Director of Music – National Shrine of the Little Flower Basilica

The Director of Music provides exceptional musical leadership for the Basilica and National Shrine, overseeing all aspects of the music ministry and ensuring high-quality liturgical celebrations that “nourish spiritual life and reflect the diversity of the parish community.” Responsibilities include directing ensembles, coordinating musicians, planning liturgical music, and caring for the historic Kilgen organ. https://pipeorgandatabase.org/instruments/9044

Liturgical Responsibilities

Plan, prepare, and lead music for 8+ weekly liturgies, including Sunday Masses (7:30, 9:30, 11:30 AM; 6 PM), daily sung Masses (8:30 AM), Saturday Masses (8:30 AM; 4:30 PM Vigil), and all major feasts and sacramental celebrations (weddings, funerals, Holy Days, Triduum, Benediction, Vespers).

Responsibilities

Music & Liturgy

Plan and execute all liturgical music in accord with Church documents (e.g., Musicam Sacram, Sacrosanctum Concilium).

Select repertoire appropriate to seasons and feasts.

Serve as principal conductor for weekend and major liturgies.

Ensembles & Musicians

Direct adult choir, youth/children’s choir, Schola, and cantors.

Recruit, audition, train, and schedule musicians.

Lead rehearsals; develop vocal technique across age groups.

Provide seasonal sacred music concerts.

Administration & Personnel

Supervise paid musicians and volunteers; coordinate contract musicians.

Manage payroll/stipends and conduct annual evaluations.

Oversee music ministry budget, music library, worship aids, and copyright licensing.

Maintain organ, pianos, and other instruments; oversee sound system usage.

Sacramental Coordination

Serve as primary contact for wedding and funeral music; ensure liturgical appropriateness.

Collaborate with clergy, coordinators, and administrative staff.

Collaboration & Communication

Work closely with Rector, Director of Worship, pastoral staff, and Shrine schools.

Participate in staff and liturgy planning meetings.

Coordinate with Diocesan Office of Worship; support sacred music outreach.

Promote music ministry through parish communications.

Professional Development

Maintain and strengthen musical and liturgical skills; participate in professional organizations and conferences.

Qualifications

Required: Master’s degree in Music, Sacred Music, Choral Conducting, Organ Performance, or equivalent experience.

Experience: 3–5+ years directing choral music in church, cathedral, university, or similar setting; experience with traditional and contemporary sacred repertoire.

Skills: Proficient organist; strong piano/vocal accompanying; excellent choral and instrumental conducting; strong theory, sight-reading, arranging; familiarity with chant, polyphony, and Catholic liturgy.

Technical: Microsoft 365; notation software (Finale, Sibelius, Dorico); basic sound equipment knowledge.

Faith & Character: Practicing Catholic preferred; must uphold Church teachings, complete Safe Environment requirements, and maintain confidentiality.

For more information, or to apply, please email Msgr. Charles Kosanke: ckosanke@shrinehurch.com