Director of Music Ministries and Organist

Our Lady Queen of Angels Catholic Church
Position Title
Director of Music Ministries and Organist

FLSA Status
Exempt (Full‑Time / 40 hrs. per week)

Department
Music Ministry

Reports To
Pastor

Pay Range
$85,000 to $95,000

Position Summary
The Director of Music Ministries and Organist is responsible for developing and overseeing a comprehensive music ministry that supports the liturgical, spiritual, and pastoral life of the parish. This role seeks to foster a prayerful and vibrant worshipping community through music rooted in the richness of the Catholic tradition while encouraging active congregational participation and discipleship through sacred music. The Director of Music Ministries oversees all liturgical music, musicians, choirs, and music‑related parish events while collaborating closely with clergy, parish staff, and ministry leaders to support the mission of the parish.

Key Responsibilities

Liturgical Music Leadership: Oversee all music associated with worship, religious education, social ministry, and evangelization within the parish; plan, coordinate, and execute music for all regular and special liturgies throughout the liturgical year; support and strengthen congregational participation in sung prayer and worship; select liturgical music that reflects the richness of Catholic tradition and the needs of the parish community; participate in and collaborate with the Parish Liturgy Committee in planning all regular and special celebrations; serve as accompanist (organ and piano) and/or choir director for regularly scheduled liturgies and major feast days.

Choir & Music Ministry Development: Recruit, train, support, and sustain cantors, accompanists, instrumentalists, and choir members; oversee and provide leadership for the Parish Choir, Schola, Choral Scholars, Parish Ensemble, Sunday Night Contemporary Ensemble, Children’s Choirs, and Handbell Choirs; collaborate with choir directors and ministry leaders in planning and preparing liturgical music; conduct regular rehearsals and planning meetings as needed; evaluate the competence of musicians serving at parish liturgies, weddings, funerals, and special events.

Liturgical Planning & Sacramental Celebrations: Coordinate music for all regular parish liturgies, including:

Weekend Masses

Holy Days and major feast days

Holy Week and Easter celebrations

Christmas liturgies

School liturgies

Sacramental celebrations

Weddings and funerals

Coordinate and prepare worship aids, including parish bulletin inserts and worship programs for special liturgies; manage parish music copyright licenses and reporting requirements.

Music Program Administration: Coordinate and schedule musicians for all liturgies and parish events; oversee acquisition, maintenance, and care of musical instruments, sound equipment, church tower bells, and carillon; supervise concerts and musical events held within the church or parish facilities; coordinate facility usage and staffing for outside musical groups and events; maintain and update the Music Ministry section of the parish website; delegate responsibilities to the Associate Director of Music as needed.

Organ Installation & Parish Music Initiatives: Collaborate with the organ builder during the installation and voicing of the new 3‑manual, 67‑stop pipe organ (approx. September 2026); plan and organize initiatives related to the introduction of the new organ, including:

Dedication services

Concerts and recital series

Educational programs and docent tours

Community and parish publicity efforts

Leadership & Collaboration: Work closely with clergy, parish staff, liturgy committees, and ministry leaders to integrate music into parish life; attend regular parish and diocesan meetings as required; foster collaboration among parish ministries and music leaders; provide pastoral leadership and support to volunteers and ministry participants.

Administrative Responsibilities: Participate in the parish budget process and prepare annual music ministry budgets; maintain records of expenditures and submit requests for major purchases; oversee compensation recommendations and evaluations for parish musicians; assist in developing job descriptions, hiring, and evaluating parish music staff; ensure compliance with diocesan policies and parish procedures.

Continuing Education & Professional Development: Pursue ongoing formation in musical, liturgical, and spiritual areas; attend professional conferences and workshops such as the National Association of Pastoral Musicians (NPM), American Guild of Organists (AGO), or similar organizations; stay current on developments in sacred music and liturgical ministry; participate in annual personal retreat opportunities.

Qualifications

Practicing Catholic in good standing with a strong commitment to the teachings and liturgical life of the Church, familiarity with the norms of the Roman Catholic liturgy or equivalent liturgical experience.

Master of Music (MM) in Organ Performance, Choral Conducting or Sacred Music preferred.

Minimum three consecutive years of experience in liturgical music.

Demonstrated proficiency in organ and piano performance.

Strong choral directing and vocal leadership skills.

Knowledge of Catholic liturgy, liturgical documents, and sacred music repertoire.

Excellent leadership, organizational, and interpersonal communication skills.

Ability to recruit, mentor, and manage volunteers and musicians.

Ability to work evenings, weekends, and major liturgical celebrations as required.

Proficiency in Office 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and music notation software (Dorico, Sibelius, or equivalent).

Requirements

An active liturgical musician or equivalent experience.

Ability to multitask and work both independently and collaboratively.

High level of professionalism.

Ability to inspire and lead congregational worship.

Strong pastoral sensitivity and collaborative leadership style.

Excellent organizational and planning abilities.

Ability to prioritize and to be flexible.

Commitment to fostering a prayerful and welcoming parish environment.

Ability to balance artistic excellence with pastoral needs.

Fluent in English both written and oral.

Work Environment

The position primarily involves work in an office setting, requiring frequent use of standard office equipment such as computers, telephones, printers, credit card terminals, postage machines, and filing systems.

Occasional evening and weekend work may be required to support department programs, operational needs, or campus events.

Must be available to adjust the work schedule as needed to meet organizational deadlines, operational demands, ministry activities or special projects.

Regular interaction with students, staff, faculty, volunteer groups and visitors in a professional and faith‑based environment.

Some local travel may be required for meetings, training, or work‑related events.

Physical Requirements

Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.

Frequent standing, walking, conducting rehearsals, and navigating parish facilities.

Ability to play organ and piano for extended periods.

Must be able to lift and move music equipment or materials up to 25 pounds.

Must be able to access and navigate all parish facilities and worship spaces.

Compensation
Salary and benefits are commensurate with experience and in accordance with diocesan guidelines.

Benefits Included, But Not Limited To

Medical

Dental

Vision

Life Insurance

403(b)

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