Music Teacher & Director of Sacred Music

St Joseph Catholic Academy; Town of North Hempstead (IN, NY); On-site; USD 40,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An established educational institution is seeking a passionate Director of Sacred Music and K-8 Music Teacher to enhance its vibrant music program. This full-time role involves coordinating liturgical music and teaching music to students, fostering their intellectual and spiritual growth. The ideal candidate will possess a strong understanding of Catholic teachings and music, along with the ability to inspire students through engaging lessons. Join a supportive community that values education and offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical coverage and retirement plans, while making a meaningful impact in the lives of young learners.

Benefits

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Paid time off

Retirement plans

Generous vacation leave

Paid holidays

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in music or related field preferred.
• Knowledge of Church documents on sacred music is essential.
• Experience in leading sacred music is required.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and implement music for liturgies and school programs.
• Assess student progress and manage classroom behavior.
• Communicate effectively with staff, parents, and students.

Skills

Knowledge of Catholic Church teachings

Instructional methods and curriculum differentiation

Child development knowledge

Classroom management

Effective communication

Technology usage

Critical thinking and planning

Education

Bachelor’s degree in music or related field

Tools

Smart board

Projector

Handheld devices

Job description

Description

The Cathedral of St. Joseph is seeking a Director of Sacred Music for the Cathedral liturgies and a K-8 Music Teacher for the school. This is a full-time position: part-time with the school, part-time with the parish. As Director, this person coordinates, prepares, and implements vocal and instrumental music for the parish. This person is also either an organist or a choral conductor, or both. As a teacher, this person fulfills the mission of the Catholic Church by planning, guiding, and evaluating the learning process of the students within the framework of the school's philosophy, organization, and curriculum. The teacher provides the appropriate learning atmosphere and activities designed to maximize student competencies and skills for intellectual, emotional, physical, social, and spiritual growth. The teacher has decision making responsibilities in keeping with school policies and the Diocesan Administrative Manual. The position is hired and evaluated by the pastor and the principal. Knowledge and experience with Catholic Liberal Education is preferred.

Responsibilities as Music Director:

• Schedule and prepare for all liturgical music: weekend Masses, Holy Days, school Masses, funerals, and weddings. Additionally, work with diocesan personnel for episcopal Masses (Ordinations; Confirmation; Rite of Election; Holy Week; Christmas, etc.).
• Plan music, and recruit, schedule, instruct/rehearse musicians to prepare for all liturgies, including organists, cantors, choir members, and other instrumental musicians. This includes the role of choir conductor.
• Order and maintain inventory of liturgical music supplies for Masses and special events. Preparing guidelines and approved/suggested music for weddings and funerals.
• Assist in planning and executing events for the school music program.
• Regular communication with Pastor and other clergy, parish staff, school staff, and paid and volunteer musicians to confirm plans and rehearsals. This would be primarily by email but may include meetings and phone calls.

Responsibilities as K-8 Music Teacher:

• Perform a variety of duties as assigned by building administration.
• Demonstrate professional responsibility in confidentiality, sound judgment, dress, enforcing diocesan and school policies and general behavior.
• Manage inappropriate behavior and set high behavior standards within the classroom and building.
• Assess and monitor student progress.
• Promote positive relationships and effective communication with all staff, parents, and students.
• Prepare and implement effective lessons using the diocesan standards.
• Supports and upholds the philosophy of Catholic education and the mission of the school.

Knowledge, Abilities, and Skills:

• Knowledge of the basic teachings of the Catholic Church
• Knowledge of subjects taught, instructional methods/strategies, and curriculum differentiation
• Knowledge of child development, learning, and behavior
• Able to manage student behavior in classroom setting
• Able to communicate effectively both written and verbal
• Able to work well with others in the school community
• Skill in handling multiple tasks simultaneously
• Skill in pacing and differentiating instruction
• Skill in motivating and engaging students in the learning process
• Skill in organizing and relating information in an understandable format
• Skill in critical thinking and planning
• The ability to use appropriate technology including computer, smart board, projector, handheld devices, etc.

Requirements and Qualifications:

• Accurate and extensive knowledge of all Church documents pertaining to sacred music within the Ordinary Form of the Roman Rite of the liturgy. Working knowledge of other liturgical documents as well.
• At minimum, a bachelor’s degree in music, musicology, vocal performance, organ performance, or another related field, is preferred, with the chance for more pay if more highly qualified.
• Experience accompanying with the organ, including chant.
• Experience leading and conducting sacred music.
• Understanding of Gregorian chant’s place in liturgy, with appreciation for the Church’s traditional hymnody.
• Thorough knowledge of the musical structure of the Mass.
• Practicing Catholic with ethical standards, personal integrity, and conduct consistent with the morals and teachings of the Catholic Church.

St. Joseph Catholic Academy offers a comprehensive benefits program, including medical, dental and vision plans, STD/LTD fully paid by the employer, retirement plans including a 403b plan and a defined benefit pension plan. Paid time off includes generous Vacation and Sick leaves, plus paid Holidays.

Note: All employees are required to consent to a background check, commit to our Code of Conduct policy, and complete online and in-person training prior to hire.