Associate Director of Music and Liturgy

Hours per week: 40

Position Summary:

The Associate Director of Music and Liturgy is a full-time, professional position responsible for supporting the Director in managing and executing all aspects of divine worship for a large, vibrant Catholic parish. This role requires strong musical skills, liturgical knowledge, and technical proficiency.

Key Responsibilities: 

• Providing high-quality organ and piano accompaniment and conducting choirs/ensembles. 
• Managing and coordinating liturgical ministry volunteers and musicians.
• Overseeing liturgical materials, supplies, instruments, and audio/video equipment.
• Assisting with liturgical planning, formation, and technology systems.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Musical and Liturgical Leadership
  • Provide skilled accompaniment (organ/piano) and/or conduct a variety of parish music groups, including vocal choirs, children’s choirs, handbell ensembles, and contemporary music groups, serving both the English and Hispanic communities.
  • Assist the Director in the preparation and development of music and worship resources, ensuring adherence to Roman Catholic liturgical norms.
  • Accompany periodic school Masses during the academic year and assist with the school choir, as requested.
  • Provide musical accompaniment for weddings and funerals, as required.
  • Serves as a back-up to the Director, when needed.
• Volunteer Coordination and Formation
  • Train, schedule, and coordinate liturgical ministry volunteers, e.g., Lectors, Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion, Ushers.
  • Assist in providing ongoing liturgical formation and catechesis for both volunteers and the wider parish community.
• Technology and Administration
  • Maintain, troubleshoot, and improve the parish's technology systems for worship, including sound/PA systems, video recording/broadcast equipment, and general audio/video production.
  • Assist the Director with the general upkeep of instruments, e.g., organ, piano, and maintenance of the music library

Other Duties and Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the Music and Liturgy team on liturgical and sacramental activities.
• Attend parish staff meetings, and Raleigh Deanery and Diocesan meetings, as requested.
• Support other parish staff by providing video and audio resources for various parish events.

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in music or equivalent. Specialized training in organ, sacred music, and music technology is preferred.
• A minimum of two (2) years of professional experience in accompanying and leading liturgical services within a faith-based context.
• Catholic Faith: The ideal candidate is a practicing Catholic who can communicate the faith effectively through words and actions. Thorough knowledge of the Catholic faith and Roman Catholic liturgy is essential.  
• Musical Proficiency: Advanced skill in organ and piano performance and conducting.
• Technical Literacy: Comfort and proficiency with multiple technology platforms, including:
  • • Volunteer management systems
  • • Music notation software, e.g., Finale or Sibelius.
  • • Audio/video equipment and production for live stream/broadcast.
  • • Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Teams, Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
  • • Ability to learn other parish office systems, e.g., MSP, Realm, MIO.
• Communication: Excellent communication, interpersonal, and pedagogical skills, with the proven ability to lead and direct adults and youth from the console/keyboard.
• Organizational Skills: Strong organizational and planning skills with attention to detail.
• Adaptability: Ability to be flexible, demonstrate cultural sensitivity, and thrive in a fast paced, dynamic parish environment.
• Employment is contingent upon applicant satisfactorily passing criminal background and reference checks
• Must complete diocese-sponsored Safe Environment Training after hire.

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Fluency or basic proficiency in the Spanish language is highly desirable but not required.