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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 1,411 square 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.
The Director of Music is responsible for enabling parishioners to encounter Jesus Christ through the music within the liturgical celebrations and worship experience 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 developing, implementing, 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 musical instruments.
- Maintain equipment and resources for music ministry such as musical instruments, sound systems, and related materials.
- Provide guidance on parish opportunities or concerts regarding music, and help to educate members of staff, and the congregation in the value of music in vibrant worship.
- Maintain close coordination with clergy and in music as well as parish demographics to properly influence music programming.
- Support development of parish strategic plan in collaboration with the Pastor, Director of Operations and other relevant members of the pastoral staff.
- 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, warm, joyful and engaging).
- Develop a children's choir and music program in connection with the school, focused on providing musical education and formation to the parish youth.
- Study and execute at least two parish concerts per year.
Job Requirements- Previous experience participating in parish music ministry.
- Experience leading congregational song, choral conducting, and at least one other musical specialization (piano, guitar, voice).
Additional Qualifications- 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 judgment required in selecting music for liturgy; ability to communicate and prioritize the role of music in liturgical worship.
- Comprehensive vision and understanding of evangelization.
- Strong leadership and management skills with a commitment to collaboration and teamwork.
- Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.
- Familiarity with technology used for communication and presentations.
- Ability to work weekends, evenings, and 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 official liturgical books and Catholic liturgical theology.
- Priests, Deacons, Religious, and Lay Ecclesial Ministers are preferred, or willingness to pursue ongoing formation/education.
- Availability to work weekends as needed.
- Climbing, stooping, kneeling
- Hand/finger dexterity
- Speaking
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 $42,000-$52,000. An employee's pay within the range is based on relevant education, qualifications, experience, skills, location & business needs.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.