Director of music / principal musician

Job Description: Director of Music / Principal Musician

Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 4341 East 131st, Garfield Heights, OH 44105

Effective Date: February 1, 2026

Pay Range: range from $30,000 to $60,000 annually

Status: Part-time, Exempt

Position Summary

Under the direction of the Pastor, the Director of Music provides music for the Church’s liturgies, coordinates all music for parish celebrations, and fulfills administrative responsibilities related to liturgy and music. The Director promotes leadership in developing and implementing music ministries and actively engages the congregation in worship through music.

Essential Responsibilities

• Plan and provide music for all liturgical celebrations including weekend Masses and holy days.
• Extraordinary music related duties will be expected immediately before and during Holy Week and during the Christmas season.
• Availability to provide music and music consultation for weddings and funerals that will be compensated by families involved.
• Oversee execution of Drama & Special Events (concerts, plays, etc.)
• Oversee cantor, instrumental, and choral programs (including Choir, Youth Choir, Men's Chorus and Women's Chorus when appropriate)
• Conduct weekly choir rehearsals. Lead cantor workshops and musician rehearsals as appropriate.
• Communicate schedule changes with choir members via email or GroupMe (communication may be delegated to choir officers).
• Recruit and encourage new vocalists and musicians within the congregation. Engage as many members of the church family as possible while building music ministry fellowship.
• Provide individualized vocal/musical training and rehearsal to choir members.
• Recruit, coordinate, and rehearse special extra musicians for feast days within approved budget.
• Find and suggest substitute musicians for all planned absences.
• Prepare and distribute seasonal music selections.
• Prepare and transcribe instrumentation and vocal arrangements
• Manage worship bulletins and music copyright reporting/ compliance.
• Oversee the liturgical music library/database to include subscription services, hymnal library, and education material and documentation on liturgical music.
• Lead liturgical music planning through collaboration with music planning committee.
• Attend and participate in parish staff meetings, liturgy team meetings, and ad hoc planning committees as scheduled.
• Provide continuing education and inspirational experiences for parish music ministers such as attending concerts and conventions on liturgical music, and diocesan music initiatives appropriate to growth and inspiration of music ministry.
• Provide for liturgical updating and education of the parish regarding liturgical music.
• Maintain musical instruments and auxiliary equipment.
• Prepare and manage the music budget.

Qualifications

• Preference for a practicing Catholic.
• Evidence of a strong and visible commitment to the Values, Vision, and Mission, of Holy Spirit Catholic Church.
• Master’s degree in music preferred or equivalent experience.
• Minimum of three years in liturgical music leadership including performing and directing music of Catholic liturgies.
• Ability in a wide range of styles including hymns, upbeat spirituals, traditional gospel, contemporary gospel, and praise & worship.
• Must be skilled in playing the piano and keyboard. Preferable to play the organ as well.
• Must be able to lead liturgies as a soloist both cantoring and playing piano/keyboard.
• Must be a skilled choral director, including the ability to direct from the bench.
• Model respectful communication and behavior aligned with Christian values.
• Strong skills in communication, collaboration, and maintaining harmony through positive and encouraging relationships with others. Comfortable in engaging in open, constructive dialogue.
• Self-motivated and organized with attention to detail.
• Reliable transportation for travel to parish and events.

Terms of Employment

• Hours: This is a part-time position requiring approximately 20 hours a week, with most of the duties carried out at the church.
• Salary: Salary is based on qualifications/experience.
• Supervision: The Director of Music reports to the Pastor for the satisfactory fulfillment of all functions and responsibilities which will include performance reviews.
• Annual Leave: 2 weeks paid vacation. All requests for personal time must be approved by the pastor.
• SEND RESUMES TO: Fr Dave Domanski, [email protected]. For questions, please call: 216-581-0981

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: $30,000.00 - $60,000.00 per year

Expected hours: 20 per week

Work Location: In person