I'm not associated with the parish but feel like helping them out, as they're in my diocese. I'm also a part-time DM in the SF Bay Area, and I really like the lifestyle, since it allows for additional work at a school or even some other completely unrelated day job. Walnut Creek is an affluent area where I could imagine the right pastor would be willing to direct funds towards the expansion of the program. Also, they have a nice recent organ with a French console. The city is also 40 minutes from Downtown San Francisco.

By: Diocese of Oakland
Job Title: Director of Music and Contemporary Choir, Principal Accompanist

Department: Ministry Staff

Reports to: Pastor / Pastoral Associate for Administration

Supervises: Volunteers

Classification Level: M-3 ($62,225-$77,740)

FLSA Status: Exempt; part-time position 25 hours

Position Overview

St. John Vianney is a vibrant community of faith seeking a Director of Music who views music as the vessel that carries the Message of the Gospel. We believe that the Liturgy is the “summit toward which the activity of the Church is directed” (Sacrosanctum Concilium). We are looking for a visionary leader to create a robust worship experience that fosters full, conscious, and active participation, ensuring that the beauty of our music always serves the clarity of the Word.

Philosophy of Ministry

The Director of Music at St. John Vianney is more than a performer; they are a liturgical minister. The successful candidate will understand that:

The Vessel: The quality, beauty, and execution of music must be of the highest caliber to honor the liturgy.
The Message: All musical selections must support the teachings of the Church and the scriptural themes of the Message Series and the season, helping parishioners nurture a deep devotion to their Catholic identity and their relationship with Jesus.
The Mission: By perfecting the “vessel,” the Director helps the community realize the depth of their commitment as the People of God.—

Key Responsibilities

1. Liturgical Leadership & Musical Direction

Mass Presence: Prepare and direct music for the Saturday 5:00pm and Sunday 8:30am, 10:30am, and 5:00pm liturgies, as well as Holy Days and special parish celebrations.
Accompanist: During other services, such as baptism, Adoration, reconciliation, Christmas and Easter Holy Days. Weddings and Funerals are extra.
Ensemble Development: Focus on expanding and directing the adult and children’s choirs. Develop programs for the vocal and instrumental skill development of all ministers.
Cantor Formation: Recruit, supervise, and prepare volunteer cantors to serve as effective ministers of the Word through song.
Musical Versatility: Direct and perform a variety of genres (Classical, Contemporary, Gospel, etc.) to complement the diverse liturgical styles of our community.
2. Pastoral & Spiritual Development

Ministry Focus: Ensure all music ministers are grounded in prayer, hospitality, and service, striving for excellence while maintaining a “pastoral heart.”
Faith Education: Collaborate with the Pastor to develop the liturgical consciousness of the assembly. Provide spiritual enrichment and “theology of ministry” training for all music volunteers.
Community Building: Create a rehearsal schedule that fosters community among musicians while enhancing individual performance.
3. Administration & Personnel Management

Staff Collaboration: Actively participate in Pastoral Staff, Strategic Planning, and Message Series meetings. Work closely with the Director of Liturgy and clergy.
Budget & Compliance: Develop and manage the annual music budget. Ensure all copyright licenses (OneLicense, etc.) are upheld and songs are reported accurately.
Production Oversight: Prepare music plans at least one month in advance to support the production of worship aids and digital slides.
Asset Management: Supervise the maintenance and repair of the parish organ, piano, and other instruments.
Safe Environment: Ensure all music volunteers are compliant with Diocesan Safe Environment (Virtus) requirements.
4. Parish Leadership

Mission Alignment: Serve as a positive spokesperson for parish-wide decisions, including new ministries and facility expansion projects.
Professional Growth: Maintain a commitment to ongoing professional development through seminars, retreats, and professional reading.

Qualifications

Faith: An active, practicing Roman Catholic with a deep knowledge of Catholic Liturgy and a passion for the “Message” it carries.
Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Music (Sacred Music, Organ, or Choral Conducting preferred) or equivalent professional experience.
Technical Proficiency: Demonstrated excellence in instrumental performance and choral direction across multiple genres.
Advanced Piano Accompaniment
Moderate to Advanced Organ Skills
Interpersonal Skills: Excellent communication skills with the ability to lead diverse age groups (children through adults).
Organization: Proven ability to organize large-scale events (Parish Concerts) and manage administrative tasks independently with high attention to detail.

Compensation

The position is part time, 25 hours per week; the Diocesan scale is M-3 ($62,225-$77,740). This position includes full benefits, Medical, Dental/Vision and retirement contributions.

Why St. John Vianney?

We offer a collaborative work environment where your musical gifts will directly impact the spiritual life of thousands. Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience, following Diocesan guidelines.

To Apply: Please submit your resume, a cover letter detailing your philosophy of sacred music, and (if available) links to recordings of your work to: Indira Pethebridge, indira@sjvianney.org