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Music Program Director Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

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Music Program Director information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$33.6K

$89K

$155.9K

How much do music program director jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for music program director in Seattle, WA is $88,989.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $60,300.00 and $105,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a music program director do?

A Music Program Director oversees the planning, development, and management of music programs for organizations such as radio stations, schools, or community centers. Their responsibilities include selecting music, managing staff or volunteers, coordinating events, and ensuring the program aligns with organizational goals and audience preferences. They often collaborate with artists, educators, and other stakeholders to create engaging and diverse musical experiences. Additionally, they may handle budgeting, marketing, and program evaluation to ensure the success and sustainability of their music programs.

How does a music program director typically collaborate with faculty and guest artists to enhance program offerings?

A Music Program Director works closely with faculty to design and update curriculum, ensuring it aligns with current industry standards and student interests. They often coordinate with guest artists for masterclasses, workshops, and performances, enriching students' learning experiences and networking opportunities. Regular meetings and open communication with both faculty and guest artists are essential for scheduling, planning events, and integrating new ideas into the program. This collaborative approach fosters a dynamic and engaging environment that benefits both students and staff.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a music program director, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Music Program Director, you need a strong background in music theory, education, and program management, typically supported by a degree in music or music education. Familiarity with music production software, digital audio workstations, and scheduling or budgeting systems is often required. Leadership, creativity, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for inspiring staff, collaborating with stakeholders, and engaging participants. These skills and qualities are essential for delivering high-quality music programs that foster growth and engagement within educational or community settings.

What is the difference between Music Program Director vs Music Instructor?

AspectMusic Program DirectorMusic Instructor
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in music or education, plus experience in program managementUsually needs a music degree or certification, with teaching credentials preferred
Work EnvironmentOversees multiple programs, manages staff, and coordinates events in educational or community settingsTeaches individual or group lessons in schools, studios, or community centers
Employer & Industry UsageFound in schools, arts organizations, and community programsCommonly employed in schools, private studios, and music academies

The main difference is that a Music Program Director manages and oversees music programs and staff, focusing on administration and program development. In contrast, a Music Instructor primarily focuses on teaching music skills directly to students. Both roles require music knowledge and relevant credentials, but their responsibilities and work environments differ significantly.

Infographic showing various Music Program Director job openings in Seattle, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $88,989 per year, or $42.8 per hour.

Music Director

Seattle, WA โ€ข On-site

$68K - $80K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post hasย expired 3 days ago.ย Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Job Details

Job Location: 0023 St. Joseph Parish, Seattle - Seattle, WA 98112 Position Type: Full Time Salary Range: $68,000.00 - $80,000.00 Salary/year POSITION PURPOSE The purpose of this position is to animate and coordinate a high quality music program for the parish family of St. Joseph and St. Therese in Seattle, Washington. Candidates with a passion for social justice and the unique ability to honor a multiplicity of cultures and voices are strongly encouraged to apply.

This position is grounded in the Vatican II understanding that "liturgy is the summit toward which the activity of this parish is directed" and "also the fount from which" all outreach flows. MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Collaborates with the pastoral leader, ministerial staff and consultative bodies in implementing the mission of the parish family. Works with pastoral staff reporting to the Directory of Pastoral Ministries, consultative bodies, and multicultural ministry teams to integrate diverse musical traditions.

Oversees and coordinates the development and implementation of a quality liturgical music program for the parish family by promoting collaboration between parish campuses, maintaining and nurturing current musical traditions, and introducing new, appropriate high quality music to foster the community's spiritual growth and facilitate parishioners' full participation in liturgies.

Serves as parish staff liaison to music staff at parish family schools, with attention to the goals of increasing youth involvement in musical life of the parish, promoting collaboration between parish campuses and educational communities, and inspiring the creation of a unified parish family. Ensures music is appropriate to Roman Catholic worship for all liturgies in the parish family, as well as other designated liturgical services, including funerals and weddings.

Selects, directs and prepares music for liturgies primarily on the St. Joseph campus. Recruits, hires, supervises, and schedules volunteers, stipended staff and ministerial staff involved in music. Develops, manages and operates within the budget for Music. Coordinates with the Director of Operations and Facilities Manager on the maintenance of all music and sound equipment. Coordinates with outside vendors on the maintenance of all musical instruments.

Coordinates and consults with the pastoral leader and, when appropriate, other members of the staff, to plan music for seasonal and special sacramental celebrations (Advent/Christmas, Lent/Easter/Pentecost, holy days, reconciliation services, confirmation, Novena of Grace, etc.) Consults with parish family couples preparing for marriage to help prepare the music for their wedding, ensuring quality liturgical music and assisting them in finding qualified musicians.

Available to consult with families in preparing music for parish family funeral liturgies. Provides music for these funerals as needed. Approve all non-parish musicians sought for weddings, funerals and other special liturgies. Coordinates with pastoral staff to prepare weekly and Holy Days worship aids/bulletins and ensures appropriate copyright permissions and fees. Serves as a resource to other staff members for music consultation, providing any necessary music graphics for publications.

Maintains a current level of knowledge and skill required to function as Pastoral Assistant for Music within the Roman Catholic liturgical tradition and cultural traditions represented in this parish family. This is accomplished by reading, attending workshops, conferences and liturgical events. The PA for Music also participates in regional, archdiocesan and professional organizations, as approved by Pastoral Coordinator and as appropriate.

Approves and coordinates all outside requests to use the church space for concerts and other arts events consistent with the mission of the parish, and works to ensure the staffing of those events in conjunction with office staff. Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Must have a strong knowledge of the Roman Catholic liturgy and practices. Must have a bachelor's degree in music (or equivalent), 1โ€“3 years of pastoral experience, expertise in piano or organ, and 1-3 years of experience in choir direction with a demonstrated ability to nurture and foster each musician's musical growth. Must have demonstrated experience in supporting culturally responsive programming and/or serving culturally diverse communities. Must demonstrate the ability to work pastorally with musicians with a wide range of musical skill levels. Candidates must demonstrate an ability to foster a collaborative and spiritually engaging environment, often bridging traditional, classical, and contemporary styles. Eligible candidates must possess a vehicle, valid Washington Driver's license and insurance to travel throughout the Archdiocese of Seattle.

Benefits

Eligible positions receive a comprehensive package of benefits including medical, dental, vision, life, accidental death and disability, long term disability, pension, 403(b), HSA, FSA, and generous sick leave, vacation and holidays. Salary Any offered salary is determined based on internal equity, internal salary ranges, market data, applicant's skills and prior relevant experience, certain degrees and certifications.