masses and liturgies
Proficient knowledge in the selection of hymnody for the Sundays, Feasts and Solemnities of the Church’s liturgical year
Possess leadership qualities and have confidence in leading a music program
Ability to foster a sense of reverence and prayer
Ability to mentor, and to encourage people of all ages to embrace sacred music
Willingness to attend diocesan meetings as required
A strong desire and passion in working with volunteers
Proficient knowledge of Microsoft Office products
Experience with publishing and layout a plus
Required Education & Experience
Master’s Degree in Organ Performance
Master’s Degree in Choral conducting, with advanced proficiency and training in organ performance
Master’s Degree in Sacred Music, with advanced proficiency in organ performance and choral conducting
Previous and current experience with organ performance and sacred music will be considered
Experience in working in a church/chancery environment
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Essential Job Functions
Plan, prepare, and execute music for all major diocesan events, including but not limited to ordinations, convocations, retreats, Chrism Mass, Rite of Election, and liturgies presided over by the bishop, ensuring music reflects Church teachings on liturgy
Effectively communicate and collaborate with diocesan offices for all diocesan events
Serve as principal conductor for diocesan choirs and ensembles, including the Gospel Choir, and collaborate with the Priest Director of the Schola Cantorum, the diocesan audition-based vocal ensemble
Audition, hire, contract, and rehearse musicians for diocesan liturgies, including cantors, choirs, and instrumentalists
Coordinate with the Bishop’s Principal Master of Ceremonies to prepare worship aids, programs, and digital content for liturgies, including the tracking and reporting of all copyright information
Conduct and accompany weekly diocesan choir rehearsals and prepare the choir for diocesan liturgies deemed appropriate for the diocesan choir
Develop strategies to grow the diocesan choir
Develop and maintain choral programs, including recruitment, auditions, and formation for adult, youth, and children's choirs, as well as diocesan ensembles
Maintain the diocesan choral library
Prepare the annual sacred music budget, including projections for expenses such as music purchases, instrument maintenance, personnel costs, events, and professional development, in collaboration with the Bishop’s Principal Master of Ceremonies
Formation for Parish Musicians
Provide formation for parish musicians, clergy, and volunteers, sharing the Church’s teachings on sacred music and showing musicians and parishes how to implement it at the most practical levels
Provide regular, regional workshops and retreats throughout the diocese to encourage adoption of the Bishop’s vision for a sacred music that evangelizes
Act as a consultant to parishes on hiring musicians, organ consultations, music space renovations, acoustics, and sound systems
Promote liturgical music education through articles, communications, and events, such as annual concerts or formation programs
Comprise a list of well‑maintained instruments throughout the diocese and coordinate a concert series throughout the year, incorporating catechesis about the organ’s use in the sacred liturgy and the purpose of sacred music
Develop and maintain opportunities for the diocesan faithful to experience liturgical prayer and sacred music throughout the church year
Participate in diocesan committees, staff meetings, and collaborations with external organizations, serving as an ambassador for sacred music
Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
Should strive to personally know, love, and serve Jesus Christ through active participation in the life of the Catholic Church
Must publicly profess and strive to follow Catholic teachings as proclaimed by the Magisterium of the Church
Should have strong interpersonal skills, collaborating effectively and joyfully with people from diverse backgrounds
Contribute to a positive working environment through words and actions, and maintain a positive and professional demeanor
Demonstrate integrity, a striving for excellence in work
Excellent organizational and time management abilities, with the capacity to multitask, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines
A reputation for honesty, reliability, and professionalism in all interactions
Ability to effectively work with diocesan staff, parish leaders, and volunteers
Ability to prioritize tasks in a fast‑paced environment with competing demands
Willingness to adapt to irregular hours, including evenings or weekends, for diocesan events
Proficient knowledge of the liturgical documents of the Church, including the General Instruction of the Roman Missal, the Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy, Sancrosanctum Concilium and the instruction on Music in the Liturgy, Musicam Sacram
Proficient knowledge in the structure of Masses and liturgies
Proficient knowledge in the selection of hymnody for the Sundays, Feasts and Solemnities of the Church’s liturgical year
Possess leadership qualities and have confidence in leading a music program
Ability to foster a sense of reverence and prayer
Ability to mentor, and to encourage people of all ages to embrace sacred music
Willingness to attend diocesan meetings as required
A strong desire and passion in working with volunteers
Proficient knowledge of Microsoft Office products
Experience with publishing and layout a plus
Required Education & Experience
Master’s Degree in Organ Performance
Master’s Degree in Choral conducting, with advanced proficiency and training in organ performance
Master’s Degree in Sacred Music, with advanced proficiency in organ performance and choral conducting
Previous and current experience with organ performance and sacred music will be considered
Experience in working in a church/chancery environment
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