Job Summary:
We are seeking someone who has joyfully encountered Christ through the beauty of the Liturgy. Music allows the prayer of the Church to resonate in the hearts of the faithful, making music an integral part of the spiritual formation of the parish and an expression of our shared beliefs. The Music Director develops the musical skill and culture of the parish in order to provide music for the liturgical and devotional life of the parish.

Duties and Responsibilities:
1. Schedule music and people for parish events.
a. Select hymns and music according to their liturgical, pastoral, and musical appropriateness. (You’ll start by selecting our hymnals.)
b. Recruit, schedule, and train singers, musicians, and sound technicians.
c. Develop choirs and cantors for the weekend Masses, including a children’s choir, a schola for special events, and a youth choir to lead music on youth retreats.
d. Collaborate with the pastor to elevate the dignity of the liturgy and promote the devotional life of the congregation.
2. Lead rehearsals.
a. Develop the community’s musical skills through choir practices and individual coaching.
b. Make the music program a means of evangelization and discipleship by communicating the Church's teachings, especially those teachings related to music and liturgy.
3. Perform music prayerfully and with great skill.
a. Act as the primary keyboard accompanist (piano and/or organ) for all parish liturgies.
b. Personally lead music for four Masses each weekend and ensure that someone provides music for all the major liturgies and devotions.
c. Provide music for other liturgical events at the parish, including but not limited to the celebration of the Office of Readings as a vigil to various feasts and solemnities throughout the year, Stations of the Cross, Confirmation Masses, First Communion Masses, and other major Masses throughout the year.
4. Other duties as assigned, including but not limited to:
a. Coordinate and provide music for funerals and weddings
b. Maintain the sound system, piano, and organ.
c. Collaborate and coordinate with other parish and diocesan employees.
d. Manage the music ministry budget.

Preferred Qualifications:
● Bachelor’s Degree in Music, e.g. keyboard, voice, conducting, music education, etc.
● Extensive knowledge and appreciation for Catholic sacred music, including but not limited to Gregorian chant, polyphony, hymnody, and a variety of compositions of Mass parts.
● Ability to teach about Church and Papal documents related to sacred music.
● Demonstrated ability to conduct and coach vocalists, accompanists, and connect with and challenge people of all musical levels.
● Strong organizational and interpersonal skills must be evident.

Physical Requirements:
Frequent public speaking, walking, standing, sitting, bending, and working with others. As well as operating standard office equipment, and exposure to the noise of happy children.

Other Considerations
The beauty handed on to us in the traditions of the Roman Rite is an inestimable treasure. Sacred Music is an essential part of our participation in the Sacrifice of Christ. Our current program is run by a devoted and skilled community of volunteers. It will take some time to build a musical culture, but the potential here is beyond belief. Our current choir members form a solid foundation. The school’s music teacher is eager to incorporate Sacred Music into the curriculum and help prepare the children. Music is a key piece of the puzzle to continue to make Ave Maria a great and beautiful parish. We currently have two anticipatory and five Sunday Masses; we hope to have one Mass on Sunday with magnificent music, one Mass with very simple music, and to allow the other Masses to develop something in between. With the support of the pastor, staff and volunteers, we hope to make this a team effort. You are not alone in this endeavor.

Building a music program is a time-consuming and challenging project. We, as a parish, want to invest in you by offering you opportunities for prayer, continuing education, personal retreat and leadership development. You are encouraged to spend one hour of each workday in prayer. The parish will pay for you to take a class through the Augustine Institute or the Denver Biblical School. As a staff, we value teamwork and collaboration

The employee is expected to be a practicing Catholic in good standing, faithful to the Magisterium of the Roman Catholic Church, and an active member of a parish. Thus, they are expected to conduct themselves according to the teachings, goals, and mission of the Church modeling Christian virtues in every aspect of their lives. Every employee must undergo a background check and training with Diocesan Standards.

This description is not intended, and should not be construed, to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, efforts, or working conditions associated with this job. It is intended to be an accurate reflection of the principal job elements essential for making compensation decisions.

Job Title: Music Director for Ave Maria Catholic Parish
Reports to: Pastor
Supervises: Volunteers, and paid musicians
FLSA: Exempt; Full-time, with benefits
Salary: $50K-$70K depending on education and experience
Schedule: Saturday through Wednesday, with frequent evening events.
Submit applications by June 24, 2021
Start: July/August 2021


For application instructions go to:
https://www.avemariacatholicparish.org/job-opportunities.html