Director of Sacred Music
Summary:
The Director of Sacred Music is a full-time, professional position with two essential roles, to provide music for major diocesan liturgies in collaboration with the Bishop’s Principal Master of Ceremonies and to provide formation for parish musicians. The roles are related: the Director will model excellence in liturgical music at diocesan liturgies to demonstrate a beauty that evangelizes. The “lighthouse” for this beauty is the teaching of the Second Vatican Council in
Sacrosanctum Concilium. This position requires artistic expertise, pastoral leadership, and administrative detail to enhance the spiritual life of the Diocese through music.
Essential Job Functions
Major Diocesan Liturgies
- Plan, prepare, and execute music for all major diocesan events, including but not limited
to ordinations, convocations, retreats, Chrism Mass, Rite of Election, and liturgies
presided over by the bishop, ensuring music reflects Church teachings on liturgy - Effectively communicate and collaborate with diocesan offices for all diocesan events
- Serve as principal conductor for diocesan choirs and ensembles, including the Gospel
Choir, and collaborate with the Priest Director of the Schola Cantorum, the diocesan
audition-based vocal ensemble - Audition, hire, contract, and rehearse musicians for diocesan liturgies, including cantors,
choirs, and instrumentalists - Coordinate with the Bishop’s Principal Master of Ceremonies to prepare worship aids,
programs, and digital content for liturgies, including the tracking and reporting of all
copyright information - Conduct and accompany weekly diocesan choir rehearsals and prepare the choir for
diocesan liturgies deemed appropriate for the diocesan choir - Develop strategies to grow the diocesan choir
- Develop and maintain choral programs, including recruitment, auditions, and formation
for adult, youth, and children’s choirs, as well as diocesan ensembles - Maintain the diocesan choral library
- Prepare the annual sacred music budget, including projections for expenses such as music
purchases, instrument maintenance, personnel costs, events, and professional
development, in collaboration with the Bishop’s Principal Master of Ceremonies
Formation for Parish Musicians - Provide formation for parish musicians, clergy, and volunteers, sharing the Church’s
teachings on sacred music and showing musicians and parishes how to implement it at
the most practical levels - Provide regular, regional workshops and retreats throughout the diocese to encourage
adoption of the Bishop’s vision for a sacred music that evangelizes - Act as a consultant to parishes on hiring musicians, organ consultations, music space
renovations, acoustics, and sound systems - Promote liturgical music education through articles, communications, and events, such as
annual concerts or formation programs - Comprise a list of well-maintained instruments throughout the diocese and coordinate a
concert series throughout the year, incorporating catechesis about the organ’s use in the
sacred liturgy and the purpose of sacred music - Develop and maintain opportunities for the diocesan faithful to experience liturgical
prayer and sacred music throughout the church year - Participate in diocesan committees, staff meetings, and collaborations with external
organizations, serving as an ambassador for sacred music - Other duties as assigned.
Required Competencies - Should strive to personally know, love, and serve Jesus Christ through active
participation in the life of the Catholic Church - Must publicly profess and strive to follow Catholic teachings as proclaimed by the
Magisterium of the Church - Should have strong interpersonal skills, collaborating effectively and joyfully with people
from diverse backgrounds - Contribute to a positive working environment through words and actions, and maintain a
positive and professional demeanor - Demonstrate integrity, a striving for excellence in work
- Excellent organizational and time management abilities, with the capacity to multitask,
prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines - A reputation for honesty, reliability, and professionalism in all interactions
- Ability to effectively work with diocesan staff, parish leaders, and volunteers
- Ability to prioritize tasks in a fast-paced environment with competing demands
- Willingness to adapt to irregular hours, including evenings or weekends, for diocesan
events - Proficient knowledge of the liturgical documents of the Church, including the General
Instruction of the Roman Missal, the Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy, Sancrosanctum
Concilium and the instruction on Music in the Liturgy, Musicam Sacram - Proficient knowledge in the structure of Masses and liturgies
- Proficient knowledge in the selection of hymnody for the Sundays, Feasts and
Solemnities of the Church’s liturgical year - Possess leadership qualities and have confidence in leading a music program
- Ability to foster a sense of reverence and prayer
- Ability to mentor, and to encourage people of all ages to embrace sacred music
- Willingness to attend diocesan meetings as required
- A strong desire and passion in working with volunteers
- Proficient knowledge of Microsoft Office products
- Experience with publishing and layout a plus
Required Education & Experience
Possess one or more of the following academic credentials: - Master’s Degree in Organ Performance
- Master’s Degree in Choral conducting, with advanced proficiency and training in organ
performance - Master’s Degree in Sacred Music, with advanced proficiency in organ performance and
choral conducting - Previous and current experience with organ performance and sacred music will be
considered - Experience in working in a church/chancery environment
Pay Range $85,100 – $92,800
If you are interested in this position, send your resume to: HR@camdendiocese.org