Director of Music / Organist - St. Mary in Delaware

Title:

Director of Music
Location:

St Mary in Delaware, Ohio
Full-time:

Benefits eligible
Salary:

45-60k (based on experience)

Position Overview:
St. Mary Catholic Church is seeking a full-time Director of Music/Organist/Choir Director. The ideal candidate will possess strong organ, piano, and conducting skills, along with a background in Catholic liturgical music. A Bachelor's degree in Music is required. The candidate must be able to collaborate effectively with parish staff and organizations. Preference will be given to practicing Catholics.

This is a 40-hour per week salaried position with benefits. Salary is commensurate with education and experience. The position is open immediately or at a mutually agreed-upon start date.

Core Responsibilities

1. Liturgical & Instrumental Leadership
Serve as principal organist and/or pianist for weekend Masses, Holy Days, school liturgies, weddings, funerals, and special celebrations.
Provide preludes, postludes, and service music appropriate to the liturgical seasons
Arrange sheet music (e.g., Source & Summit) for parish liturgies
Study hymns and service music to encourage strong congregational participation
Coordinate bilingual music with the Spanish choir director.
2. Choir & Ensemble Leadership

Direct the adult parish choir (Tuesday evening rehearsals; Sunday 9:00 a.m. Mass).
Develop and build both adult and youth choir programs.
Direct instrumental ensembles and collaborate with parish musicians.
Recruit, train, and retain choir members.
Develop vocal technique, ensemble blend, diction, and conducting precision.
Distribute weekly music packets (typically Mondays via email)
Provide pastoral support and encouragement to choir members and volunteers.
Teach basic music reading, theory, and liturgical context when appropriate.
Foster a collaborative and spiritually grounded rehearsal environment.
Promote understanding of sacred music within Catholic worship
3. Cantor & Musician Coordination

Train and schedule cantors for parish Masses (currently utilizing Google Calendar).
Schedule organists and musicians; coordinate music distribution via email/Google drive
Hire musicians for solemnities, weddings, funerals, and Sunday Masses.
Process monthly musician payment requests.
Coordinate worship aid formatting and approval with parish staff.
4. Weddings & Funerals

Meet with engaged couples to plan wedding music
Hire and coordinate musicians
Attend wedding rehearsals
Maintain and provide funeral music guidelines
Prepare music packets for funeral liturgies in partnership with Funeral Coordinator
5. Administration & Planning

Collaborate with clergy and Liturgy Committee in selecting appropriate liturgical music
Attend weekly staff meetings.
Prepare notes for Liturgy Committee meetings and participate actively
Maintain the parish music library and digital resources
Oversee the music ministry budget in partnership with Business Manager
Coordinate instrument maintenance and tuning
Organ Renovation Oversight
Communicate with parish leadership regarding organ renovation research and updates.
Liaise with organ builders and consultants.
Participate in Church loft renovation planning and execution with Building Committee
Required Skills & Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in music (Master's preferred).
Strong background in Catholic liturgical music.
Proficiency in organ, piano, conducting, and vocal leadership
Evidence of successful choir directing
Ability to work effectively with children and youth.
Skilled in musical arrangement.
Knowledge of basic sound reinforcement systems (mixers, microphones)
Strong organizational, communication, and administrative skills
Basic budgeting and financial management ability
Ability to recruit and retain volunteer musicians
Competency in both traditional and contemporary sacred music styles.