Director of Sacred Music and Principal Organist (Phoenix, AZ)

Date Posted: 
April 27, 2021
Organization Name: 
Cathedral of SS. Simon and Jude
Salary Range: 
highly competitive salary
Job Description: 

SUMMARY OF POSITION
The Director of Sacred Music is a full-time position and is supervised by the Rector of the Cathedral Parish. The Director is responsible for the overall execution of the Cathedral's music program with a pastoral approach, in line with Church documents and Bishop Olmsted's vision on sacred music. This individual is in charge of the Cathedral Choir, the Cathedral Schola, Cathedral School Honors Choir (when applicable), assistant organist, and cantors. The Director produces all liturgical music programs, procedures, and budgets for the music program in cooperation with the Rector. The position can be filled by one motivated individual or can be split into two positions if two candidates in different areas of expertise (organ and choral conducting) are the best match.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES
• Promotes the development of authentic liturgical music at the Cathedral using Gregorian chant, Renaissance polyphony, organ music, and hymnody
• Acts as Principal Organist for most Masses
• Directs and supervises the Cathedral Choir, Schola, School Honors Choir, and other music volunteers/employees
• Prepares and rehearses cantors for Cathedral liturgies
• Plans and reviews the liturgical repertoire
• Auditions volunteer and paid choir members and coordinates the hiring and payment of other musicians as needed for Cathedral liturgies and concerts
• Performs administrative office work, including several weekly worship aids and staff payroll
• Produces several weekly ordos for cantors and choirs to sing from at Masses
• Oversees the maintenance of the areas used by the choir and instruments, especially the Cathedral's pipe organ and rehearsal room piano
• Coordinates liturgical music for weddings, funerals, and other sacramental celebrations at the Cathedral. Additional stipends are paid for these Masses ($200 per wedding or funeral for the organist, $100/125 for the vocalist)
• Prepares the annual budget for the music program
• Attends regular staff meetings and department head meetings
• Participates in periodic review with the Rector of the Cathedral Parish and executes other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
• Active, practicing Catholic, living a moral life according to the tenets of Catholicism
• Master's degree in music or equivalent professional experience
• Proficient organ performance and excellent choir directing skills
• Excellent skills in administration, development of print materials, communication, collaboration, and supervision
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships
• Experience in developing a pastoral approach to church music
• Familiarity with Catholic Church documents on sacred music
• Availability to carry out responsibilities in the evenings, weekends, and holidays
• Membership in professional organizations (CMAA, AGO, CRCCM, etc)
• An exceptional reputation as a musician and individual

COMPENSATION
• Highly competitive salary for today's job market, weddings, funerals, and use of space for organ, piano, voice lessons
• Professional development opportunities ($5000+ per year budget)
• Vacation, health benefits, sick leave pre-established per Diocesan policy.

FOR A FULL JOB AD
https://www.dropbox.com/s/pw3sbcyy2lkc67n/jobad-2021f.pdf

TO APPLY OR FOR MORE INFORMATION
Please apply with a resume, cover letter (in which you should explain your personal vision of sacred music for a modern Cathedral Parish), and some examples of streamed Masses and printed materials you have put together. These materials should be addressed to The Very Rev. Fernando Camou, Rector, and sent to musicsearch@simonjude.org
For more information about the position email current Director of Sacred Music Matthew J. Meloche at mmeloche@simonjude.org or call 602-633-3316.