Director of Sacred Music

Posted August 19, 2026 • Full-time • $28.00 to $30.00 hourly

About the role

The Director of Sacred Music is responsible for the promotion of authentic liturgical and sacred music at Saint Joan of Arc Parish using Gregorian chant, Renaissance and other polyphony, organ music, and hymnody. The ideal candidate will build from the parish's current foundation of singing antiphons, traditional hymnody, polyphony, and organ accompaniment.

Responsibilities

• Promote authentic liturgical and sacred music, including Gregorian chant (English and Latin), antiphons, choral polyphony, motets, and organ music.
• Serve as a resource and point person for volunteers and accompanists using the Source and Summit platform.
• Foster a culture valuing both praise & worship and traditional sacred music in liturgy and Adoration, including occasional Praise & Worship music in Mass.
• Demonstrate knowledge of Church teaching on Sacred Music (e.g., Musicam Sacram, Sacrosanctum Concilium, Tra le sollecitudini).
• Ensure proper sound system function, working with AV technicians for maintenance and quality sound output.
• Coordinate all aspects of music ministry and AV systems, including serving as the primary contact for music-related inquiries and issues.
• Develop and administer the parish music library (physical, digital, or soft copy resources).
• Plan and review liturgical repertoire with clergy for major seasons (Christmas, Easter, OCIA, First Communions/Confirmations, Solemnities).
• Implement a system of Progressive Solemnity, aligning musical resourcing with liturgical rank throughout the year.
• Lead and direct choirs (Adult, Children’s) during Mass and rehearsals, forming members to sing as an act of prayer and liturgical service.
• Oversee all accompanists and cantors, whether paid or volunteer, and fill in as cantor, accompanist, or AV technician when needed.
• Assist or lead Praise & Worship musicians for monthly events, either by selecting music and conducting rehearsals or coordinating with musicians.
• Coordinate with clergy to expose the Blessed Sacrament monthly and communicate with the parish office for rehearsal space reservations.
• Create lyric slideshows, hire AV technicians, and coordinate with the Candlelight ministry for setup.
• Provide one-on-one vocal training to volunteer choir members as needed.
• Form cantors to encourage congregational singing and foster a spirit of prayer and contemplation.
• Recruit and train parishioners, including outreach to local schools, colleges, and universities to build the music program.
• Educate the congregation on sacred music through practical training and catechesis (e.g., brief instructions before/after Mass, bulletin articles).
• Coordinate liturgical music for weddings, funerals, and other sacramental celebrations, including scheduling AV technicians.
• Hire and remunerate musicians (e.g., orchestral musicians for major liturgies) as budgeted, with no guitar music allowed without the Pastor’s permission.
• Perform administrative tasks, including producing weekly worship aids, managing staff payroll, and preparing the annual music/AV program budget.
• Maintain licensing compliance (e.g., CCLI, Source & Summit) and oversee the maintenance of choir facilities and instruments (organ, piano).
• Create liturgical aids for major celebrations (Christmas, Holy Week, Tenebrae, Easter).
• Attend regular staff and department head meetings, and participate in periodic reviews with the Pastor.

Requirements

• BA or MA in Music, Sacred Music, Liturgical Theology, Sacramental Theology, or a related field (advanced degree preferred).
• Minimum of three years’ experience in parish or cathedral liturgy.
• High proficiency in organ and/or piano, with preferred accompaniment skills to lead rehearsals and play for funerals.
• Choral conducting experience preferred.
• Knowledge of Catholic liturgical documents, norms, and sacred music repertoire.
• Strong organizational, supervisory, and leadership skills.
• Ability to manage multiple responsibilities with minimal supervision.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
• Competency with music notation software or digital liturgy planning tools (e.g., Source & Summit).
• Experience with children or youth choirs.
• Ability to teach chant, harmonization, and vocal technique.

Qualifications

• Must pass pre-employment background screening.
• Must comply with the Archdiocese of Denver Code of Conduct and Safe Environment Training requirements.
• Must be in communion with the Catholic Church and intentionally living out the five precepts of the Church (CCC 2041-2043).
• Must refrain from conduct or lifestyle that contradicts Catholic doctrine or morals or could cause scandal.
• Availability to work weekends, evenings, and holidays (e.g., Christmas and Easter).
• Good vision, hearing, and manual dexterity.
• Ability to move between sanctuary, sacristy, and choir loft (involving stairs), and lift up to 25 lbs.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage.
• Teladoc Services and alternative care options (chiropractic, acupuncture, spiritual care, massage, naturopathy).
• Natural Family Planning reimbursement up to $500 per year.
• Maternity Management Program with guidance and educational materials.
• Generous paid sick and vacation leave + 15 paid holidays.
• Retirement Plan/403(b): 6% annual employer contribution + employee deferrals.
• Employer-paid life insurance, short-term and long-term disability.
• Free and discounted courses through Catholic Biblical School.

Pay

$25.00 - $33.00 per hour (non-exempt) or $52,000.00 - $70,000.00 annually (exempt, if candidate meets maximum qualifications).

Schedule

40 hours per week, including weekends, evenings, and holidays.