Roman Catholic Music Director

Music Ministry International; Virginia Beach (VA); On-site; USD 12,000 - 24,000; Part time

Job summary

Music Ministry International in Virginia Beach seeks a part-time Catholic Music Director for NAS Oceana chapels to serve as a 1099 contractor. You will lead and coordinate liturgical music for Mass, choir rehearsals, and special events at the Chapel of the Good Shepherd and Dam Neck Annex, ensuring reverent, mission-aligned worship.

The role demands three years of liturgical leadership, sight-reading proficiency, and a bachelor’s in music preferred.

Qualifications

• Three years of experience leading liturgical music in Catholic worship.
• Competency in sight-reading and playing piano while directing a choir.
• Knowledge of Roman Catholic liturgical traditions and willingness to serve in a pluralistic worship environment.
• Bachelor’s degree in music preferred.
• Part-time position with compensation based on budget and experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead and conduct weekly Catholic worship services and choirs.
• Rehearse and direct Catholic choirs, cantors, and instrumental ensembles.
• Plan music for special services and memorial events.
• Consult with Command Chaplain before planning music.
• Arrive 30 minutes before services.
• Coordinate substitutes and schedule with chaplain.
• Submit requests for supplies; manage music resources.

Skills

Liturgical music direction

Choral conducting

Piano accompaniment

Sight reading

Team leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree in music

Job description

The successful candidate for this position will be a 1099 contractor with Music Ministry International and be responsible for the following:

1.0 - BACKGROUND

Naval Air Station (NAS) Oceana - located in Virginia Beach, VA - is as a Shore-Based Readiness Integrator, providing the facilities, equipment and personnel to support shored-based readiness, total force readiness and maintain operational access of Oceana-based forces. NAS Oceana requires Roman Catholic Music Director services in support of the NAS Oceana and Dam Neck Annex (DNA) Base Chapels Command Religious Program for worship, special events, and ceremonies.

2.0 - PURPOSE

The purpose of this Performance Work Statement (JOB DESCRIPTION) is to detail all duties associated with the work to be performed by the music director.

3.0 - SCOPE

The scope of this JOB DESCRIPTION shall be limited to the tasks identified in section 7.0.

4.0 - PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

See the line item details for the Period of Performance (POP).

5.0 - PLACE OF PERFORMANCE

Naval Air Station Oceana

Chapel of the Good Shepherd

803 Building

330 D Ave

Virginia Beach, VA 23460

Dam Neck Annex Base

Chapel by the Sea

503 Terrier Ave

Virginia Beach VA 23461

6.0 - TECHNICAL POINT OF CONTACTS

All references and responsibilities to the Technical Point of Contact (TPOC) may be delegated to a designated Government authority, but only at the TPOC’s request.

7.0 - TASKS

7.1 - UNITS

Perform up to (226) units per fiscal year for the chapels at NAS Oceana and Dam Neck Annex. A unit is defined as one event, such as a worship service (Mass), a choir rehearsal, a special event, etc. A unit is typically one hour to one and one half hours in length.

7.1.1

Provide for one (1) Saturday and two (2) Sunday Catholic worship services per week, for a total of: (156) per fiscal year.

The Catholic worship services shall start at approximately 1700 Saturday at Dam Neck Annex and 0730 and 0900 at Naval Air Station Oceana chapels and estimated to last about one hour. Schedule is subject to change; two weeks’ notice of any change will be provided to music director. Catholic Mass Functions at the Chapel of the Good Shepherd are on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Sundays.

7.1.2

Lead, rehearse, and conduct weekly Catholic Choir/cantor rehearsals: inclusive of all volunteer musicians, adult and children’s choirs and other instrumental ensembles, vocalists, and instrumental soloists, for a total of : (52) Units per fiscal year.

One rehearsal inclusive of both NAS Oceana and DNA chapels. The rehearsals shall include rehearsal time for special musical selections. Rehearsals shall last approximately one (1) to one and a half (1.5) hours. Dates and times of the rehearsals are decided by Command Chaplain.

7.1.3

Provide for special services including, but not limited to: All Saints Day, Immaculate Conception, Christmas Eve, Christmas Eve Midnight Mass, Solemnity of Mary, Assumption, Ascension Thursday, Ash Wednesday, etc. for a total of:

(12) Units per fiscal year.

7.1.4

Plan and provide music for memorial services, and special events, in coordination with the Command Chaplain, for a total of: (6) Units per fiscal year.

7.2

The music director shall consult weekly with the Officiating Chaplain or Contract Roman Catholic Priest prior to planning and providing music for all services, i.e. (worship services, memorial services, and special events). The final determination of musical selections shall be made by the Officiating Chaplain or Contract Priest.

7.3

The music director shall arrive for all services no later than 30 minutes prior to the start of the service.

7.4

Music director shall possess the ability to develop rapport, and promote team building within the Catholic volunteer choirs, praise teams, and/or other choral groups.

7.5

Notify the Command Chaplain by telephone and email at least 3 hours ahead of scheduled time when unable to perform services due to illness, inclement weather, and/or emergencies.

7.6

Provide a pre-approved substitute when unable to perform services required as depicted in this JOB DESCRIPTION at no additional cost to the Government. Command Chaplain must be notified of planned substitutions two weeks in advance of arranged absences (i.e. vacations and holidays).

7.7

Provide a list of possible substitutes in advance of requirements for pre-approval and processing of base access.

7.8

Submit all requests for supplies and music to the Command Chaplain as necessary. The music director shall not obligate the Chapel for any purchases; no reimbursements shall be made. All music, supplies, and literature shall remain the property of the Chapel.

8.0 Education and Experience Requirements:

8.1

Three years-experience leading and directing liturgical music in the Catholic worship setting.

8.2

Competency in sight reading and playing musical scores on the piano while simultaneously leading a choir.

8.3

Knowledge of the Roman Catholic liturgical traditions, and the willingness to serve in a pluralistic worship environment.

8.4

A Bachelor’s degree in music (performance or education) preferred.

Interested Candidates are requested to forward their resume together with three references from individuals who can attest to the candidate’s good work and steadiness. Candidates who do not possess the specific attributes/qualifications in "Section 8.0 8.0 Education and Experience Requirements" above need not apply. This is a part-time position with compensation based on budget and the successful candidate’s experience and qualifications.

Apply directly at: https://music-ministry.jobsoid.com (scroll down to “Naval Air Station Oceana”). Your application must include three (3) references including one priest or pastor who can attest to your abilities as they relate to this job posting. References must include: name, title, organization, relationship to you, email address (necessary field) and phone number. Depending on security software, candidates are requested to monitor spam folders for further application communications from MMI.