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The Archdiocese of Chicago, the third largest in the United States, serves more than 2.2 million Catholics in 216 parishes in Cook County and Lake County, a geographic area of 1,411square miles. The Archdiocese, pastored by Cardinal Blase J. Cupich, has more than 13,000 employees in its systems and ministries, including Catholic Charities, the region's largest nonprofit social service agency. The Archdiocese also has one of the country's largest seminaries. The Archdiocese's 150+ elementary and secondary schools comprise one of the largest U.S. private school systems. Its schools have received 96 U.S. Department of Education Blue Ribbon Awards.
Job Summary
The director of music is responsible for enabling parishioners to encounter Jesus Christ through the music within the liturgical celebrations and worship experiences of the parish. The director is tasked with ensuring that the liturgical music assists the assembled believers to express the gift of faith that is within them and to bring a spirit of unity through music into the celebration. The director is responsible for development, implementation, evaluation and ongoing improvement of the parish music initiatives. The director must demonstrate strong leadership skills necessary to identify, develop and retain strong teams of volunteer leaders critical to the success of parish ministry.
Essential Job Functions
- Support the annual planning for liturgical seasons, sacramental celebrations, and special liturgies in collaboration with the staff members and parish liturgy committee.
- Coordinate the parish musicians, choirs and cantors to ensure all liturgies are scheduled, well planned, and vibrant.
- Provide training and formation for music ministers and musicians.
- Support the creation of worship aids that are engaging, accessible, and functional to enable all attendees to fully participate in the liturgies and celebrations.
- Maintain equipment and resources for music ministry such as musical instruments, sound equipment, copyrighted material, etc.
- Provide guidance on parish opportunities or concerns regarding music, and help to educate ministers of music, and the congregation in the role of music in vibrant worship.
- Stay informed of current developments in liturgy and in music as well as parish demographics to provide liturgical experiences that are welcoming and inclusive.
- Prepare and coordinate the music ministry budget in collaboration with the Pastor, Director of Operations and other relevant members of the pastoral staff (e.g., Director of Liturgy).
- Ensure that ministry complies with the guidelines for Protecting God's Children for those who minister with and to children in accordance with the Archdiocese of Chicago policies
- Develop and implement tools for improving the quality and vibrancy of prayer and worship in the parish (e.g., welcoming, word, witness and music as benchmarks). •
- Develop a children's choir and music program in coordination with the school, focused on providing musical education and formation to the parish youth.
- Organize and execute at least two parish concerts per year.
Job Requirements
- Previous experience participating in parish music
- Experience leading congregational song, choral conducting, and at least one other musical specialization (piano, guitar, voice)
- Demonstrated ability to collaborate with clergy, staff, parish leaders and volunteers.
- Practicing Catholic with understanding and support for Catholic Church teaching, mission, and values.
- Knowledgeable and comfortable with Church music literature in all forms and styles for the congregation, choirs, vocalists, and instrumentalists.
- Thorough understanding of the musical, liturgical, and pastoral judgments which must be made in selecting music for liturgy; ability to communicate and prioritize the role of music in liturgical worship.
- Comprehensive vision and understanding of evangelization.
- Developed skills in leadership and management; strong commitment to collaboration and teamwork.
- Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills
- Familiarity with technology used for communicating and presenting.
- Ability to work weekends, evening, and as needed.
- Required to work special parish events and religious holidays throughout the year.
Preferred Job Skills and Experience
- Master's Degree in Liturgy, Sacred Music, Pastoral Studies, or equivalent.
- Previous experience leading parish music ministry; ability to plan and evaluate liturgical celebrations in fidelity to the official liturgical books and Catholic liturgical theology.
- Priests, Deacons, Religious, and Lay Ecclesial Ministers are preferred for this position or applicant is open to ongoing formation / education as needed.
- Availability to work weekends as needed.
The Archdiocese of Chicago offers a comprehensive total rewards package to include competitive compensation and benefit programs. Information about our benefit programs is available here.
This position has a salary range of $40,958–$55,415. An employee’s pay within the range is based on relevant education, qualifications, experience, skills, location & business needs.