Full Time Music Director

Diocese of Austin; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 40,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Diocese of Austin seeks a Music Director to plan, coordinate, and provide liturgical music for parish and family celebrations. The role collaborates with the Pastor and reports to the Parish Business Administrator, overseeing choirs, cantors, accompanists, and other ministers.

The ideal candidate has a BA in music and at least three years in parish music ministry, with strong piano skills and fluency in English and Spanish.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in music.
• At least three (3) years of experience in Catholic parish music ministry.
• Proficient in piano.
• Proficient in English and Spanish (speaking, reading, and writing).

Responsibilities

• Coordinate liturgically appropriate music for parish liturgies and celebrations.
• Recruit, mentor, lead, and schedule choirs, cantors, and accompanists.
• Conduct weekly choir rehearsals in English and Spanish.
• Develop and grow a Children's Choir with pastoral approval.
• Maintain ONELICENSE subscription and copyright compliance.

Skills

Choral leadership

Piano proficiency

Bilingual English/Spanish

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Microsoft Office

Google Workspace

Liturgical planning

Education

Bachelor’s degree in music

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Google Workspace

Music-related software

Job description

Job Summary

The Music Director is responsible for planning, coordinating, and providing liturgical music for parish and family celebrations. The Music Director reports administratively to the Parish Business Administrator and collaborates closely with the Pastor in all matters related to liturgical planning and musical leadership.

• As an integral part of your ministry for the Church as carried out in this position, support and uphold the philosophy of Catholic ministry and the mission of the parish in both your professional and personal life.
• Act as a witness to Gospel values by modeling the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church.
• Continuously grow in your ministry by participating in religious ceremonies, training sessions, and reflection activities as directed.
• Coordinate liturgically and seasonally appropriate music for all parish liturgies and family celebrations, including but not limited to: Sunday Masses; Baptisms and Presentations; Quinceañeras and Sweet Sixteens; Weddings; Anniversaries; Funerals and Memorial Masses; Penance Services; Anointing of the Sick; First Communions; Confirmations; Liturgies of the Word with Holy Communion; Blessings celebrated within the context of Mass; Eucharistic Adoration and Benediction; Feasts and Solemnities of the Lord, the Blessed Virgin Mary, and St. Joseph; and the liturgical seasons of Advent, Christmas, Lent, Holy Week, and Easter.
• Plan and provide music for parish retreats, conferences, religious education programs, youth ministry, young adult ministry gatherings, parish missions, and diocesan liturgical celebrations as assigned.
• Recruit, mentor, lead, coordinate, and schedule parish choirs, cantors, accompanists, and other music ministers.
• Conduct weekly choir rehearsals in English and Spanish that foster musical excellence, liturgical formation, and spiritual growth.
• Promote the full, conscious, and active participation of the assembly by selecting and leading sacred music that enhances the liturgical celebration and deepens the congregation's understanding of the role of music in divine worship.
• Recruit, train, and schedule qualified accompanists, cantors, singers, and instrumentalists for parish liturgies, conducting ministry recruitment and scheduling at least twice each year.
• Offer piano instruction to interested parishioners with the approval of the Pastor.
• Introduce, teach, and implement new Mass settings in collaboration with the Pastor, ensuring that musicians and the assembly are properly prepared for their use.
• Develop, direct, and grow a Children's Choir, with the approval of the Pastor, by recruiting members, planning rehearsals, and leading the choir at designated parish liturgies and special events.

Administrative Duties

• Attend Liturgy Committee meetings as a non‑voting member and provide professional input on matters related to sacred music and liturgical planning.
• Participate in weekly parish staff meetings and other meetings as requested.
• Prepare, manage, and administer the annual music ministry budget, including coordinating the purchase of music, instruments, equipment, and other ministry supplies.
• Submit music selections to the Pastor for review and approval, when requested, and meet all established planning and submission deadlines.
• Prepare and submit detailed weekly rehearsal plans and piano lesson schedules to the Pastor.
• Arrive sufficiently early for choir rehearsals and liturgical celebrations to ensure adequate preparation and remain until all choir members have safely departed and rehearsal or ministry responsibilities have concluded.
• Maintain an active and current ONELICENSE subscription and ensure compliance with all applicable copyright and licensing requirements.
• Prepare, manage, and operate digital presentation slides for congregational music, liturgical responses, and other approved worship materials.
• Maintain a work schedule that ensures availability and responsiveness to Parish Staff, parishioners, volunteers, and ministry leaders.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of the structure and basic teachings of the Roman Catholic Church.
• Knowledge of liturgical documents and church music.
• Strong familiarity with Roman Catholic liturgy, including the Roman Missal and General Instruction of the Roman Missal (GIRM), and the ability to integrate their musical requirements.
• Ability to collaborate with clergy, staff, and parishioners in a professional and pastoral manner.
• Ability to lead and organize choirs and cantors.
• Proficient in piano; familiarity with other instruments is preferred.
• Ability to direct vocalists and provide vocal coaching.
• Effective communication and organizational skills.
• Strong customer service orientation.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and professionalism.
• Ability to follow both verbal and written instructions.
• Competency in Microsoft Office Suite and music-related software.
• Familiarity with Google Workspace applications is a plus.
• Proficiency in English and Spanish (speaking, reading, and writing).
• Dependability, responsiveness, and availability are essential.

Minimum Qualifications

• Good understanding of music theory and the ability to read musical notation.
• Bachelor’s degree in music

Experience

• At least three (3) years of experience in Catholic parish music ministry.
• Piano skills are strongly preferred.

Language

• English and Spanish (proficient in conversing, reading, and writing).

Catholic Requirement

• Must be a practicing Roman Catholic in good standing.

Licenses/Certifications

• Valid Texas driver’s license.
• Must remain compliant with the Diocese of Austin Ethics and Integrity in Ministry (EIM) policies throughout employment.

Working Conditions

• All employees of the parish are engaged in ministry and closely tied to the pastor in the exercise of his ministry and obligations to the church.
• The parish is an at‑will employer.
• All buildings and vehicles owned by the parish are tobacco‑free.
• Working in a fast‑paced environment with priorities and plans that may change rapidly.
• Working on evenings, weekends, and holidays is required.
• Will be expected to participate and at times conduct Catholic Christian prayer and liturgical celebrations appropriate to her/his state in life (i.e., lay person).
• Will be required to adhere to established dress codes and conduct standards.
• May be required to use personal or parish vehicles to drive to parishes or other off‑site locations.
• Traveling within and outside the parish to meetings and other events may be required, and travel may include overnight lodging.